Thailand stands as a renowned destination for tourism, work, and various businesses, celebrated for its natural beauty and cultural diversity. No matter your purpose for traveling, obtaining a Thailand visa is essential. Discover how to secure an entry permit tailored to your requirements today!
How to Get a Thailand Visa?
Typically, there are two avenues to acquire a Thailand visa: either by applying through the Thailand Embassy or Consulate office in your country or by applying upon arrival if your country of origin is eligible. Additionally, some nationalities may have the option to submit a visa application online.
In the following section, we will delve deeper into the various Thailand visa requirements you need to fulfill in order to obtain one.
What to Consider Before Getting a Thailand Visa?
The Thailand visa application process is relatively easy to navigate. The necessary documents you need to prepare include:
- A valid passport with at least six months of validity remaining and a minimum of two blank pages.
- A completed and signed visa application.
- Evidence of hotel reservations and onward travel bookings (such as a departure flight or other transport tickets).
- If applicable, a letter of recommendation from relevant institutions (for sports events or studies).
- Proof of finances, such as an income slip or a bank statement showing a minimum savings equivalent of THB 10,000 per person or THB 20,000 per family.
All documents should be in English or translated into Thai and must be stamped by Thailand’s immigration office or diplomatic missions for approval.
1. Make Sure Your Country is on The List
Some countries are exempt from requiring a visa to stay in the country for 14, 30, or 90 days.
You may check the full list here to see if your country is included. Examples of countries that don’t require a visa for certain lengths of stay include other ASEAN nations, the UK, and the USA.
Meanwhile, countries such as Bhutan, India, and China require a visa. You can review the comprehensive list via this link.
2. Decide Your Purpose of Visit
Tourism stands as one of the primary motivations for foreigners to visit Thailand. As per the Embassy of Thailand, a staggering 22.78 million visitors are expected to arrive in Bangkok in 2023. Consequently, it comes as no shock that Bangkok ranks among the most frequented cities globally.
Nevertheless, tourism represents just one facet of Thailand’s allure. A multitude of individuals journey to the country for educational, professional, and various other purposes. Below is the breakdown of the popular Thailand visa types you can get, available for single or multiple entries.
- Tourist visa: Valid for 60 days and can be renewed for an additional 30 days, contingent on restarting the duration by taking a brief trip across the border. Available for single or multiple entries.
- Non-immigrant visa: Valid for 90 days, typically for a single entry. Stay extension is possible using a method akin to the one mentioned above. Visa holders can acquire a labor permit and open a local bank account.
- 1-year non-immigrant visa: Allows visa holders to stay in the country for up to one year under the non-immigrant visa, provided they perform a visa run every 90 days.
For other types of visas, you can check out this link for more thorough info.
3. Visa Application Fees
Thailand visa fees vary depending on whether you opt for a single-entry or multiple-entry visa. The fee for a visa on arrival is THB 2000, payable in cash.
To provide clarity, here are the costs for Thailand’s tourist visa for individuals from the United States and India:
- United States: USD 40 for a single-entry visa and USD 200 for a multiple-entry visa.
- India: INR 2500 for a single-entry visa and INR 12,000 for a multiple-entry visa.
For detailed information on fees specific to your country and a comprehensive list of prices for other visa types, please refer to your local Thailand Embassy or Immigration office website.
4. Designated Airport
Several airports in Thailand offer immigration checkpoints for visa-on-arrival applications. Among them are:
- Bangkok Airport
- Don Mueang Airport
- Phuket Airport
- Chiang Mai Airport
- Samui Airport
It’s advisable to exchange your local currency for Thai Baht before entering the country. Major airports have money exchange counters available for this purpose.
Applying for a Thailand Visa
As mentioned, you can apply for a visa by booking a Thailand visa appointment from your local consulate office or via the e-visa website. Here’s a concise guide for both methods:
Online Application
Please note that this method is only applicable to citizens from certain countries. You can check your eligibility here. If you meet the requirements, follow these steps:
- Create an account on the linked site above.
- Complete the Thailand visa application form online.
- Upload the necessary documents.
- Proceed to pay your visa fee and await further instructions.
Your visa information should be sent to the active email you put in after processing it.
Offline Application
This method represents the sole option for obtaining a visa if you are ineligible for Visa on Arrival (VoA) and unable to apply online:
- Schedule an appointment with your local Thailand diplomatic mission office.
- Gather all required documentation.
- Submit the documents either in person at the counter or via mail, ensuring the inclusion of a prepaid return envelope.
- Await processing of your visa and either collect it in person or have it mailed to you.
As mentioned earlier, you have the option to apply for a visa either online or by scheduling a Thailand visa appointment at your local consulate or embassy for an in-person application.
Below is a brief guide for both methods: That concludes our explanation of how to obtain a Thailand visa and the various types available depending on your purpose of visit. Whatever your reason for traveling to Thailand, Airpaz is here to assist you. Book your trip through our website today and enjoy competitive rates on hotels and flights!
