Visiting Thailand is at the top of everyone’s wish list. And guess what, Thailand also wants you here. Thailand is one of the most tourist-friendly countries in the world, and it rolls out the red carpet for many. The guide on Thailand tourist visa has simple steps to easily get the permit and have a great time in the country. As a mega tourism hub, it also offers citizens of many countries a Thailand Visa on Arrival. So, if you are thinking of heading there, the following information will let you know all about the Visa on Arrival process and other requirements.
Countries Whose Citizens Don’t Need a Visa for Thailand
There are many countries with strong passports and good relations with Thailand, so their citizens don’t need a visa to stay in Thailand. Here are the countries and the number of days their citizens can stay in Thailand without a visa.
14 Days
- Myanmar
- Cambodia
30 Days
- United Arab Emirates
- United States
- United Kingdom
- Australia
- Austria
- Canada
- Andorra
- Belgium
- Japan
- New Zealand
- Bahrain
- Italy
- France
- Ireland
- Brunei
- Israel
- Czech Republic
- Luxembourg
- Denmark
- Switzerland
- Finland
- Germany
- Hungary
- Greece
- Indonesia
- Ukraine
- Hong Kong
- Liechtenstein
- Iceland
- Maldives
- Kuwait
- Netherlands
- Laos
- Latvia
- Mauritius
- Lithuania
- Norway
- Estonia
- Macao
- Malaysia
- Philippines
- Qatar
- Singapore
- Monaco
- South Africa
- Vietnam
- Mongolia
- Oman
- Slovenia
- Turkey
- Poland
- Portugal
- Sweden
- San Marino
- Spain
- Slovakia
- Russia
90 Days
- South Korea
- Chile
- Brazil
- Argentina
- Peru
Countries Whose Citizens can get Visa on Arrival
Based on diplomatic and economic relationships, countries can get added or removed from this list. So, if your country’s name is on the below-given list, you can get a Thailand Visit visa on arrival:
- India
- Taiwan
- Bulgaria
- Georgia
- Bhutan
- Fiji
- Romania
- Cyprus
- Papua New Guinea
- Ethiopia
- Saudi Arabia
- Malta
- Kazakhstan
- Vanuatu
- Mexico
- Nauru
- Uzbekistan
- China
Documents for Visa on Arrival
So, if your country is on the Visa on Arrival list, you can get a visa right at the airport’s immigration department after landing in Thailand. But you will need the following documents to get this visa:
Visa Application Form – You can get Thailand Visa on Arrival form online and fill it out. You can also get it at the Thai consulate in your country. Fill this form with accurate information that is corroborated by the attached documents.
Passport with Validity – Of course, you won’t be able to travel to Thailand without a passport, but also make sure that your passport has more than 6 months of validity from your travel dates. The passport should also have blank pages for stamping.
Passport Pictures – Bring along at least 2 passport-size, coloured pictures that have been taken within the last 3 months. Your face should be fully visible but not smiling against a plain white backdrop. There are also other possible mistakes that an applicant can face, so, do understand the complete Thailand visa photo requirements.
Return Tickets & Itinerary – Show the electronic version of your return ticket and the official itinerary for your Thai trip. You may even be asked to provide the address for your accommodation in Thailand.
Financial Capacity Proof – You need to show you have money in your bank through financial statements. So that in case of any unforeseen issues, you can buy return tickets again.
Visa Fee – You will have to pay a visa processing fee. Though you will be provided a receipt for this fee, it is a non-refundable amount.
Along with your Thailand Visa on Arrival documents, you may even have to answer a few basic questions about your Thailand trip. These questions are simple, don’t get perturbed and answer honestly. Once the form and documents are processed, the immigration officer will grant you a 14-day visa. You must learn the basic reasons for Thailand visa rejection to avoid any delays.
Important Points to Note
- You have to leave before your tourist visa expires. Staying beyond your visa is a crime and you can be arrested.
- Do not look for a job in Thailand on your tourist visa. That is also illegal. There are different visas for that.
- In some rare cases, like a medical emergency, visa extensions are granted. But be sure to have medical insurance for your trip.
- Keep important phone numbers and contact information of your country’s embassy while visiting Thailand.
- Also, carry a phone with enough minutes and data, and stay in contact with your friends and family back home.
- There are also newer privileges added by Thailand to make tourism easy and convenient. For example, from October, citizens of many countries, including Myanmar, the UK, and the USA. can extend their visa-on-arrival stay for 45 days.
- Consult a verified visa agent to understand the Thailand travel requirements.
Cases When a Visa needs to be applied for in Advance
The above Visa on Arrival is granted only when you are in the country for 15days. For anything more, you will have to get your visa in advance.
30-Day Visa – If you are visiting for a long period like 30-days, you will have to provide additional documents. For example, if you are visiting a family member living in Thailand, then you have to share an official letter of invitation from them, and their details, including Thai government-issued identification and other official documents. You can also apply for a 60-day or 90-day visa in such cases. Make the process hassle-free by applying Thailand tourist visa online.
90-Day Visa – If you are coming to Thailand for official work, you can apply for a 90-day visa. It is also issued to foreigners who are entering the country for study, business, investment, or other purposes. For this, you will need to submit documents from your employer and their office in Thailand. There are also a bunch of other official documents that you will have to submit to get a 90-day visa in advance.
In these above cases, you can also extend Thailand visa.
Apply Thailand VoA Online
To apply for a Thailand VoA, tourists eligible need to visit the online services portal of the Thailand Immigration Office. Go directly to “Online Services”, click “Online Application for Visa on Arrival”, read and accept the specified terms, then proceed to fill in with travel particulars. Forward the application to simplify the visa process before entering into Thailand.
Essentials Facts
Thailand’s 6 leading international airports have VoA service 24/7,
• Hatyai International Airport
• Chiangmai International Airport
• Samui Airport
• Suvarnabhumi International Airport
• Don Muang Airport
• Phuket International Airport
Thailand VoA- Significant Rules
• The VOA is non-extendable: You must leave Thailand in 15 days.
• Single Entry: Thailand’s VOA is legitimate for just a single entry. For multiple trips, a separate VOA is required for each entry.
• Travel Insurance: However, it is not compulsory to have, but it is better to obtain travel insurance to cover your stay.
• No Work: The VOA is issued only for tourism purposes and reference to working in Thailand is prohibited.
Conclusion
So, if you are planning a nice vacation, prepare your documents for an application for Visa on Arrival Thailand, and enjoy the wonderful sight and attractions this amazing country has to offer.