How to get Thailand Visa on Arrival – A complete guide

Thailand is the most popular tourist destination in South East Asia. Partially due to the hassle-free Thailand Visa on Arrival, which is available to 18 nationalities including India, China and Mexico. The availability of plenty of budget airlines also makes Thailand an attractive and budget-friendly holiday destination.

I have applied for Thailand Visa on Arrival several times at various international airports and land borders. I have researched, analyzed and documented every detail of it. This complete guide gives you all the information you need for Thailand Visa on Arrival including my personal experience. So without further ado, let’s get started.

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Why you must visit Thailand?

1. Thailand Visa on Arrival: Hassle-free Thailand Visa on Arrival. Available to 18 nationalities including India, China and Mexico. Simple requirements and minimal documentation.
2. Plenty of budget airlines: Thailand is a highly serviced route by many budget airlines such as AirAsia, Cebu Pacific, Lion Air, Scoot, IndiGo, SpiceJet, etc.
3. Budget-friendly destination: Thailand is a budget-friendly destination. Plenty of budget hotels, inexpensive street food and DIY tours.
4. Fascinating history and culture: Thailand boasts centuries-old temples, historic UNESCO sites, lavish royal buildings and deep-rooted culture.
5. Mouthwatering cuisine: Thai cuisine is internationally renowned for its unique flavors and vibrant colors. Where is the best place to try Thai food other than Thailand itself?
6. Irresistible natural beauty: Thailand boasts beautiful islands, white sand beaches, crystal clear waters and lush green vegetation.

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Thailand Visa on Arrival eligible countries

The following 18 countries are eligible for Thailand Visa on Arrival.

1. Bhutan
2. Bulgaria
3. China
4. Cyprus
5. Ethiopia
6. Fiji
7. Georgia
8. India
9. Kazakhstan
10. Malta
11. Mexico
12. Nauru
13. Papua New Guinea
14. Romania
15. Saudi Arabia
16. Taiwan
17. Uzbekistan
18. Vanuatu

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Thailand Visa on Arrival Requirements

• Must hold a passport from one of the 18 Thailand Visa on Arrival eligible countries
• Passport must be valid for at least 30 days from the day of arrival in Thailand
• Must have at least one blank page in the passport
• The duration of the visit must be no longer than 15 days including the day of arrival and departure
• Must have a proof of confirmed return ticket within 15 days of arrival in Thailand
• Must have a proof of confirmed accommodation that is verifiable
• Must have a proof of funds equal to 10,000 THB for individuals or 20,000 THB for families

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Thailand Visa on Arrival Restrictions

• Thailand Visa on Arrival is SINGLE entry only
• Thailand Visa on Arrival extension is NOT allowed

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Where to get Thailand Visa on Arrival

You can get Thailand Visa on Arrival at all international airports in Thailand, seaports in Thailand and checkpoints at the land borders of Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar and Malaysia.

International Airports in Thailand

Visa on Arrival is available at 13 international airports in Thailand. These airports and their cities are listed below from North to South.

1. Chiang Rai: Mae Fah Luang Chiang Rai International Airport
2. Chiang Mai: Chiang Mai International Airport
3. Sukhothai: Sukhothai International Airport
4. Bangkok: Suvarnabhumi International Airport
5. Bangkok: Don Mueang International Airport
6. Pattaya: U-Tapao Rayong Pattaya International Airport
7. Hua Hin: Hua Hin Airport
8. Surat Thani: Surat Thani Airport
9. Koh Samui: Samui Airport
10. Phuket: Phuket International Airport
11. Krabi: Krabi Airport
12. Trang: Trang Airport
13. Songkhla: Songkhla Airport

Seaports in Thailand

Visa on Arrival is available at 10 seaports in Thailand. These seaports and their nearest cities from North to South are listed below.

1. Bangkok: Bangkok Port (this port is on Chao Phraya River)
2. Bangkok: Samut Prakan (this port is on Chao Phraya River)
3. Chonburi/Pattaya: Sri Racha Harbour
4. Pattaya/Rayong: Sattahip Port
5. Rayong: Map Ta Phut Port
6. Koh Samui: Samui Port
7. Phuket: Phuket Port
8. Krabi: Krabi Port
9. Songkhla: Songkhla Port
10. Satun: Satun Port

Checkpoints at Laos-Thailand land border

Visa on Arrival is available at 9 checkpoints at the land border of Lao and Thailand. These checkpoints and their border towns on Laos side and Thailand side are below, listed from North to South.

1. Ton Pheung – Chiang Saen (requires crossing the Mekong River by boat)
2. * Huay Xai – Chiang Khong (ideal if coming from Luang Namtha/Luang Prabang and heading to Chiang Rai/Chiang Mai)
3. Muang Ngeun – Huay Kon
4. Nam Heuang – Tha Li
5. * Thanaleng – Nong Khai (ideal if coming from Vientiane and heading to Bangkok)
6. Paksan – Bueng Kan (requires crossing the Mekong River by boat)
7. Thakhek – Nakhon Phanom (requires crossing the Mekong River by boat)
8. Savannakhet – Mukdahan
9. * Vang Tao – Chong Mek (ideal if coming from Pakse and heading towards Bangkok)

* popular Loas-Thailand border crossing for travelers

Checkpoints at Cambodia-Thailand land border

Visa on Arrival is available at 4 checkpoints at the border of Cambodia and Thailand. These checkpoints and their border towns on Cambodia side and Thailand side are below, listed from East to West.

1. Anlong Veng – Chong Sa Ngam
2. * Poi pet – Aranyaprathet (ideal if coming from Phnom Penh/Siem Reap and heading to Bangkok/Chiang Mai)
3. Phsar Prum – Banpuggard
4. Koh Kong – Had Lek (ideal if coming from Sihanoukville and heading to Koh Chang)

* popular Cambodia-Thailand border crossing for travelers

Checkpoints at Myanmar-Thailand land border

Visa on Arrival is available at 3 checkpoints at the border of Myanmar and Thailand. These checkpoints and their border towns on Myanmar side and Thailand side are below, listed from North to South.

1. Tachileik – Mae Sai (ideal if heading to Chiang Rai)
2. * Myawaddy – Mae Sot (ideal if coming from Yangon/Hpa-An and heading to Chiang Mai/Bangkok)
3. Htee Kee – Phu Nam Ron (ideal if heading to Kanchanaburi/Bangkok)

* popular Myanmar-Thailand border crossing for travelers

Checkpoints at Malaysia-Thailand land border

Visa on Arrival is available at 8 checkpoints at the border of Malaysia and Thailand. These checkpoints and their border towns on Malaysia side and Thailand side are below, listed from West to East.

1. Wang Kelian – Wang Prachan
2. Padang Besar – Padang Besar
3. * Bukit Kayu Hitam – Sadao (ideal if coming from Penang and heading towards Krabi/Phuket)
4. Kota Putra Durian Burung – Prakop
5. Bukit Berapit – Betong
6. Bukit Bunga – Buketa
7. Rantau Panjang – Su-ngai Kolok (ideal if coming from Perhentian island and heading towards Krabi/Phuket)
8. Pengkalan Kubor – Tak Bai (requires crossing Golok River by ferry)

* popular Malaysia-Thailand border crossing for travelers

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Thailand Visa on Arrival fee

Thailand Visa on Arrival fee is normally 2,000 THB. But, Thai immigration has announced Thailand Visa on Arrival fee waiver until April 30, 2020. That means the current visa fee for Thailand Visa on Arrival is 0 THB (FREE).

• 0 THB (FREE) (until April 30, 2020)
• 2000 THB (from May 01, 2020)

NOTE
Remember that Thailand Visa on Arrival is FREE of cost only till April 30, 2020.

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Thailand Visa on Arrival documents required

The following are the required documents for Thailand Visa on Arrival.

1. Original passport
2. One passport size photo (4×6 cm)
3. Completed Thailand Visa on Arrival application form
4. Completed Arrival/Departure card
5. Hotel booking confirmation
6. Return/onward flight ticket (within 15 days from the date of arrival in Thailand)
7. Visa fee in cash in Thai Baht (THB) only
8. Proof of funds (10,000 THB cash for individuals and 20,000 THB cash for families or valid ATM/credit cards)

Let’s go over each of these documents in detail.

01. Original Passport

You must have your original passport.

Your passport must be valid for at least 30 days from date of arrival in Thailand. Otherwise, you may not be allowed to board the flight to Thailand or you may be refused Visa on Arrival at the port of entry.

02. One passport size photo

You must have 1 passport size photo.

Thailand Visa on Arrival photo size is 4×6 cm. The photo must be latest, preferably taken within the last 6 months.

Digital photo booths are available at the Visa on Arrival sections at international airports in Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Phuket. If you forgot to bring a passport size photo, for a small fee, you can get digital passport size photos using these booths.

IMPORTANT
If arriving by land, you MUST have TWO passport size photos with you. No digital photo booths are available at land borders.

PERSONAL EXPERIENCE
Thailand Visa on Arrival photo size is 4×6 cm, but it’s not strictly implemented. You can use other sizes as well. I have used 2.5×2.5cm and 5x5cm on various occasions and I was fine.

03. Thailand Visa on Arrival application form

You must have a completed Thailand Visa on Arrival application form.

Download the PDF version of the Thailand Visa on Arrival application form from the Thai Immigration website. Print it on an A4 or US letter size sheet of paper. Fill the application from.

It is not mandatory, but if you can, paste or staple the photo in the “Photograph” area of the application form. If not, just handover the photo along with the application form to the officer at the Visa on Arrival counter. They will staple it for you.

NOTE
Do not worry if you cannot print your application form. Plenty of application forms are available at the Visa on Arrival counters. You can grab and complete the form at the Visa on Arrival counter at the airport or land border.

How to fill Thailand Visa on Arrival form

Below is the information you need to fill in your Visa on Arrival application from.

• Family Name [Comment: Write your “Surname” as it appears in your passport]
• First Name [Comment: Write your “First” or “Given” name from your passport]
• Middle Name [Comment: Write your middle name if you have one]
• Nationality [Comment: Write your nationality]
• Passport or traveling document no. [Comment: Write your passport number]
• Date and place of issue [Comment: Write the date of issue and place of issue of your passport]
• Date of birth [Comment: Write your date of birth as it appears in your passport in DD-MM-YYYY format]
• Expiry date [Comment: Write the expiry date of your passport in DD-MM-YYYY format]
• Flight no. [Comment: If you have arrived by flight, write your flight number. If by bus or train, write the bus or train number]
• Occupation [Comment: Write your occupation]
• Permanent address [Comment: Write your full address in your country]
• Address in Thailand [Comment: Write the address of hotel/hostel or Airbnb where you will be staying in Thailand]
• Name and address of person(s) of reference in Thailand [Comment: Write the name and address of the hotel, hostel or Airbnb where you will be staying in Thailand]
• If accompanied by minor children traveling on the same passport, please give names, dates and places of birth. [Comment: Write the necessary information only if you have minor children traveling with you and they do not have their own passports]
• Signature [Comment: Sign the form]
• Date [Comment: Put the date on which you will arrive in Thailand]

04. Arrival/Departure card

You will be given an arrival/departure card on your flight to Thailand. If your flight attendant forgot to give you one, then you can grab one at the Visa on Arrival section in the airport or land border. Complete your arrival/departure card. Below is the information you need to fill for your arrival/departure card.

IMPORTANT
Make a note of all the information you need for your arrival/departure card on a piece of paper or as a note on your phone. This way, you can quickly and easily fill your arrival/departure card at the airport or land border.

How to fill Thailand Arrival/Departure card

Arrival Card (front)

• Family Name [Comment: Write your “Surname” as it appears in your passport]
• First Name [Comment: Write your “First” or “Given” name from your passport]
• Middle Name [Comment: Write your middle name if you have one]
• Gender [Comment: Check the appropriate gender]
  • Male
  • Female
• Nationality [Comment: Write your nationality]
• Passport No. [Comment: Write your passport number]
• Date of Birth (DD-MM-YYYY) [Comment: Write your date of birth as it appears in your passport]
• Flight No./Vehicle No. [Comment: If you have arrived by flight, write your flight number. If by bus or train, write the bus or train number]
• Visa No. [Comment: Leave this blank. This is for those who already have a visa from the consulate]
• Occupation [Comment: Write your occupation]
• Country Where You Boarded [Comment: Write the name of the country where you boarded the flight to Thailand]
• Purpose of Visit [Comment: Write “Holiday”. If transiting, write “Transit”]
• Length of Stay [Comment: Write the number of days you will be staying in Thailand. Remember, maximum is 15 days for Visa on Arrival including the days of arrival and departure]
• Residence [Comment: Write the house number or street address in your country where you live]
• Residence City [Comment: Write the name of the city in your country where you live]
• Residence State [Comment: Write the name of the state in your country where you live]
• Residence Country [Comment: Write the name of the country where you live]
• Address in Thailand [Comment: Write the address of your hotel/hostel or Airbnb where you will be staying]
• Telephone [Comment: Write your phone number in your country]
• Email [Comment: Write your email address]
• Signature [Comment: Sign the form]

Arrival Card (back)

• Type of flight [Comment: If arriving by flight, select “Schedule” from the available options. If bus or other transport, leave it blank]
  • Charter
  • Schedule
• Is this your first trip to Thailand? [Comment: If it’s your first time traveling to Thailand, select “Yes”. If you have been to Thailand before, select “No”]
  • Yes
  • No
• Are you traveling as part of group tour? [Comment: If you are traveling solo, with family or friends, select “No”. If traveling in an organized group tour, select “Yes” ]
  • Yes
  • No
• Accommodation [Comment: select the appropriate accommodation type you have booked]
  • Hotel
  • Youth Hostel
  • Guest House
  • Friend’s House
  • Apartment
  • Others
• Next city/port of disembarkation [Comment: write the next city in Thailand you will be traveling to. Ex: If you are arriving in Bangkok and will be heading to Phuket after a few days, write “Phuket”]
• Purpose of Visit [Comment: select “Holiday”. If transiting, select “Transit”]
  • Holiday
  • Business
  • Education
  • Employment
  • Meeting
  • Incentive
  • Convention
  • Exhibition
  • Sports
  • Medical & Wellness
  • Transit
  • Others
• Yearly Income [Comment: select your appropriate yearly income]
  • Less than 20,000 US$
  • 20,001 – 60,000 US$
  • More than 60,000 US$
  • No Income

Departure Card (front)

• Family Name [Comment: Write your “Surname” as it appears in your passport]
• First and Middle Name [Comment: Write your “First” or “Given” name along with your “Middle” name from your passport]
• Date of Birth (DD-MM-YYYY) [Comment: Write your date of birth as it appears in your passport]
• Passport No. [Comment: Write your passport number]
• Nationality [Comment: Write your nationality]
• Flight No./Vehicle No. [Comment: Write the flight number by which you will be leaving Thailand]
• Signature [Comment: Sign the form]

IMPORTANT
For Flight No. in Departure Card, write the flight number by which you will be LEAVING Thailand. Not the one on which you arrived.

Departure Card (back)

• Nothing to fill here

05. Hotel booking confirmation

You must have a print of your hotel booking confirmation(s).

IMPORTANT
Your hotel booking or bookings must be for your entire stay or at least for the first 5 nights. I have seen many travelers being turned down at the Visa on Arrival counters as they hold hotel bookings only for the first night.

06. Return/onward flight ticket

You must have a print of your return/onward flight ticket.

Your return/onward flight ticket must be within 15 days from the date of arrival in Thailand.

For example, if you are arriving in Thailand on 01 January, your return/onward flight must be before or on 15 January. A flight on 16 January or after is not accepted.

IMPORTANT
Your return/onward ticket must be within 15 days from the date of arrival in Thailand. If it is over 15 days, your Visa on Arrival will be refused. You will be asked to book another flight ticket and come back. Booking a flight ticket at the airport or land border is difficult due to the limited or nonavailability of the internet.

SUPER IMPORTANT
Bus/train/boat/ferry tickets are NOT accepted as proof of onward travel for Thailand Visa on Arrival. Your proof of return or onward travel MUST be “flight ticket” only. If you plan to travel to a neighboring country such as Laos, Cambodia or Myanmar by bus, you must still hold a return/onward “flight” ticket for your Visa on Arrival.

07. Visa fee in cash

You must have 2,000 THB in cash for your Thailand Visa on Arrival fee.

If you don’t have Thai Baht (THB) on you, you can exchange currencies such as USD, CNY or INR at the currency exchanges near Visa on Arrival sections in international airports.

IMPORTANT
ATMs are not available at the Visa on Arrival sections in international airports or land borders. Carry enough THB or major currency such as USD, GBP or EUR.

NEWS UPDATE
Thailand has waived it’s Visa on Arrival fee till the end of April 2020. You still have to go through the Thailand Visa on Arrival process as usual, but there is no visa fee. Additional charges such as “fast lane” are still applicable.

08. Proof of funds

You must have 10,000 THB cash for individuals or 20,000 THB cash for families.

You can also carry the equivalent amount in any major currency or valid ATM/credit cards.

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How to get Thailand Visa on Arrival at Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK) in Bangkok

STEP 1: Locate Visa on Arrival section

• When you arrive at the airport, follow the signs and continue walking towards “Immigration”.
• As you get closer to “Immigration”, you will see signs for “Visa on Arrival”. Keep walking towards “Visa on Arrival”.
• When you get much closer to “Visa on Arrival” section, you will see currency exchanges. If you don’t have THB on you, you can exchange your cash here.
• When you arrive at “Visa on Arrival” section, you will see a desk where you can grab Visa on Arrival forms and arrival/departure cards.
• If you haven’t completed your Visa on Arrival form yet, grab one here and fill it.
• After that, walk into the Visa on Arrival section. You will see 4 counters for Visa on Arrival and one “fast service” counter.
• Depending on the time of the day and the number of open counters, the lines can be long or short. Expect to wait at least an hour if the lines are long.
• If you can’t wait, you can get your Visa on Arrival in just a few minutes at the “fast service” counter for an additional fee of 200 THB.

STEP 2: Apply for Visa on Arrival

• Stand in the line. When your turn comes, handover your documents to the visa officer.
• Visa officer will evaluate your documents. The visa officer will ask you for any additional information if something is unclear or missing.
• You will be given a token with a number on it.

STEP 3: Pick up your passport

• Leave the counter and wait at the waiting area for passport pickup.
• Your token number will be called when your passport is ready for pickup.
• Pick up your passport and verify the details on your Thailand visa.

STEP 4: Go through immigration and customs

• Go to immigration and customs. Stand in the line and wait for your turn.
• When your turn comes, handover your passport and arrival/departure card to the immigration officer.
• The immigration officer will take your picture and fingerprints. Right hand 4 fingers, left hand 4 fingers and two thumbs.
• The immigration officer will stamp your passport, keep the arrival card and return your passport and departure card.
• Verify the entry stamp and exit date in your passport. If you see any errors, let the immigration officer know right away.
• Walkout and claim your baggage (if you have any check-in baggage)

WHAT HAPPENS TO YOUR BAGS IF YOU ARE STUCK AT VISA ON ARRIVAL FOR TOO LONG?
Nothing. Your bags will remain at the baggage claim area until you go and pick them up. Even if you have to wait 1-2 hours at the Visa on Arrival, your bags will still remain at the baggage claim area and no one will take them. If your bags are not on the belt, they will be right next to the belt.

PERSONAL EXPERIENCE
I have entered Thailand via BKK airport twice. The first time, the Thailand Visa on Arrival process took about 20 minutes and the second time it took about 1 hour.

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How to get Thailand Visa on Arrival at Don Mueang International Airport (DMK) in Bangkok

STEP 1: Locate Visa on Arrival section

• When you arrive at the airport, follow the signs and continue walking towards “Immigration”.
• As you get closer to “Immigration”, you will see signs for “Visa on Arrival”. Keep walking towards “Visa on Arrival”
• When you arrive at “Visa on Arrival” section, you will see currency exchanges. If you don’t have THB on you, you can exchange your cash here.
• At the “Visa on Arrival” section, there is a desk where you can grab Visa on Arrival forms and arrival/departure cards.
• If you haven’t completed your Visa on Arrival form yet, grab one here and fill it.
• At the visa on Arrival section, you will see two counters for “document check”.
• Depending on the time of the day and the number of open counters, the lines can be long or short. Expect to wait at least an hour if the lines are long.

STEP 2: Document check

• Stand in the line. When your turn comes, handover your documents at the document check counter.
• The officer will evaluate your documents, arrange them in order and ask you to sign on a token paper.
• Your documents will be returned to you.

STEP 3: Apply for Visa on Arrival

• After your document check, head over to the “Visa on Arrival” counters which are just behind the document check counters.
• When your number is called, handover the documents.
• The visa officer will stamp the visa and return your passport.
• Verify the details on your Thailand visa immediately.

STEP 4: Go through immigration and customs

• Head over to the immigration and customs. Stand in the line and wait for your turn.
• When your turn comes, handover your passport and arrival/departure card to the immigration officer.
• The immigration officer will take your picture and fingerprints. Right hand 4 fingers, left hand 4 fingers and two thumbs.
• The immigration officer will stamp your passport, keep the arrival card and return your passport and departure card.
• Verify the entry stamp and exit date in your passport immediately. If you see any errors, let the immigration officer know right away.
• Walkout and claim your baggage (if you have any check-in baggage)

PERSONAL EXPERIENCE
I have entered Thailand via DMK airport only once. The Thailand Visa on Arrival process took almost 1 hour.

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How to get Thailand Visa on Arrival at Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) in Chiang Mai

STEP 1: Locate Visa on Arrival section

• When you arrive at the airport, follow the signs and continue walking towards “Immigration”.
• As you get closer to “Immigration”, you will see signs for “Visa on Arrival”. Keep walking towards “Visa on Arrival”.
• When you get much closer to the “Visa on Arrival” section, you will see currency exchanges. If you don’t have THB on you, you can exchange your cash here.
• When you arrive at “Visa on Arrival” section, you will see several counters for Visa on Arrival.
• If you haven’t completed your Visa on Arrival form yet, grab one here and fill it.

STEP 2: Apply for Visa on Arrival

• Stand in the line. When your turn comes, handover your documents to the visa officer.
• Visa officer will evaluate your documents. The visa officer will ask you for any additional information if something is unclear or missing.
• The visa officer will stamp the visa and return your passport.
• Verify the details on your Thailand visa immediately.

STEP 3: Go through immigration and customs

• Go to immigration and customs. Stand in the line and wait for your turn.
• When your turn comes, handover your passport and arrival/departure card to the immigration officer.
• The immigration officer will take your picture and fingerprints.
• The immigration officer will stamp your passport, keep the arrival card and return your passport and departure card.
• Verify the entry stamp and exit date in your passport. If you see any errors, let the immigration officer know right away.
• Walkout and claim your baggage (if you have any check-in baggage)

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How to get Thailand Visa on Arrival at Phuket International Airport (HKT) in Phuket

STEP 1: Locate Visa on Arrival section

• When you arrive at the airport, follow the signs and continue walking towards “Immigration”.
• As you get closer to “Immigration”, you will see signs for “Visa on Arrival”. Keep walking towards “Visa on Arrival”.
• When you get much closer to the “Visa on Arrival” section, you will see currency exchanges. If you don’t have THB on you, you can exchange your cash here.
• When you arrive at “Visa on Arrival” section, you will see several counters for Visa on Arrival.
• If you haven’t completed your Visa on Arrival form yet, grab one here and fill it.

STEP 2: Apply for Visa on Arrival

• Stand in the line. When your turn comes, handover your documents to the visa officer.
• Visa officer will evaluate your documents. The visa officer will ask you for any additional information if something is unclear or missing.
• The visa officer will stamp the visa and return your passport.
• Verify the details on your Thailand visa immediately.

STEP 3: Go through immigration and customs

• Go to immigration and customs. Stand in the line and wait for your turn.
• When your turn comes, handover your passport and arrival/departure card to the immigration officer.
• The immigration officer will take your picture and fingerprints.
• The immigration officer will stamp your passport, keep the arrival card and return your passport and departure card.
• Verify the entry stamp and exit date in your passport. If you see any errors, let the immigration officer know right away.
• Walkout and claim your baggage (if you have any check-in baggage)

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How to get Thailand Visa on Arrival at Huay Xai – Chiang Khong (Loas-Thailand) land border

STEP 1: Locate Visa on Arrival section

• When your bus arrives at the checkpoint, get off and walk with everyone towards the immigration.
• You will see a huge entrance for immigration. You will see two other entrances on each side of immigration. On the right side is “Visa on Arrival” and on the left is “Administration”
• Go into the “Administration” area first. Let the officer know that you want to apply for Visa on Arrival.
• Grab a Visa on Arrival form and arrival/departure card. Fill both of them.
• Hand over your documents and 2 photos.

STEP 2: Apply for Visa on Arrival

• You will be taken to the Visa on Arrival section.
• An officer will process your visa and return your passport.
• Verify the details on your Thailand visa immediately.

STEP 3: Go through immigration and customs

• Head over to the immigration and customs. Stand in the line and wait for your turn.
• When your turn comes, handover your passport and arrival/departure card to the immigration officer.
• The immigration officer will take your picture and fingerprints. Right hand 4 fingers only.
• The immigration officer will stamp your passport, keep the arrival card and return your passport and departure card.
• Verify the entry stamp and exit date in your passport immediately. If you see any errors, let the immigration officer know right away.
• Walk to the baggage scanning area. Scan you bags if asked, otherwise, just walk out.
• Board your bus and head to Chiang Rai/Chiang Mai.

PERSONAL EXPERIENCE
I have entered Thailand via Huay Xai – Chiang Khong (Loas-Thailand) land border only once. The entire Thailand Visa on Arrival process took about 15 minutes. I was asked to pay an additional 200 THB for my Visa on Arrival. Probably a bribe. I didn’t have the time to discuss or argue as my bus was waiting for me. Make sure to keep some extra Thai Baht just in case.

IMPORTANT
You need your departure card to exit Thailand. Keep your departure card in a safe place until you leave Thailand.

WHAT IF YOU LOSE YOUR DEPARTURE CARD?
Do not worry. You can get a new arrival/departure card at the exit passport control. Just fill a new one and handover with your passport. There are no fines or penalties for losing your original departure card.

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Thailand Visa on Arrival for Indians

Thailand has become a hot destination for Indian travelers. Indian budget airlines such as Indigo and SpiceJet have regular flights to Thailand from all major cities in India.

Indians make up the second-largest group after Chinese to take advantage of the Thailand Visa on Arrival.

Majority of the Indian travelers fly into Bangkok or Phuket. Please follow the instructions above for getting Visa on Arrival at airports in Bangkok and Phuket.

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Thailand Transit Visa on Arrival

There is no Thailand Transit Visa on Arrival. The regular Visa on Arrival is for both tourism and transit. If you hold a passport eligible for Thailand Visa on Arrival, you can get Visa on Arrival to transit in Thailand.

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Thailand Visa on Arrival for business purpose

Thailand Visa on Arrival is for Tourism purpose only. You cannot get Visa on Arrival for business purpose. You must get a pre-approved visa from the Royal Thai consulate in your city.

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Thailand Online Visa on Arrival

Thai immigration has introduced Thailand Online Visa on Arrival. The online Visa on Arrival is available only if entering Thailand by air at a select few international airports.

To get Thailand Online Visa on Arrival, you must first fill an online application and upload required documents. Pay the Visa on Arrival fee and a service fee. You will receive your visa result in 3-4 working days.

After your visa is approved, print your Visa on Arrival approval. You must present your passport and Visa on Arrival approval at the Visa on Arrival counters at the airport. The visa will be stamped in your passport.

NOTE
Keep in mind that the Thailand Online Visa on Arrival is NOT an eVisa. You still have to go to the Visa on Arrival section in the airport to get the visa stamped in your passport. Some airports have special e-VOA counters and you may be able to avoid the crowds.

There are 4 websites that currently offer Thailand Online Visa on Arrival. I don’t know which one is the official one. Therefore, use these websites at your own risk.

• eVisa Thailand (available only if arriving at BKK and DMK airports in Bangkok)
• Thailand eVOA by VFS
• Thailand Visa
• iVisa

PERSONAL OPINION
The service fee for Thailand Online Visa on Arrival is quite steep. You still have to go to the Visa on Arrival counters in the airport to get the visa stamped in your passport. Therefore, I don’t see much benefit from using Online Visa on Arrival. I suggest getting the regular Visa on Arrival at the airport or land border.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)

Is Thailand visa available on arrival?

Yes. Thailand visa is available on arrival for these 18 nationalities.

1. Bhutan
2. Bulgaria
3. China
4. Cyprus
5. Ethiopia
6. Fiji
7. Georgia
8. India
9. Kazakhstan
10. Malta
11. Mexico
12. Nauru
13. Papua New Guinea
14. Romania
15. Saudi Arabia
16. Taiwan
17. Uzbekistan
18. Vanuatu

Should I get Thailand Visa on Arrival or in advance?

You should get Thailand Visa on Arrival if your trip is 15 days or less. Thailand Visa on Arrival requirements are quite liberal and the process is quite simple. On the other hand, you should get your Thailand Visa in advance if your trip is more than 15 days or your purpose of travel is other than tourism or transit.

Does Thailand have Visa on Arrival for Indian citizens?

Yes. Thailand offers Visa on Arrival for Indian citizens.

What is the minimum passport validity for Thailand Visa on Arrival?

The minimum passport validity for Thailand Visa on Arrival is 30 days. Your passport must be valid for at least 30 days from the day of arrival in Thailand. Also, you must have at least one blank page in your passport.

Can Thailand Visa on Arrival be rejected?

Yes. Thailand Visa on Arrival is also a “visa” and can be rejected if you fail to meet visa requirements, fail to follow the visa rules or lack necessary documentation.

What do I do if my Thailand Visa on Arrival is rejected?

In most instances, Thailand Visa on Arrival is rejected for the below two reasons.

• You do not have a hotel reservation or your hotel reservation is only for a few nights
• You do not have a return flight ticket or your return flight ticket is not within 15 days of arrival

In such instances, you will be asked to book your hotel/flight and come back to the Visa on Arrival counter. Luckily most international airports and land borders have either free WiFi or business centers. You can quickly find WiFi or a business center and book your hotel/flight. Then go back to the Visa on Arrival section and submit your new documents.

In most instances, you do not need to print these documents. You can just show them on your phone and you will be fine.

Is Thailand Visa on Arrival multiple entry?

No. Thailand Visa on Arrival is SINGLE entry only. If you leave Thailand and re-enter, you must get Visa on Arrival again.

Can I extend my Thailand Visa on Arrival?

No. Thailand Visa on Arrival extension is not allowed. Thailand Visa on Arrival is valid for 15 days only and you must leave Thailand before your Visa on Arrival expires.

Is Thailand Visa on Arrival FREE?

Normally, No. But, Thai immigration has waived Visa on Arrival fee until April 30, 2020. So yes, Thailand Visa on Arrival is FREE of cost until April 30, 2020.

How much does Thailand Visa on Arrival cost?

Normally, Thailand Visa on Arrival costs 2,000 THB. But, the Thai immigration has waived the visa fee for Thailand Visa on Arrival until April 30, 2020. So, as of now, the Thailand Visa on Arrival fee is 0 THB (FREE).

How to download Thailand Visa on Arrival form?

You can download Thailand Visa on Arrival form from the Thai Immigration website. It’s a PDF version and you have to print it on an A4 or US letter size sheet of paper.

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SUMMARY

Thailand is the most popular tourist destination in South East Asia. Partially due to hassle-free Visa on Arrival. Simple requirements and minimal documentation. Available to 18 nationalities including India, China and Mexico.

That’s it, folks. Ask any questions you have and share your experience in the comments below. I will do my best to answer your questions.