Thailand tourist visa: Requirements and application procedure

Thailand has a liberal visa policy offering Visa EXEMPTION and Visa ON ARRIVAL to most nationalities in the world. For those who REQUIRE a visa, Thailand tourist visa is the easiest to obtain if you understand the requirements. The only caveat is that you cannot apply for a Thailand tourist visa while traveling. You can only apply for it in your country of passport or residence.

Keep in mind that a tourist visa is only for visiting Thailand for tourism. You can stay up to 30 days on a tourist visa. If you plan to stay longer, look into Thai ED Visa, which allows you to study and live in Thailand for up to one year.

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THAILAND TOURIST VISA REQUIREMENTS BY NATIONALITY

Minimum passport validity required to enter Thailand

6 months

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Visa EXEMPT passport holders

• Must carry proof of funds (10,000 THB cash for individuals and 20,000 THB cash for families)
• Eligible to enter only 2 times a year via land or sea from neighboring countries that border Thailand (no such rule for entering via air)
• Except for G7 countries (Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, United Kingdom, United States), all other nationalities will be granted only 15-day entry if entering by land from neighboring countries that border Thailand
• Malaysia passport holders are granted 30 days entry even if entering by land from Malaysia

90-day entry

1. Argentina
2. Brazil
3. Chile
4. Peru
5. South Korea

30-day entry

1. Australia
2. Austria
3. Belgium
4. Bahrain
5. Brunei
6. Canada
7. Czech Republic
8. Denmark
9. Estonia
10. Finland
11. France
12. Germany
13. Greece
14. Hong Kong
15. Hungary
16. Iceland
17. Indonesia
18. Ireland
19. Israel
20. Italy
21. Japan
22. Kuwait
23. Laos
24. Liechtenstein
25. Luxembourg
26. Macau
27. Malaysia
28. Monaco
29. Mongolia
30. Netherlands
31. New Zealand
32. Norway
33. Oman
34. Philippines
35. Poland
36. Portugal
37. Qatar
38. Russia
39. Singapore
40. Slovakia
41. Slovenia
42. Spain
43. South Africa
44. Sweden
45. Switzerland
46. Turkey
47. United Arab Emirates
48. United Kingdom
49. United States
50. Vietnam

14-day entry

1. Cambodia
2. Myanmar (only if entering by air)

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Visa ON ARRIVAL eligible passport holders

• 15-day single entry only
• Extension not allowed

15-day entry

1. Andorra
2. Bhutan
3. Bulgaria
4. China
5. Cyprus
6. Ethiopia
7. Fiji
8. India
9. Kazakhstan
10. Latvia
11. Lithuania
12. Maldives
13. Malta
14. Mauritius
15. Papua New Guinea
16. Romania
17. San Marino
18. Saudi Arabia
19. Taiwan
20. Ukraine
21. Uzbekistan

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Visa REQUIRED passport holders

• Single entry tourist visa valid for 3 months
• Multiple entry tourist visa valid for 6 months
• Eligible to apply ONLY in the country of passport or residence
• Extension is allowed

60-day entry

1. Afghanistan
2. Algeria
3. Angola
4. Bangladesh
5. Benin
6. Botswana
7. Burkina Faso
8. Burundi
9. Cameroon
10. Cape Verde
11. Central African Republic
12. Chad
13. China
14. Comoros
15. Congo, Dem. Rep.
16. Congo, Rep.
17. Cote d’Ivoire
18. Djibouti
19. Egypt
20. Equatorial Guinea
21. Eritrea
22. Ethiopia
23. Gabon
24. Gambia
25. Ghana
26. Guinea
27. Guinea-Bissau
28. India
29. Iran
30. Iraq
31. Kenya
32. Lebanon
33. Lesotho
34. Liberia
35. Libia
36. Madagascar
37. Malawi
38. Mali
39. Mauritius
40. Mozambique
41. Namibia
42. Nepal
43. Niger
44. Nigeria
45. North Korea
46. Pakistan
47. Palestine
48. Rwanda
49. Sao Tome and Principe
50. Senegal
51. Seychelles
52. Sierra Leone
53. Somalia
54. South Africa
55. South Sudan
56. Sri Lanka
57. Sudan
58. Swaziland
59. Syria
60. Tanzania
61. Togo
62. Uganda
63. Yemen
64. Zambia
65. Zimbabwe

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Transit Visa REQUIRED passport holders

• Single-entry transit visa valid for 3 months
• Double-entry transit visa valid for 3 months

30-day entry

1. Afghanistan
2. Algeria
3. Angola
4. Bangladesh
5. Benin
6. Botswana
7. Burkina Faso
8. Burundi
9. Cameroon
10. Cape Verde
11. Central African Republic
12. Chad
13. China
14. Comoros
15. Congo, Dem. Rep.
16. Congo, Rep.
17. Cote d’Ivoire
18. Djibouti
19. Egypt
20. Equatorial Guinea
21. Eritrea
22. Ethiopia
23. Gabon
24. Gambia
25. Ghana
26. Guinea
27. Guinea-Bissau
28. India
29. Iran
30. Iraq
31. Kenya
32. Lebanon
33. Lesotho
34. Liberia
35. Libia
36. Madagascar
37. Malawi
38. Mali
39. Mauritius
40. Mozambique
41. Namibia
42. Nepal
43. Niger
44. Nigeria
45. North Korea
46. Pakistan
47. Palestine
48. Rwanda
49. Sao Tome and Principe
50. Senegal
51. Seychelles
52. Sierra Leone
53. Somalia
54. South Africa
55. South Sudan
56. Sri Lanka
57. Sudan
58. Swaziland
59. Syria
60. Tanzania
61. Togo
62. Uganda
63. Yemen
64. Zambia
65. Zimbabwe

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THAILAND TOURIST VISA APPLICATION PROCESS

Thailand Visa ON ARRIVAL

Application procedure

Thailand Visa on Arrival requirements are quite clear and easy to follow.

Currently, 21 nationalities can avail Visa on Arrival at 42 international checkpoints including all international airports and land/sea border crossings with neighboring countries.

Visa on Arrival can be availed at these 42 international checkpoints.

1. Mae Sai Immigration Checkpoint, Chiang Rai
2. Chiang Saen Immigration Checkpoint, Chiang Rai
3. Chiang Khong Immigration Checkpoint, Chiang Rai
4. Chiang Rai Airport Immigration Checkpoint, Chiang Rai
5. Chiang Mai International Airport, Chiang Mai
6. Nan Immigration Checkpoint, Nan
7. NongKhai Immigration Checkpoint, NongKhai
8. NongKhaiHarbour Immigration Checkpoint, NongKhai
9. BuengKan Immigration Checkpoint, Bueng Kan
10. Phibulmangsahan Immigration Checkpoint, Ubon Ratchathani
11. Tha Li Immigration Checkpoint, Loei
12. Nakhonphanom Immigration Checkpoint, Nakhon Phanom
13. Mukdahan Immigration Checkpoint, Mukdahan
14. Suvarnabhumi International Airport, Bangkok
15. Don Muang International Airport, Bangkok
16. Bangkok Harbour Immigration Checkpoint, Bangkok
17. Sri Racha Immigration Checkpoint, Chonburi
18. Pattaya Immigration Checkpoint, Chonburi
19. Mabtaput Immigration Checkpoint, Rayong
20. U Tapao Airport, Rayong
21. Khlong Yai Immigration Checkpoint, Trad
22. Pongnamrorn Immigration Checkpoint, Chanthaburi
23. Aranyaprathet Immigration Checkpoint, Sakaew
24. Sukhothai International Airport Tak Immigration Checkpoint, Tak
25. Tak Immigration Checkpoint, Tak
26. Phuket International Airport, Phuket
27. Phuket Immigration Checkpoint, Phuket
28. SongkhlaHarbour Immigration Checkpoint, Songkhla
29. Hatyai International Airport, Songkhla
30. Sadao Immigration Checkpoint, Songkhla
31. Padang Besa Immigration Checkpoint, Songkhla
32. Banprakorb Immigration Checkpoint, Songkhla
33. Ko Samui Airport, Surat Thani
34. Samui Immigration Checkpoint, Surat Thani
35. Surat Thani Airport, Surat Thani
36. Satun Immigration Checkpoint, Satun
37. Khuandon Immigration Checkpoint, Satun
38. Krabi Immigration Checkpoint, Krabi
39. Betong Immigration Checkpoint, Yala
40. SuhaiKo-lok Immigration Checkpoint, Narathiwat
41. Takbai Immigration Checkpoint, Narathiwat
42. Buketa Immigration Checkpoint, Narathiwat

Online Visa on Arrival

Online Visa on Arrival facility is currently available only at Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK) in Bangkok. If your first port of entry is Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK) in Bangkok, you can avail the online facility.

Online Visa on Arrival application must be completed at Thai Immigration website prior to your arrival in Thailand.

Here is a video that guides you on how to avail Online Visa on Arrival at Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK) in Bangkok.

Documents required

The following documentation is required for Thailand Visa on Arrival.

• Completed Thailand Visa on Arrival Application Form (download here or grab one at the “Visa on Arrival” section in the airport)
• Completed Arrival/Departure Card (you will be given on the flight or you can get one at the “Visa on Arrival” section in the airport)
• One passport size photo (4×6 cm)
• Return/onward flight ticket within 15 days from arrival
• Hotel booking
• Proof of funds to support yourself

Return/onward flight ticket is mandatory and it must be within 15 days of arrival. If your return ticket is over 15 days, your Visa on Arrival will be denied. You will be asked to rebook your ticket and come back in the line. Rebooking the flight ticket in the airport is difficult due to limited internet and printing facilities in the airport.

Hotel booking is mandatory. A minimum of 4 days or more is required. I strongly suggest you have your hotel bookings for all 15 days. Just 1 or 2 days of hotel booking will not work. You will be asked to book the remaining days and again it would be difficult to book the hotel online at the airport due to lack of internet.

Proof of funds is minimum 10,000 THB for individuals and 20,000 THB for families. You would need to show the proof of funds in cash. You can get away by saying that you have your debit and credit cards on you. But, I strongly suggest you have at least 5,000 THB on your and for the remaining, you can show your debit card, credit card, and bank statements.

Visa fee

Thailand Visa on Arrival fee is 2,000 THB (approx. $64 USD). This fee must be paid in cash in Thai Baht (THB) only.

Currency exchanges are available near the Visa on Arrival sections in the airports. No ATMs are available, so make sure you have THB or at least some form of major currency (such as USD, EUR, etc) on you.

Processing time

Visa on Arrival can take about 1 hour or more depending on how long the line is. Make sure to account for at least 1 hour of time for your Visa on Arrival process at the airport.

To save time, you can download and fill the application prior to arrival

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Pre-approved Thailand TOURIST visa from the consulate

Application procedure

You can apply for Thailand tourist visa from your nearest Royal Thai consulate or embassy if you are a

• Visa REQUIRED passport holder
• Visa ON ARRIVAL eligible passport holder but would like to stay more than 15 days
• Visa EXEMPT passport holder but would like to stay more than 30 days

Here is a video made by the Royal Thai consulate in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on how to fill and arrange the documents for your Thailand tourist visa.

IMPORTANT
Visa REQUIRED passport holders can apply for Thailand tourist visa ONLY at the Royal Thai consulate or embassy in their country of passport or country of residence. These passport holders are called “listed countries”. Passport holders from the “listed countries” can apply for Thailand tourist visa ONLY from within their country of passport or country of residence.

Documents required

The following documents are required

• Completed Thailand tourist visa application form (you can download from your nearest Royal Thai consulate or embassy website)
• Original passport with at least 6 months of validity and 1 full blank page
• One passport size photo (4×6 cm)
• Roundtrip flight tickets
• Hotel reservation
• Bank statements (last 3 months showing at least 20,000 THB per individual or 40,000 THB per family)
• Proof of residence (if applying from a country other than the country of passport)

Visa fee

Thailand tourist visa fee is roughly 1,000 THB ($32 USD) for single entry tourist visa and 5,000 THB ($160 USD) for multiple entry tourist visa. The fee slightly varies as you will be paying the fee in your local currency.

Processing time

Thailand tourist visa processing time is 3 to 5 working days. For Afghanistan, Iraq and North Korea passport holders, the visa processing can take anywhere from 3 weeks to 2 months.

Application tracking

Royal Thai consulates, embassies, and VFS Global offices in some countries offer visa application tracking facilities. Check with your nearest Royal Thai embassy or consulate or VFS Global office for more details.

Apply in-person

You can apply for Thailand tourist visa at your nearest Royal Thai embassy or consulate in person. India and Bangaldesh nationals can apply at their nearest VFS Global offices as well.

Apply by mail

You cannot apply for Thailand tourist visa my mail/post.

Apply through visa/travel Agency

Some visa/travel agencies are authorized to apply for Thailand tourist visa on your behalf. Check with your nearest Royal Thai embassy or consulate.

Priority visa service

There is no priority visa service.

Customer service

You can contact the Royal Thai embassy or consulate by their phone or email if you need any information.

Application withdrawal

There is no procedure for visa application withdrawal.

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Pre-approved Thailand TRANSIT visa from the consulate

Application procedure

If you are a Visa REQUIRED passport holder and would need to transit through Thailand, you would need to apply for Thailand transit visa.

PRO TIP
If you are a Visa ON ARRIVAL eligible passport holder, you can avail Visa on Arrival while transiting through Thailand, but it would cost you 2,000 THB. Though, applying for a transit visa would be cheaper.

Documents required

The following documentation is needed

• Completed Thailand transit visa application form (download from your nearest Royal Thai consulate or embassy website)
• Original passport (with 6 months validity and 2 blank pages)
• One passport size photo (4×6 cm)
• Flight tickets (confirmed ticket into Thailand and out from Thailand)
• Visa for the third country (if traveling to a country other than the country of passport)
• Bank statements (last 3 months showing at least 10,000 THB per individual or 20,000 THB per family
• Proof of residence (if applying from a country other than the country of passport)

Visa fee

Thailand transit visa fee is roughly 800 THB ($25 USD). It slightly varies as you will be paying the fee in your local currency.

Processing time

Thailand transit visa processing time is 3 to 5 working days. For Afghanistan, Iraq and North Korea passport holders, the visa processing can take anywhere from 3 weeks to 2 months.

Application tracking

Royal Thai embassies, consulates and VFS Global offices in some countries offer visa application tracking facilities. Check with your nearest Royal Thai embassy or consulate or VFS Global office for more details.

Apply in-person

You can apply for Thailand transit visa at any Royal Thai embassy or consulate in person.

Apply by mail

You cannot apply for Thailand transit visa my mail/post.

Apply through visa/travel agency

Some visa/travel agencies are authorized to apply for Thailand transit visa on your behalf. Check with your nearest Royal Thai embassy or consulate for more details.

Priority visa service

There is no priority visa service.

Customer service

You can contact the Royal Thai embassy or consulate by their phone or email if you need any information.

Application withdrawal

There is no procedure for visa application withdrawal.

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Thailand Visa EXTENSION

(Coming soon)

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ENTRY AND EXIT PROCEDURE AT THE AIRPORT

Entering Thailand by air

If you are visa exempt or have a pre-approved visa from the consulate, head straight to the immigration. Make sure to grab and fill the arrival/departure card before your immigration.

Visa on Arrival

If you are obtaining Visa on Arrival, head to the Visa on Arrival section. Grab a copy of the application form and an arrival/departure card (if you haven’t received one on the flight). Complete the application form and arrival/departure card.

There are examples of completed application forms on the walls to assist you with filling the application form. After filling the application form, go and stand in the line for the document check.

To save time, you can download and fill the Visa on Arrival application form before you arrive at the airport.

If you are arriving at Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK) in Bangkok, you can fill and submit for Visa on Arrival application prior to your arrival in Thailand. The process at the airport is much faster if you have already submitted the online application. This facility is currently available only at BKK airport.

IMPORTANT
Visa on Arrival fee can only be paid in THB. There are NO ATMs at the Visa on Arrival sections in any of the Thailand airports. So, make sure to carry enough cash in THB (Thai Baht) or major currency. There are currency exchanges at Visa on Arrival sections. So if you have some major currency on you, you can change it into THB.

After document check, you will be given a token number. Wait for your token number to be called/displayed. When your token number is called/displayed, head to the counter and pick up your passport with visa stamp. Verify the details on the visa to make sure everything is ok.

After you pick up your visa, head to the immigration area.

Exiting Thailand by air

On exiting Thailand, you will have to go through the passport control. You must present the following documents

• Your original passport
• Airline boarding pass
• Completed departure card

IMPORTANT
Make sure to fill in all the details in your departure card before the passport control. You will be sent back to the beginning of the line if your departure card is not filled in.

If flying out of Bangkok (BKK and DMK), long lines at check-in counters and passport control are common. Arrive at least 2 hours before your departure time.

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FAQs

Do you need a visa to visit Thailand?

It depends on the country of your passport. Thailand offers visa EXEMPTION and Visa ON ARRIVAL to most nationalities. Rest of the nationalities can apply for Thailand tourist visa at their nearest Royal Thai consulate or embassy in their country of passport or residence.

Thailand entry requirements are fairly clear. Thailand visa policy is quite liberal as well. Refer to the “Thailand Tourist Visa Requirements” section above to confirm if you need a visa for Thailand.

Which countries need a visa for Thailand?

About 65 nationalities need a pre-approved Thailand tourist visa before arrival in Thailand. Of which, 21 nationalities can avail Visa on Arrival at about 42 checkpoints including all international airports, land and sea borders with neighboring countries.

Refer to the “Thailand Tourist Visa Requirements” section above for a complete list of countries that need a visa for Thailand.

How to get a tourist visa for Thailand?

You can apply tourist visa for Thailand at your nearest Royal Thai consulate or embassy. VFS Global offices in some countries (India and Bangladesh) also accept Thailand tourist visa applications.

How to get Visa on Arrival in Thailand

First of all, check if you can get Visa on Arrival in Thailand from the “Thailand Tourist Visa Requirements” section above.

In order to avail Visa on Arrival, you would need the following documentation

• Completed Thailand Visa on Arrival Application Form (download here or get one at the “Visa on Arrival” section in the airport)
• Completed Arrival/Departure Card (you will be given on the flight or you can get one at the “Visa on Arrival” section in the airport)
• One passport size photo (4×6 cm)
• Return/onward flight ticket within 15 days from arrival
• Hotel booking
• Proof of funds to support yourself

Visa fee is 2,000 THB. This fee must be paid in cash in Thai Baht (THB) only. Make sure you have Thai Baht on you or at least some form of major currency that you can change at a currency exchange.

Visa on arrival procedure takes about 1 hour or more. Make sure to account for at least 1 hour of time for your Visa on Arrival process in the airport.

What are the documents required for Thailand tourist visa?

The following are the documents required for Thailand tourist visa

• Completed Thailand tourist visa application form (you can download from your nearest Royal Thai consulate or embassy website)
• Original passport with at least 6 months of validity and 1 full blank page
• One passport size photo (4×6 cm)
• Roundtrip flight tickets
• Hotel reservation
• Bank statements (last 3 months showing at least 20,000 THB per individual or 40,000 THB per family)
• Proof of residence (if applying from a country other than the country of passport)

How long does it take to get Thailand tourist visa?

It takes about 3 to 5 working days for Thailand tourist visa processing. For Afghanistan, Iraq and North Korea passport holders, it takes much longer, anywhere from 3 weeks to 2 months.

How to check Thailand visa status?

Royal Thai consulates or embassies, and VFS Global offices in India and Bangladesh offer visa application tracking facilities. Check with your nearest Royal Thai embassy or consulate or VFS Global office for more details.

What is the minimum passport validity to enter Thailand?

The minimum passport validity to enter Thailand is 6 months. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into Thailand.

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CONCLUSION

Thailand offers visa exemption and visa on arrival to most nationalities. Thailand tourist visa requirements are clear and easy to understand. The visa on arrival fees is a bit high but it is quite easy to avail. Visa required passport holders can apply for the visa only in their country of passport or residence.

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