It’s very easy to apply for a Thai visa. Everything that you’d ever need in your application is easily accessible and available online. It will be very easy for you to do it while planning for your trip and even looking for common jobs for expats. This post will give you a complete guide on how to go about the application process.
What is a Thailand Visa?
A Thailand Visa is a requisite prior entry to Thailand. It is a document or stamp that is put in your passport. You will not be able to enter Thailand if you do not have one. It can only be given by a Thai embassy or a Thai consulate in your country. Your passport is stamped upon arrival at any Thailand airport.
Who needs to apply for a Thailand Visa?
Everyone not exempted from Visa on Arrival in Thailand need to apply for a Thailand Visa before their travel.
The holders of passport from the following countries can travel to Thailand without visa and can stay for as long as 90 days:
- Argentina
- Brazil
- Chile
- South Korea
- Peru
Holders of passports from the following countries can also travel to Thailand without a visa and can stay for as long as 30 days:
- Andorra
- Australia
- Austria
- Bahrain
- Belgium
- Brunei
- Canada
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hong Kong
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Indonesia
- Ireland
- Israel
- Italy
- Japan
- Kuwait
- Laos
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Macao
- Malaysia
- Maldives
- Mauritius
- Monaco
- Mongolia
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
- Norway
- Oman
- Philippines
- Poland
- Portugal
- Qatar
- Russia
- San Marino
- Singapore
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- South Africa
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Turkey
- Ukraine
- United Arab Emirates
- United Kingdom
- United States
- Vietnam
You can also travel to Thailand with no visa upon arrival if you hold a Cambodia or Myanmar passport. You will be allowed to stay for as long as 14 days.
Can I get a Thai Visa on Arrival?
Yes, you can get a Thai Visa on arrival if you are a passport holder of the following countries:
- Bulgaria
- Bhutan
- People’s Republic of China
- Cyprus
- Ethiopia
- Fiji
- Georgia
- India
- Kazakhstan
- Malta
- Mexico
- Nauru
- Papua New Guinea
- Romania
- Russia
- Saudi Arabia
- Taiwan
- Uzbekistan
- Vanuatu
What are the different kinds of Thailand visas?
Thailand provides the following kinds of visas:
- Thailand Tourist Visa – short-term visa for foreigners entering Thailand for leisure and tourism activities.
- Thailand Transit Visa – given to foreigners making their way to a third country of destination
- Thailand SMART Visa – given to highly skilled foreigners that are to work or invest in one of Thailand’s ten prioritized industries
- Thailand Non-Immigrant Visa – given to foreigners entering Thailand for reasons that are not related to tourism or leisure.
- Thailand Student Visa – given to foreigners who will undertake academic studies in Thailand
- Thailand Work Visa – given to foreigners who will be under a paid employment in Thailand
- Thailand Retirement Visa – commonly referred to as “Ten Year Visa”, given to foreigners over the age of 50 who will be retiring in Thailand
- Thailand Business Visa – given to foreigners who will be traveling to Thailand for business purposes
- Thailand Retirement Visa – given to foreigners who are married to a Thai citizen
How do I apply for a Thailand Visa?
- Reach out to the Thailand diplomatic agency in your country.
- Enlist all the needed requirements provided by the Thailand diplomatic mission.
- Complete all such requirements.
- Submit your Thai Visa application to the diplomatic agency.
- Wait for your documents and application to be processed.
- Receive the passport and visa.
Can I apply for a Thai Visa online?
Yes, nationals from China and the United Kingdom can now apply for a Thailand Visa through a dedicated digital platform. All countries are expected to be able to do such as well in the next three years.
How long will my Thailand Visa be valid?
Thailand visas are issued with the following duration:
- Thai Tourist Visa – for three months only if single-entry; up to six months if multiple-entry
- Thai Transit Visa – for three months only if single-entry; up to six months if multiple-entry
- Thai Non-Immigrant Visa – for three months only on both single-entry and multiple-entry visas. A multiple-entry visa can be used for up to a year. This will require a separate one-year stay permit.
Can I extend my Thailand Visa?
Yes, you can do so by simply submitting an application at Thailand’s Immigration Bureau in Bangkok. You will not be allowed to do so if you have a Thai Visa on Arrival that is issued for up to 15 days only.
What fees do I need to prepare for when applying for a Thailand Visa?
Fees can vary depending on which country you’re coming from. But for an average estimate, you should at least prepare the following amount:
- for a Tourist Visa – $30 – $50
- for a Non-Immigrant Visa – $150 – $250
You may be required to pay in case or via bank transfer. It will depend on the preference of the Thai embassy or consulate that will process your application.
