Nationals that are not visa-exempt or eligible for VOA must obtain a Thailand tourist visa in person at a nearby Thai embassy.
This article is about applying for a tourist visa at an embassy and all the requirements, conditions, and tips to help you in the process.
QUICK SUMMARY:
If you haven’t already, read the Thailand Visa Guide for available visa options for tourists, their eligibility and requirements.
The single-entry tourist visa is valid for 3 months. You must enter Thailand within the validity of this visa.
The multiple-entry tourist visa is valid for 6 months. You can enter Thailand unlimited times on this type of visa and all entries must be within the validity of the visa.
Both single and multiple-entry visas allow you to stay for a maximum of 60 days per entry.
There are two types: a single-entry visa and a multiple-entry visa. The latter allows unlimited entries within the validity period.
With a tourist visa, you can enter Thailand through any international border.
When to apply depends on which embassy you apply at, your nationality, and the time of the year. Most Thai embassies process tourist visas within 2 working days.
Some nationalities (see below) must undergo a lengthy background check that increases the processing time by at least 4 weeks.
You can extend the tourist visa once for 30 days. To do that, prepare all the necessary documents and visit any Immigration Office.
The required documents are:
Check this link to download all the forms and read this detailed guide about how to extend your visa in Thailand.
The following 90 non-visa-exempt nationalities must obtain a visa from the embassy before traveling to Thailand.
The above nationalities are also eligible to apply for Thailand e-Visa online if they reside in one of the eligible countries.
Nationalities eligible for Thailand Visa on Arrival or eVOA can also opt to get a tourist visa for longer stays. The VOA/eVOA allows only 15 days of stay and is also more expensive.
Visa-exempt nationals can consider getting a tourist visa if they want to enter Thailand overland a third time in a calendar year since current rules allow only 2 visa-exempt overland entries.
You will need the following documents:
The passport must be valid for at least 6 months at the time of application. The passport must also contain at least 2 blank pages for the visa sticker and entry-exit stamps.
The visa application form is the same for all embassies but the embassy location is usually printed on the top. For that reason, application forms downloaded from one embassy will not work for another embassy. You must download the application from the embassy website where you plan to apply.
Use this link to find the website for the embassy you plan to apply.
The passport-size photos must meet the following requirements.
The tourist visa fee is:
The fee varies between embassies and is payable in the local currency or USD.
Processing time varies between embassies but most will issue visas within 2 working days.
Certain nationalities must undergo a background check that takes 4 to 6 weeks. These are:
In addition, some nationalities will also go through the background check process if they apply at an embassy in a country where they aren’t a legal resident. These are:
Other countries may also be on the “Special Considerations” list depending on the reviewing embassy. Additional documents may be required of you during the background check.
The visa application process is not streamlined across embassies. The experience differs depending on where you apply.
Some embassies require that you make an appointment online and will not accept walk-ins. Appointments can in some cases be made only 2 weeks in advance and for busy embassies get fully booked quickly.
Step 1: Visit the Thai embassy’s website and look for a page about “Applying for a visa”. Check if you need to make an appointment and how. Sometimes you may need to make and verify an account or confirm the booked slot with an OTP code via SMS.
Step 2: Prepare the necessary documents. The embassy’s website will have a link to download the application form. Fill out all personal details.
Step 3: Visit the embassy during the booked slot. Some embassies will not allow you to book another slot for a month if you don’t show up for your appointment!
Step 4: Submit the documents and pay the visa fee. Most embassies will only accept payment in cash in the country’s currency or in US dollars.
Step 5: Go back to the embassy after your visa is ready. Some embassies will require you to book a new appointment. Others will inform you of the processing time (usually 2 business days) so you can just turn up and collect your passport.
With a tourist visa issued by a Thai embassy, you will already have a full-page visa stamp in your passport, so you don’t need to queue for a visa on arrival.
Proceed directly to an immigration counter where an officer will stamp the visa as “Used” (assuming it’s single-entry) and add an “Entry Stamp” valid for 60 days.
Yes but only if you are currently present in a country under the jurisdiction of an eligible Thai embassy. Check if you can apply online on the Thai e-Visa portal.
You must have a consistent balance of at least 550-700 USD over the last 3 months. Double that if you are applying as a family.
You may be asked to show that you have at least 10,000 THB on you before you are allowed to enter (double for a family). While rarely enforced, sometimes border officers will be very insistent on seeing the money in cash.
WRITTEN BY THIRUMAL MOTATI
Thirumal Motati is an expert in tourist visa matters. He has been traveling the world on tourist visas for more than a decade. With his expertise, he has obtained several tourist visas, including the most strenuous ones such as the US, UK, Canada, and Schengen, some of which were granted multiple times. He has also set foot inside US consulates on numerous occasions. Mr. Motati has uncovered the secrets to successful visa applications. His guidance has enabled countless individuals to obtain their visas and fulfill their travel dreams. His statements have been mentioned in publications like Yahoo, BBC, The Hindu, and Travel Zoo.
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Need more? Check out my travel resources page for the best websites to plan your trip.
LEGAL DISCLAIMER
We are not affiliated with immigration, embassies or governments of any country. The content in this article is for educational and general informational purposes only, and shall not be understood or construed as, visa, immigration or legal advice. Your use of information provided in this article is solely at your own risk and you expressly agree not to rely upon any information contained in this article as a substitute for professional visa or immigration advice. Under no circumstance shall be held liable or responsible for any errors or omissions in this article or for any damage you may suffer in respect to any actions taken or not taken based on any or all of the information in this article. Please refer to our full disclaimer for further information.
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