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Travelling abroad involves a lot of preparation to meet the requirements set by the local government. Learn about the basic information about tourist visas so when arriving in Thailand you can enjoy a stress-free trip.
What is a Tourist visa?
A tourist visa is a type of visa that allows foreign nationals to enter and temporarily stay in a country for leisure, sightseeing, or recreational purposes. In Thailand, the tourist visa is officially known as the “Tourist Visa (TR).” It is designed for individuals who wish to visit Thailand for tourism, visiting family or friends, participating in short-term cultural or sports activities, or receiving medical treatment.
The tourist visa for Thailand typically allows holders to stay in the country for up to 60 days per entry, with the option to extend the stay for an additional 30 days at a Thai immigration office within Thailand, subject to approval.
Foreign nationals who wish to obtain a tourist visa for Thailand usually need to apply at a Thai embassy or consulate abroad before their planned travel dates. The specific requirements and application procedures may vary depending on the applicant’s nationality and the policies of the Thai diplomatic mission where they apply.
How to Prepare For Your Tourist Visa Application
Applying for a visa may seem like a long and complicated process, but it doesn’t have to be. With careful preparations, the whole process can be more painless.
Purpose of Travel
Determining the purpose of your travel and length of stay will help you know what type of visa you need. If you’re only coming to Thailand for tourism purposes and not for business or work, then you’re on the right track.
Entry Type
First find out if you are eligible to enter Thailand via a bilateral agreement, visa-exempt or visa-on-arrival program. Alternatively, you may choose to apply for a Single Entry or multiple-entry tourist Visa if available from your Thai Embassy or Consulate.
Documents
Knowing what documents are needed for your visa application will help save time. Please keep in mind that you must submit all of the needed documents at the same time.
Provide as much evidence as possible
Make sure you check your local Thai Embassy or Consulate websites for the required documents and how to apply.
Apply at the right time
We advise you not to apply too early, as you may find your visa expiring before your visit even starts. Make sure to apply and obtain your Visa a full two weeks before your departure date.
Quick Facts about entering Thailand as a Tourist.
Understanding the various ways to enter Thailand as a Tourist and what it entails may seem difficult, but we’ve simplified it for you. Take a moment to read and understand these quick facts about tourism.
Additional information on the Tourist Visas for Thailand
Each type of visa will allow you to stay in Thailand for a specific period. There are three main types of tourist visas to choose from, each with its own set of requirements and a variety of other factors to consider. The following is a list that explains these various factors.
*Please note that the price and requirements may vary depending on your country.*
You can now get your Visa on Arrival in advance, online. The program is called eVisa for Visa on Arrival. You can apply for the E-Visa 1 to 30 days before you arrive in Thailand. It normally takes 1 to 3 days for you to get the E-Visa approval for Visa on Arrival.
With E-Visa applications for Visa on Arrival, you will receive a travel authorisation from the Immigration Bureau of Thailand before your departure. When you arrive at the airport, you only have to present your passport and the approved authorisation. Your visa will then be issued quickly, so you don’t have to stand in queues.
Note that you can only use E-Visa on Arrival at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport, Bangkok Don Mueang Airport, Phuket International Airport, Chiang Mai International Airport, and Krabi International Airport.
Key Points:
- You can apply online up to 30 days before you enter Thailand.
- Maximum of 3 days to complete the process.
- Allows you to avoid long queues by taking a special e-visa lane, so you can get through the immigration line quicker.
With a Single Entry Tourist Visa (SETV), you can enter Thailand for 3 months. You must apply for this visa before arriving in the country and on entry you will be granted permission to stay for 60 days.
You must use SETV within 90 days of the issue date. If you leave Thailand before the validity of your visa ends, or before 60 days, then you forfeit the remaining days. This means that you have to apply for a new visa if you want to go back to Thailand.
Key Points:
- Must be used to enter Thailand within 3 months from the date of issue.
- On entry, you are granted permission to stay for 60 days.
- The permission to stay can be extended for a further 30 days and an additional 60 days for visiting Thai family/Spouse.
Multiple Entry Tourist Visa (METV) is valid to enter Thailand for 6 months from the date of issue. Allows you to exit and re-enter Thailand for travel as much as you want via land or air within the 6-month validity of the visa. On each entry, you will be granted permission to stay for 60 days.
Key Points:
- Enter Thailand as many times as you want within the 6-month validity of the visa
- Allows you to stay in the country for up to 60 days on each entry.
- The permission of stay can be extended on each entry for a further 30 days and an additional 60 days to visit Thai family/Spouse.
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Don’t waste time and energy on your tourist visa.
Deciding which Tourist visa to choose to visit Thailand and how to apply can be the most stressful part of preparing for a holiday. For further information about extending your stay beyond 60 days you can join the Thaiger Talk forum and ask questions in the Immigration section.
Top tip: Gather information on the requirements you’ll need and have them ready before you apply to make the process go faster.
What are the standard requirements for a Thai Tourist Visa?
Requirements can vary slightly from the Thai Embassies or Consulates in specific Countries and can be subject to change without prior notice. Therefore, it would be a good idea to inquire beforehand about the right information. In general, the documents you need to prepare are as follows.
1. Completed visa application form.
2. Two passport-sized photos.
3. Passport or travel document that is valid for at least 6 months from the date of application.
4. Flight booking information.
5. Accommodation booking information.
6. Evidence of adequate finance.
7. Visa application fee.
It’s important to note that visa requirements and application processes may change over time; therefore, it’s advisable to check with the nearest Thai embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date information before applying for a tourist visa.
Some nationalities can enter Thailand without a tourist visa, but double-check regulations as regulations can change unexpectedly. Staying informed ensures a smooth travel experience.
New Visa on Arrival (VoA) 2024
Nationals from 31 countries and territories can apply for a visa on arrival at immigration checkpoints for tourism purposes.
| Fee | 2,000 THB |
| Period of Stay | Not more than 15 days |
| Entry | Single Entry |
Visa Exemption July 2024
As of 2024, Thailand’s visa exemption permits nationals from qualified countries to enter the country for tourists without a visa. Here are the main details:
| Duration | Eligible tourists can stay in Thailand visa-free for up to 60 days after arrival |
| Extension | You can extend your visa-free stay for an additional 30 days, for a total of 90 days |
| Eligibility | The visa exemption is available to travellers from roughly 100 countries, up from the prior list of approximately 40. |
It is meant for travellers travelling to Thailand for leisure, tourism, or short-term business purposes. Employment and long-term stays require particular visa classes. This exemption intends to facilitate tourism and streamline entrance processes for eligible travellers visiting.
To register for necessary, urgent, or ad-hoc work in Thailand, contact the registrar in person at an international airport or labour office within 15 days.
Here is the list of countries and territories that are eligible for the visa exemption and the types of valid reasons for urgent work.
Other Interesting Services
Thailand has the distinction of being one of the world’s best tourist destinations. To stay and enjoy the beauty of Thailand to the fullest, check out the services below.
Covid-19 Insurance
Covid-19 Insurance is not just a requirement to enter Thailand, but also essential for a worry-free journey. Travel to Thailand with confidence from the moment you arrive to the moment you leave, so you can have the best time of your life.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will provide coverage from any misfortune and financial loss if your trip gets cancelled, or you become stranded due to travel delays, or if you become ill while on vacation.
Entry Package to Thailand
Obtain the official requirements, with no waiting period. Have a nice trip to Thailand without having to worry about anything.
Other Common Visa Types for Thailand
Below are some of the most common alternative visa types for staying in Thailand for retirement, working, studying, staying with a Thai family/Spouse or long-term Visas.
Employment
Whether you intend to work for an employer or start a business, the Non-Immigrant B Visas are for foreign nationals interested in working, starting a business or investing in Thailand. Annual extensions of your permission of stay granted on entry are available at local Immigration offices. Work permits are also required to work legally in Thailand.
Education/Study
If you want to study, participate in projects, seminars, internships, or attend training courses you should start with the Non-Immigrant Education Visa from your Thai Embassy. 90-day extensions of your permission of stay granted on entry are available at the local Immigration
offices.
Thai Family/Spouse
If you intend to stay in Thailand due to marriage to a Thai national, or Thai children, then you should start with the single or multiple entry Non-Immigrant O type Visa from your Thai Embassy. Annual extensions of your permission of stay granted on entry are available at local Immigration offices.
Business
Whether you intend to work for an employer or start a business, the Non-Immigrant B Visas are for foreign nationals interested in working, starting a business or investing in Thailand. Annual extensions of your permission of stay granted on entry are available at local Immigration offices. Work permits are also required to work legally in Thailand.
Retirement
The Thai Elite Visa allows you to reside in Thailand for a long time (5, 10, or 20 years). It comes with many benefits as well. If you are an investor or a businessman who travels to Thailand multiple times a year, this visa is ideal for you.
Other Visa Types
Looking for other visa types not listed above? We’ve got you. Thailand offers many options for its visitors, and we strive to help you access those options more easily.
Other Visa Services
If you need to extend your stay in Thailand, have 90-day reporting, cancel, change the type of Visa, or even a visa run while in Thailand, we are always ready to help. Let us help make your stay in the Land of Smiles more convenient.