Thailand, referred to as the Land of Smiles, is a distinguished vacation destination among tourists. From the well-known utopia-looking beaches and coral islands to the luscious green mountains acting as a majestic backdrop to the culture-rich temples and monasteries to the vibrant shopping markets and the rave nightlife, all in a very affordable budget makes Thailand an enjoyable holiday destination.
But before exploring the possibility of booking a holiday to any other country, it is always of utmost importance to read up on the specific country’s different visa policies and requirements. Thailand offers convenient and tourist favourable visa policies to continue to promote its tourism. And this blog will look to cover the different visa types, policies, and requirements to help you be better prepared when applying for a Thailand tourist visa.
Visa On Arrival
Thailand offers visas on arrival both through offline and online mediums. Before we talk about how you can apply through these mediums it is vital to be aware of the various significant pointers and requirements needed when applying for a ‘Visa On Arrival’ in Thailand.
The Thailand Visa On Arrival is strictly for tourism purposes. This visa expires within 15 days.
Documents required when applying: –
- The completely filled-in application form
- A 4×6 cm recent photograph of the applicant. Ensure your application is complete with the right Thailand visa photo requirements.
- Applicant’s passport with at least 6 months validity
- Confirmed flight tickets with return tickets included ensuring you are leaving Thailand within 15 days.
- A valid address proof (could be your hotel or apartment you would be staying in)
- Bank statements for financial evidence (make sure to carry at least 10,000 THB per person and 20,000 THB per family)
The Visa on Arrival fee is around 2,000 THB.
The Thailand e-Visa processing time takes 24 to even 72 hours varying from case to case.
How and Where to Apply?
If you are planning to arrive at the famous Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok you can apply for your visa offline at service counters just before the immigration office. Other major international airports also do allow you to apply for a Thailand visa on arrival but it’s always best to check very well in advance especially if you plan to apply for the visa offline. You can also apply for a visa on arrival online. But it’s important to note that the E-Visa on arrival is only accepted at 4 Thailand international airports:-
1. Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK)
2. Bangkok Don Mueang International Airport (DMK)
3. Phuket International Airport (HKT)
4. Chiangmai International Airport (CNX)
Other than that major limitation, applying for an E-Visa on Arrival is very convenient.
All you need to do is fill in the specific application form on the website, upload the required documents, and confirm the payment and you should receive a Transaction Reference Number (TRN).
There is an exclusive guide for travelers applying for visa from the UAE to Thailand.
Tourist Visa
If you are visiting Thailand for more than 15 days then you must apply for a regular Thailand tourist visa. A Thailand tourist visa is valid for 60 days and comes in 2 types – Single Entry Visas are valid for 3 months from the issue date and Multiple Entry Visas are valid for 6 months but each entry is valid for 60 days only. This visa cannot be used for business, work, or any purpose other than leisure.
Down below are the Thailand tourist visa requirements: –
- The completely filled-in application form
- A 4×6 cm recent photograph of the applicant
- Applicant’s passport with at least 6 months validity
- Confirmed flight tickets, return ticket included
- A valid address proof (could be your hotel or apartment you would be staying in)
- Bank statements for financial evidence (20,000 THB per person and 40,000 THB per family)
How and Where to Apply?
Applying for a 14-day visa or even a 60-day tourist visa in Thailand can be done through both offline and online means. For offline application, you will be required to visit the closest Thai embassy. There you can fill in the application form and submit the required documents. Online visa will be a lot more convenient. Visit the official Thai e-Visa website, choose the respective visa type, fill in the application form, and upload the required documents. Make sure to read the instructions regarding document size and resolution carefully. You can make this cumbersome process easier by consulting a verified Thailand visa agent. He will run through your application, make you understand the policies, and help you get instant approval with zero errors. Once approved you can book an appointment with your preferred embassy and carry on the final stages of the application.
The processing time for a regular Thailand tourist visa is around 7 working days. You can also apply for an extension of this visa which costs around 1,900 TBH but the approval is very much in the hands of the immigration officer.
Other Tourist Visa Types
Special Tourist Visa –
Although this Special Tourist Visa (STV) is really meant for vacations of more than 270 days, long-term travel is also ideal for digital nomads. Visa on Arrival (VOA) has a 15-day maximum stay for eligible nationalities. Requirements for STV include health insurance that covers COVID-19 as well as proof of long-term accommodation, which is beneficial since this allows someone to travel longer in Thailand without having to worry about finding a place to stay.
Thailand Elite Visa-
The Thailand Elite Visa is a long-term visa for persons wanting to spend between 5 and 20 years in Thailand. In addition, fast-tracking through immigration and airport services, as well as elite discounts, are other advantages that come along with having this visa. One can pay up to 600,000 THB for five years, which is available for affluent persons, retirees, and often frequenting visitors in seeking of high-end privileges in the Land of Smiles.
Visa Extension
In the event that you are the holder of a regular tourist Thailand visa and wish to stay for an extended period, you may wish to apply for an extension of 30 days at the Immigration Bureau in Thailand. The following should be submitted: a valid passport, photocopies of visa pages, a completed application form, a passport-sized photo, and the 1,900 Baht fee
Note: Thai visas upon arrival cannot never extended beyond 15 days.
Visa-Free Access
Thailand also offers visa-free access but to only passport holders from just 64 countries and territories. If you happen to have a passport with at least 6 months’ validity from these countries you are allowed to visit Thailand without a visa. Depending on the nationality you can stay for up to 90 days but this is only eligible for tourism purposes. Understand Thailand travel requirements for visa-free entry and easy access.
You will still have to go through the immigration office for evaluation so make sure to carry your documents i.e flight return tickets, bank statements, and your passport.
Recently Thailand also introduced the Special Tourist Visa which is a single-entry visa with a term of 90 days and can be extended for additional 30 days.
Conclusion
These are the main visa types to keep in mind while travelling to Thailand. Besides this, visitors can check for eligibility for Thailand elite visa, which is a long-term tourist visa, designed to attract those foreigners who want to enjoy extended stays for leisure or business purposes. So, choose the right one and travel like a pro.