30-day Thailand Visa on Arrival (VOA) in 2022: 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. Easy tourist visa and Visa on Arrival (VOA): Hassle-free Thailand tourist visa and Visa on Arrival. Visa on Arrival (VOA) is available to 18 nationalities including India, China and Mexico.
2. Plenty of budget airlines: Thailand is a highly operated 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 Visa on Arrival (VOA) eligible countries
• Your 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 30 days including the day of arrival and departure
• Must have proof of confirmed return flight ticket within 30 days of arrival in Thailand
• Must have proof of confirmed accommodation that is verifiable
• Must have proof of funds equal to 10,000 THB for individuals or 20,000 THB for families

IMPORTANT
Thailand Visa on Arrival is usually for 15 days. After the pandemic, to boost tourism, Thailand is now offering Visa on Arrival (VOA) for 30 days. This 30-day VOA is only available from 01 Oct 2022 to 31 March 2023. From 01 April 2023, the Visa on Arrival will go back to 15 days.

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Thailand Visa on Arrival Restrictions

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

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Where to get Thailand Visa on Arrival

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

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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

* popular international airports for travelers

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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

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Checkpoints at the 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 the Laos side and Thailand sides 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

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Checkpoints at the 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 the Cambodia side and Thailand sides 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

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Checkpoints at the 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 the Myanmar side and Thailand sides 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

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Checkpoints at the 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’s side and Thailand’s 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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Visa on Arrival fee

Thailand Visa on Arrival fee is 2,000 THB paid in Thai Baht (THB) only. On most occasions, you will be forced to pay an additional 200 THB as an express fee for immediate visa processing.

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 to exchange. Currency exchanges are available though.

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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. Hotel or hostel booking confirmation
5. Return/onward flight ticket (within 30 days from the date of arrival in Thailand)
6. Visa fee in cash in Thai Baht (THB) only
7. 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.

IMPORTANT
Thailand Visa on Arrival is usually for 15 days. After the pandemic, to boost tourism, Thailand is now offering Visa on Arrival (VOA) for 30 days. This 30-day VOA is only available from 01 Oct 2022 to 31 March 2023. From 01 April 2023, the Visa on Arrival will go back to 15 days.

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01. Original Passport

You must present your original passport.

Your passport must be valid for at least 30 days from the 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.

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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 the 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-sized photos. 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.

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03. Thailand Visa on Arrival application form

You must present 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 out the application form.

It is not mandatory, but if you can, paste or staple the photo in the “Photograph” area of the application form. If not, just hand over 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 form.

• 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 the 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]

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03a. Arrival/Departure card (not required anymore)

An arrival/departure card is not required anymore. But if you were given one and asked to fill it out, below are the instructions.

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, the maximum is 30 days for Visa on Arrival including the days of arrival and departure]
• Residence [Comment: Write the house number or street address in the 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]

Departure Card (back)

• Nothing to fill here

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04. Hotel booking confirmation

You must have a print of your hotel or hostel booking confirmation(s). There are many hotels or hostels in Bangkok. Book at least a few nights to start with.

IMPORTANT
Your hotel or hostel 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.

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05. Return/onward flight ticket

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

Your return/onward flight ticket must be within 30 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 30 January. A flight on 31 January or after is not accepted.

IMPORTANT
Your return/onward ticket must be within 30 days from the date of arrival in Thailand. If it is over 30 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 a “flight ticket”. 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 Thailand Visa on Arrival. In such cases, get a dummy onward ticket for $14.

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06. Visa fee in cash

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

Apart from the 2,000 THB visa fee, you may be forced to pay an additional 200 THB as “express fee” for the fast processing of your VOA application. This is not mandatory but sometimes you will not have a choice but to pay.

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.

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07. 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 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 the “Visa on Arrival” section, you will see a desk where you can grab Visa on Arrival forms and arrival/departure cards.
• If you don’t have a completed Visa on Arrival form, grab one here and fill it out.
• 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, hand over your passport and documents to the visa officer.
• The 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 line and wait for your turn.
• When your turn comes, hand over 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.
• Head to the baggage claim to get your check-in bags (if you have any)

WHAT HAPPENS TO YOUR BAGS IF YOU ARE STUCK AT “VISA ON ARRIVAL” COUNTER 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 the “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 don’t have a completed Visa on Arrival form, grab one here and fill it out.

STEP 2: Document check

• While you fill out your form or arrive at the VOA section, you’ll be approached by VOA staff for a document check.
• If no one approaches you, simply ask any VOA staff and they will check your documents. VOA staff are dressed in kakhi color uniforms.
• The officer will evaluate your documents, arrange them in order and direct you to the VOA counter

STEP 3: Apply for Visa on Arrival

• When you present your documents at the VOA counter, the visa officer will stamp the visa and return your passport.
• Verify the details on your visa immediately.

STEP 4: Go through immigration and customs

• Head over to the immigration and customs. Stand in line and wait for your turn.
• When your turn comes, hand over your passport and arrival/departure card to the immigration officer.
• The immigration officer will take your picture and fingerprints (Right hand 4 fingers).
• The immigration officer will stamp your passport
• 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 entered Thailand via DMK airport in 2018 and also in Dec 2022. The VOA process is quite streamlined in DMK airport now. I got my VOA in Dec 2022 in just 5 minutes.

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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 the “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 out.

STEP 2: Apply for Visa on Arrival

• Stand in the line. When your turn comes, hand over your documents to the visa officer.
• The 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 line and wait for your turn.
• When your turn comes, hand over 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 the “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 out.

STEP 2: Apply for Visa on Arrival

• Stand in the line. When your turn comes, hand over your documents to the visa officer.
• The 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, hand over 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 the 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 visa immediately.

STEP 3: Go through immigration and customs

• Head over to the immigration and customs. Stand in line and wait for your turn.
• When your turn comes, hand over 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 your 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 in a new one and handover with your passport. There are no fines or penalties for losing your original departure card.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)

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SUMMARY

Thailand is the most popular tourist destination in South East Asia. Partially due to the hassle-free Thailand Visa on Arrival option. The requirements are simple and documentation is minimal. Currently 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.