Before you pack your bags, it’s important to understand what you need in terms of a tourist visa for Thailand.
Here’s a simple, detailed guide to make sure you land in Thailand hassle-free!
Do You Need a Tourist Visa for Thailand?
Depending on your nationality, you might not even need a visa for short stays. Thailand offers visa exemption for citizens of over 90 countries, including the US, UK, most of Europe, Australia, and parts of Asia.
Under the visa exemption rule, you can enter Thailand without a visa for up to 60 days (by air) or up to 30 days (if you arrive by land at a border checkpoint).
Important: There are news that the visa exemption rule will be revised. Rumors are that the exemption period will be cut to 30 days. See here Bangkok Post – PM orders revision of visa-free scheme
Requirements:
✅ The passport issuing country is on the exemption list
✅ Your passport is valid for at least 6 month on the day of entrance and you have enough space for the stamp. We recommend a page to be sure.
✅ You have a valid return or onward travel ticket
Other Tourist Visa for Thailand Options
1. Tourist Visa (TR Visa)
If you’re not eligible or want more time you can apply for a single or multi-entry tourist visa before you travel.
This visa lets you stay for up to 60 days, and you can extend it once for 30 more days at an immigration office in Thailand.
Single Entry
The single-entry visa is valid within 3 months from the date of issue.
Cost:
Multi Entry
The multi-entry is valid within 6 months from the date of the issue. It allows you to stay maximum 60 days per entry. That means you can exit and enter to extend your stay, similar to a border run.
Cost:
Requirements
✅ Your passport is valid for at least 6 month on the day of applying and a full empty page for the sticker
✅ A passport photo in the size of 3.5cm x 4.5cm taken within 6 months
✅ A filled Application form, not needed if you apply online
✅ Proof of accommodation for the whole duration for your trip, e.g. confirmed hotel booking or an invitation letter from your friend
✅ Proof of onward travel, e.g. confirmed flight ticket
✅ Proof of financials, e.g certified bank statement
If any of your documents are in a different language than Thai or English they need to be translated and certified!
Application Process
You have two options to apply for your tourist visa for Thailand.
Find the closest Thai Embassy to your location here Diplomatic and Consular List – Ministry of Foreign Affairs and prepare the needed documents. Depending on the Embassy you might have to schedule an appointment in advance.
Or you can use the online application portal of the Thai Government Official Website of Thailand Electronic Visa
You will still need a full set of the required documents in a digital version.
There’s an extensive manual on how to use the portal.
2. Visa on Arrival (VoA)
If your country isn’t on the visa exemption list, you might still be eligible for a Visa on Arrival at Thai airports.
This gives you 15 days to explore and can be extended for another 7 days.
Requirements
✅ Your passport is valid for at least 6 month on the day of applying and a full empty page for the sticker
✅ A passport photo in the size of 4cm x 6cm taken within 6 months
✅ A filled Application form, not needed if you apply online
✅ Proof of accommodation for the whole duration for your trip, e.g. confirmed hotel booking or a invitation letter from your friend
✅ Proof of onward travel, e.g confirmed flight ticket
✅ Proof of financials, e.g certified bank statement
If any of your documents are in a different language than Thai or English they need to be translated and certified!
Application Process
You have two options to apply for your Visa on Arrival for Thailand.
- Find the closest Thai Embassy to your location here Diplomatic and Consular List – Ministry of Foreign Affairs and prepare the needed documents. Depending on the Embassy you might have to schedule an appointment in advance.
- Or you can use the online application portal of the Thai Government Official Website of Thailand Electronic Visa
You will still need a full set of the required documents in a digital version.
There’s an extensive manual on how to use the portal.
Can You Extend Your Stay in Thailand?
For Sure!
If you’re already in Thailand and you feel like staying longer (why not, right?), you can apply for an extension depending on your visa type at an immigration office.
Check our our guide How to Extend your Tourist Visa in Thailand hassle-free
Common Questions About Thai Tourist Visas
What if I overstay my visa?
Overstaying is a serious offence in Thailand.
Fines are 500 Baht per day (up to 20,000 Baht max), and if you overstay too long, you could be banned from re-entering Thailand.
Can I work on a tourist visa?
Absolutely not.
A tourist visa is strictly for tourism and leisure. Working without a proper work permit can get you into major legal trouble.
Is travel insurance mandatory?
While it’s not always mandatory for regular tourist visas, travel insurance is highly recommended. It can protect you from unexpected medical bills, trip cancellations, and more.
