thailand multi entry tourist visa

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Multiple Entry Tourist Visa for Thailand

Thailand has long been considered the tourist hub of South East Asia. People will arrive in the country, enjoy their time, and then head out to explore neighboring countries. Because of its welcoming locals, rich culture, exquisite food, beach, and mountain getaways, people know they will return. Many foreigners stay in Thailand for months and barely scratch the surface of discovering this beautiful country. This is why a Multiple Entry Tourist Visa is the perfect travel solution.

Foreigners can enter Thailand for a holiday in many ways. If they are limited in time and are from a Visa Exempt country, they can visit for up to 30 days without needing a visa through Thailand’s Visa Exemption scheme . This scheme is open to 64 nationalities from around the world. If someone is not eligible for a visa exemption, they can organize a 15-day Visa on Arrival when they arrive in Thailand.

These are good if you are short on time or only intend to visit once, but to truly experience Thailand, you need time. If you plan to visit multiple countries during your stay in Asia, the Multiple Entry Visa is the quickest and cheapest way to plan your holiday.

What is a Multiple Entry Tourist Visa?

A Multi-Entry Tourist Visa allows foreign nationals unlimited entry to Thailand over a 6-month period. It is issued to people who visit the country for tourism, leisure, or medical purposes. 

A multi-entry visa allows the holder to stay in Thailand for up to 60 days per visit. A person could visit the islands in the south of Thailand, relax on the beach and learn to scuba dive for two months; fly to Vietnam and enjoy the sights of Saigon for a week or two; and then return to Thailand’s northern mountains to experience animal sanctuaries, Lan Na culture, and cook northern Thai food.

With a multi-entry visa, people can enter either by air, land, or sea. Many people arrive by plane and then leave by train or boat.

The visa is valid for 6 months after it is approved. This means that people have 6 months to use the visa and enter Thailand as often as they like from the date their visa is approved. It is easy to confuse visa validity with time spent in the country. Validity is how long you have to utilize or use the visa before needing to apply for a new one. Time in the country is the 60-day permission of stay. A stamp is placed in your passport for 60 days when you arrive, so a visitor can arrive on the last day of their visa validity and still get a full 60 days to stay in Thailand.

How to apply for a Multiple Entry Tourist Visa

Many nationalities can now apply for their Thailand Multi-Entry Tourist Visa online at https://thaievisa.go.th/home . This system was updated during Covid and is often the simplest way to obtain a visa.

When applying for a visa online, applicants need to create an account and apply as individuals. Once the account is created, individuals will need the following documents:

• A current passport with no less than 6 months validity beyond the date of departure from Thailand and at least 2 blank pages. Applicants must complete online visa applications with their given name(s) and surname matching their passports.
• Printout of visa application form submitted online, with barcode
• Travel booking confirmation
• Proof of accommodation in Thailand, e.g. hotel booking, invitation letter from family or friend in Thailand
• Financial evidence showing a balance of 200,000 Thai Baht (approx. £5000, USD$5,5000, Aud$8000). This is to prove financial stability over a 6-month period. e.g. bank statements, proof of earnings, sponsorship letter from employer
• Confirmation of legal residence in the country where the application is submitted  (if applicants are not nationals of these countries) e.g. long stay visa, residence permit, BRP card

E-Visa applicants do not need to submit their passport and original supporting documents in person at a Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate. After the e-Visa application has been approved, a confirmation email is sent to applicants. It is best to print a copy of the confirmation email when you are ready to travel. This will be presented to airlines and Thai Immigration officials when traveling to Thailand.

Certain countries are not eligible to apply for an E-Visa because additional documents are needed for approval. 

If you are unsure if eligible for an online visa or do not have access to the online application process, you can contact your local Thai Embassy and organize an appointment. Immigration requirements can change without notice, and many embassies will not allow walk-ins, so it is best to contact the embassy when you are ready to apply. They will confirm the costs and paperwork required.

Minimum documents needed:

• Passport with 6 months (after the intended date of departure from Thailand) validity and at least 2 empty pages.
• Visa application form completed and signed
• Proof of travel booking
• Proof of Accommodation
• Financial evidence – Bank statement or proof of earnings (equivalent to 200,000 Thai Baht)
• Letter of acceptance from institutes or companies organizing activities (if traveling for the purpose of scuba diving, martial arts, or culinary learning) 

All documents in a foreign language must be translated into English or Thai and certified before they will be approved.

The cost of a multi-entry tourist visa can vary from country to country, but an estimated cost is $150 – $250 USD. It is important to note that many embassies will only accept payment in $USD. Confirm cost and currency with your local Embassy or Consulate when making an initial query.

If you are applying online, the E-Visa system will confirm the payment due and process the payment through their secure payment portal.

Assistance with Visa Applications

The process for applying is straightforward and can be done yourself. If you would like help confirming documents are correct before lodging your application or wish to receive approval without going back and forth to embassy appointments, you can enlist the services of a Visa Assistance Agent . These agents are aware of current immigration requirements and will confirm documents are correct to avoid delays. They will liaise with embassies and consulates on your behalf.

Agents will charge a fee for their service but often save you time and money in the long run. They streamline your application process and speed up your approval. Agents can assist with online applications, though you may be required to pay the visa fee directly through E-Visa secure payment portal.

Tourist Visa Restrictions

As noted above, Multiple Entry Tourist Visas are for tourism, leisure, or medical purposes only. Foreigners cannot earn income, study long-term, or conduct volunteer activities in Thailand if they have entered with a tourist visa.

If you wish to take part in any of the above activities, you will need to look at long-term visa options. You can contact your local Thai embassy to discuss options, or seek assistance from a Visa Agent to apply for a long-term visa .

Arriving in Thailand

When you arrive in Thailand, you will need to provide the following documents at Passport Control:

• Passport with approved visa attached (if you applied at an Embassy)
• Confirmation letter of visa approval (if you applied online)
• Confirmed exit flight from the country no later than 60 days
• Confirmed accommodation (at least for the first night in the country)
• Current financial or bank statement showing funds available (200,000 Thai Baht equivalent)

A good practice is to print copies of these documents. Entry approval is at the discretion of immigration officers and presenting hard copies of these documents will speed your processing through Passport Control and help ease congestion at the airport.

Extending your Tourist Visa

If you decide you would like to stay for longer than 60 days before visiting somewhere else, it is possible to extend your stay in Thailand. Visitors with a Multi-Entry Tourist visa can extend their time in the country by 30 days by visiting a local Thai Immigration Office. An extension of stay will cost 1900 Thai Baht and must be paid in cash (Thai Baht) when applying for the extension. 

When you extend your stay, a new stamp will be placed in your passport for 30 days from the date you are at immigration, so it is best to do this towards the end of your 60-day visit.

You need to visit the office before your current stay period expires. Staying in the country past your exit date will cause an “overstay” and you will be fined 500 baht per day after your official exit date. An overstay is noted in your passport and can affect future visa applications. This extension of stay is only available in the country.

It is important to note that Thai Immigration offices are not open on weekends.

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Multiple Entry Visa Thailand: Thai Multi Entry Tourist Visa

Multiple Entry Visa Thailand is a type of Thai multi-entry tourist visa that is valid for entering Thailand unlimited times within 6 months from the date of issuance. The allowed period of stay with this Thailand visa is 60 days maximum per stay . However, you may enter Thailand again as long as the visa is still valid.

Thailand Multiple Entry Tourist Visa

Thailand Multiple Entry Tourist Visa can only be applied for at  Thai embassy or consulate within the country of your legal residence .

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Documents for Multiple Entry Visa Thailand

When applying for Thailand Multiple Entry Tourist Visa you will need the following documents (list can slightly vary depending on embassy / consulate):

• Passport valid for at least one year from travel date of the first trip.
• Copy of the passport biodata page.
• Duly filled-in and signed Thai Visa Application Form that is filled online when applying via Thailand E-Visa website.
• One or two passport size (3.5 x 4.5 cm) photos taken within 6 months. Some Thai embassies require newer photos. It is important to note that if the photo does not reflect your current appearance you may be refused to enter Thailand.                             
• Visa fee (usually paid in cash) or a proof of fee payment confirmed by the bank (accepted payment options depend on embassy / consulate). Thai embassies using Thailand E-Visa system accept payments online via the system. The cost of this visa is currently 200 USD / 175 EUR / 5,000 THB or around that amount in local currency of the country, where specific Thai embassy or consulate is located.
• Return / onward journey air ticket for flying out of Thailand for the first visit. Some embassies / consulates now even require to present tickets at least for two trips to/from Thailand. Flights to Thailand can be booked here:  Cheap Flights to Thailand
• Accommodation booking at least for the first visit. In most cases hotel booking for full first trip duration is required. It's best to book your hotel on  Booking.com  or  Agoda as bookings on these online platforms are usually accepted with no problem.
• Proof of bank balance exceeding 200,000 THB (around 6,000 EUR) or roughly equivalent amount in local currency per person. You normally need to present a bank statement for 6 months and the balance each month needs to be at least the amount stated.
• Proof of employment or other occupation.

At the time of your arrival to Thailand, you will have to submit  Thailand Arrival Card as well (currently only needed when arriving by land or by sea).

You might be requested to provide extra documents in addition to the ones mentioned above, e.g. proof of your residence, travel itinerary etc. Therefore, you should always check for the detailed list of required documents with the specific Thai embassy or consulate before making your Thai visa application there. 

Thai Embassies / Consulates for Multiple Entry Tourist Visa

You can apply for Multiple Entry Tourist Visa  only at Thai embassy or consulate within your resident country !

The residents of the United States can apply for Thailand Multiple Entry Tourist Visa at Thai embassy or one of Thai consulates, depending on their jurisdiction:

• Royal Thai Embassy in Washington, D.C - responsible for Alabama, District of Columbia, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia, Puerto Rico
• Royal Thai Consulate General in Chicago - responsible for Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Oklahoma and Wisconsin.
• Royal Thai Consulate General in Los Angeles - responsible for Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming as well as all of the unincorporated territories of the United States in the Pacific such as Guam.
• Royal Thai Consulate General in New York - responsible for Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, New Hampshire, Maine, Massachusetts, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Vermont.

UK residents can apply for Multiple Entry Visa Thailand at Royal Thai Embassy in London .

Australian residents can apply for Thailand Multiple Entry Visa at Royal Thai Embassy in Canberra or Royal Thai Consulate General in Sydney .

Residents of the countries with no presence of Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate-General, can apply for Multiple Entry Visa Thailand in the country with the assigned Thai Embassy, e.g.  Latvian residents can apply at Royal Thai Embassy in Stockholm (Sweden),  Ukrainian residents can apply at Royal Thai Embassy in Warsaw (Poland), etc.

The process of Thai visa application might also be different as some of Thai embassies use Thailand E-Visa official website, others have their own online systems, some accept applications via Visa processing agents, while the rest still accept applications in person. As it was mentioned before, you should always check for the detailed list of required documents with the specific Thai embassy or consulate before making your Thai visa application there.

Thailand E-Visa Application

Thailand E-Visa Application  service giving an opportunity to apply for  Thai visa online is available. E-Visa service makes application for Thailand visa at Thai embassies and consulates much easier. However, Thailand E-Visa application system is still used just by some Thai embassies worldwide. 

Thailand E-Visa application service is currently available for visa application in China , United Kingdom , United States and a number of countries in Europe. Check with your local Thai embassy if they require you to apply for Multiple Entry Visa Thailand via Thailand E-Visa official website.

Thailand Immigration control procedure  at the airport in Thailand is briefly described here:  Thailand Immigration Control Procedure for Foreigners .

Your stay in Thailand  can be extended  once per entry. In most cases it can be extended by 30 days. For more information check:  Thai Visa Extension .

The application of a  Multiple-Entry Tourist Visa seems to be not worth the effort?  You can opt for one of the easier ways to visit Thailand - Free visa-exempt stay , Visa on Arrival  or Single-Entry Tourist Visa .

Take the worry out of your arrival at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport after a long flight, and enjoy a VIP service through the airport formalities. Take advantage of a premium service that fast tracks you through immigration by booking it online here: Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport Fast Track Immigration Service .

Any Questions?

Check our Frequently Asked Questions about getting Thailand Visa at Thai Embassies and Consulates and ask your own question if it's not answered there yet.

FAQ - Thai Visa at Embassy / Consulate

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How to Choose the Best Thailand Tourist Visa

Visiting Thailand is a pretty straightforward endeavor for most tourists, especially those from countries with strong passports.

The two options chosen by most travelers are either to obtain the standard Single Entry Thailand Tourist Visa (TR) beforehand online or from a Thai embassy or to opt for visa-exempt entry to the Kingdom.

Most tourists visiting Thailand, however, don’t realize more (and perhaps better) options exist. Options that are potentially more suited to their travel plans and desired length of stay.

This article will provide an overview of all the different types of tourist visas in Thailand, their requirements, and the pros and cons of each. So you can choose the best tourist visa for your upcoming trip to Thailand .

Types of Thailand Tourist Visas

1. visa exemption.

By far the easiest option for tourists heading to Thailand is Visa Exemption entry. This allows travelers from certain countries to enter Thailand for 30 days without obtaining an actual tourist visa beforehand.

Put simply, provided you are a traveler from one of the countries approved for visa-exempt entry (most countries), you can just show up at the airport and get stamped into Thailand. Visa exempt entry is available to passport holders of the United States, Australia, Canada, most European countries, etc.

To enter Thailand under the Visa Exemption, travelers must have a valid passport, a return ticket, and sufficient funds to support themselves during their stay. Like all the other visas on this list, it can be extended for up to 30 more days, giving tourists a total of 60 days in the country.

Pros: The Visa Exemption is the easiest and quickest way to enter Thailand. It requires no application process and is available to travelers from many countries.

Cons: The shortest length of stay among the three most popular Thailand tourist visa types. Visa-exemption can also only be used twice during a calendar year to visit Thailand.

2. Single Entry Tourist Visa (TR)

The next most common option is the Single Entry Tourist Visa. This visa allows travelers to stay in Thailand for up to 60 days (with a 30-day extension available).

To obtain the standard Thailand Tourist Visa, travelers must apply at a Thai embassy or consulate in their home country or another foreign country. Thailand now accepts online applications for all visa types including Single Entry Tourist Visas. This tourist visa costs around $60 or 2,000 THB depending on the embassy or consulate you apply at.

The requirements for the Single Entry Tourist Visa include a valid passport, a completed visa application form, a passport-sized photo, proof of accommodation, proof of onward travel, and proof of financial means to support their stay in Thailand.

Pros: Allows for a longer stay in Thailand than visa-exempt entry and is a relatively cheap option. Also, the standard Tourist Visa is granted in the vast majority of cases and only takes 5 to 10 working days to process.

Cons: The Tourist Visa requires an application process, which means preparing and submitting documents and waiting for it to process. This is more time-consuming than visa-exempt entry.

3. Multiple-Entry Tourist Visa (METV)

The Thailand Multiple Entry Tourist Visa is a visa type that is far too often overlooked by travelers coming to Thailand. In fact, many tourists don’t even know it exists. In short, Thailand’s Multiple Entry Tourist Visa allows tourists to visit Thailand for up to roughly nine months if timed correctly.

Let us explain.

Basically, the METV visa allows travelers to enter and exit Thailand multiple times within a 6-month time frame. Each time the visitor enters Thailand within the 6-month window, they can stay for up to 60 days and extend that up to 30 days. Unlike other Thai tourist visas, however, the 6 month window of entering/exiting Thailand starts immediately the day it is issued rather than the day you enter the country.

So to clarify, upon the date of the visa issuance, the traveler holds access to Thailand for multiple entries for 6 months. Up until the last day of that 6-month period, the traveler can re-enter Thailand and stay for 60 days plus 30 days with an extension at immigration.

So 6 months + 60 days + 30 days = nearly 9 months (if timed correctly).

This type of visa is available for all of the same countries that have access to the Single Entry Tourist Visa for Thailand and requires many of the same documents. On the downside, though, it costs roughly $200 or 6,000 THB depending on the embassy or consulate and applicants must show evidence of much more funds in the bank.

Pros: The METV visa is the best tourist visa option for two types of travelers.

• Travelers who want to enter and exit Thailand as they wish (great for those on long trips throughout the entirety of Southeast Asia).
• Visitors who want to stay in Thailand for a long period of time without having to do visa runs or re-apply for a new tourist visa every few months.

Cons: On the flip side, the Multiple Entry Tourist Visa is a stricter and costlier option that requires more documents and higher proof of funds in the bank.

4. Thai Visa on Arrival (VOA)

Even though it’s not one of the best options in our opinion, we will still mention the Thai Visa on Arrival. This option allows travelers to obtain a tourist visa for Thailand on arrival at the airport.

This tourist visa gives visitors a 30-day duration of stay (previously 15-day) in Thailand and can be extended 7 days. To be eligible for this visa, you must hold a passport from one of the 19 eligible countries and have a return ticket, proof of sufficient funds, and a confirmed hotel reservation.

Pros: The Thai Visa on Arrival provides a flexible option for travelers who may not have time to apply for a visa prior to their Thailand trip. Additionally, the process of obtaining the Visa on Arrival is simple and straightforward considering it can be done when landing at the Thai airport. But that’s about it.

Cons: If we’re being completely honest, we almost never recommend getting a Visa on Arrival in Thailand due to the fact that Visa-Exemption entry already exists for many of the countries eligible for a Visa on Arrival. Visa-exempt entry allows for a longer duration of stay and doesn’t require any application process. It’s a win-win.

Picking the Right Thai Tourist Visa for Your Travel Plans

Ultimately, choosing the right tourist visa for Thailand largely comes down to your travel plans and desires.

Do you want to stay in Thailand for a short time and don’t want the headache of an application process? Go the visa-exempt route.

Do you want to move to Thailand long-term and really experience the daily life and culture in a more meaningful way ? Opt for the Multiple Entry Tourist Visa.

Or do you want a balance of both? Then maybe the Standard Tourist Visa will be more your cup of tea.

Whatever the case, your next trip to Thailand is sure to be a hit!

Related: How to Obtain a Thai Education Visa, Explained

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Thailand tourist visa: Requirements and application procedure

Updated: April 6, 2023

Thailand has a liberal visa policy offering Visa EXEMPTION and Visa ON ARRIVAL to many nationalities in the world. For those who REQUIRE a visa, Thailand tourist visa is the easiest to obtain if you understand and follow the visa requirements properly.

There 5 ways you can enter Thailand as a tourist.

• Visa Exemption
• Visa on Arrival (VOA)
• Pre-approved visa from Thai embassy

A Thailand tourist visa is only for visiting Thailand for the purpose of tourism for a short period of time. If you plan to stay longer, look into Thai ED Visa , which allows you to study and live in Thailand for up to one year.

Without further delay, let’s dive into Thailand visa requirements, eligibility, application procedure and entry-exit formalities at the airport.

Table of Contents

Thailand tourist visa requirements by nationality.

Minimum passport validity required to enter Thailand as a tourist

For visa EXEMPT and visa REQUIRED nationalities, the passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day of arrival in Thailand.

For visa ON ARRIVAL eligible nationalities, the passport must be valid for at least 30 days from the day of arrival in Thailand. 

VISA EXEMPT nationalities

90-day entry.

• South Korea

30-day entry

• Czech Republic
• Liechtenstein
• Myanmar (* only if entering by air)
• Netherlands
• New Zealand
• Philippines
• South Africa
• Switzerland
• United Arab Emirates
• United Kingdom
• United States

Visa ON ARRIVAL or e-VOA eligible nationalities

15-day entry.

• Papua New Guinea
• Saudi Arabia

E-VISA eligible nationalities

60-day entry.

• Citizens or permanent residents of the following countries are eligible for E-Visa.
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Congo, Rep. of
• Congo, Dem. Rep. of
• Dominican Republic
• North Korea
• Trinidad and Tobago
• Vatican City

Visa REQUIRED nationalities

• Afghanistan
• Antigua and Barbuda
• Burkina Faso
• Cayman Islands
• Central African Republic
• Cote d’Ivoire
• El Salvador
• Equatorial Guinea
• Guinea-Bissau
• Marshall Islands
• North Macedonia
• Saint Kitts and Nevis
• Saint Lucia
• Saint Vincent And The Grenadines
• Sao Tome and Principe
• Sierra Leone
• Sint Maarten
• Solomon Islands
• South Sudan
• Timor-Leste
• Turkmenistan

THAILAND VISA EXEMPTION

Currently, Thailand offers visa exemption to 64 countries. Most countries in that list get a 30-day entry. Just a handful of countries in South America and South Korea get 90-day entry.

How long can you stay in Thailand with visa exemption

Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Peru and South Korea nationals can stay up to 90 days in Thailand. All other visa-exempt nationalities can stay up to 30 days in Thailand. 

Except for G7 countries (Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, United Kingdom, and the United States), all other nationalities will be granted only a 30-day entry if entering by land.

Malaysia passport holders are granted 30-day entry when entering by land from Malaysia.

How many times can you enter Thailand with visa exemption

There are no restrictions on entering Thailand by air. But you can only enter 2 times in a given year by land.

Passport validity required for visa exemption

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day of arrival in Thailand.

Documents to carry for visa exemption

• Original passport
• Proof of onward ticket
• Proof of funds (20,000 THB for individuals and 40,000 THB for families)

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day of arrival in Thailand. 

Your proof of onward ticket can be a print or a copy on your phone. This cannot be a bus or train ticket. This must a flight ticket. If you are traveling on a one-way ticket or planning to take a bus or train to Laos or Cambodia, get a dummy proof of an onward flight ticket .

Proof of funds can be cash, ATM cards or credit cards. There were incidents where tourists were forced to show proof of funds in the form of cash. To avoid unnecessary trouble, I suggest carrying a bit of cash on you in Thai Baht or any major currency.

THAILAND VISA ON ARRIVAL (VOA)

Thailand is a popular tourist destination in South East Asia, partly due to its liberal visa-exemption and Visa on Arrival policies. Currently, 18 nationalities can obtain Thailand Visa on Arrival at all international airports and land checkpoints with minimal documentation.

How long can you stay in Thailand with Visa on Arrival (VOA)

You can stay up to 15 days on Visa on Arrival (VOA). No visa extensions are allowed.

How many times can you obtain Visa on Arrival (VOA)

If you are traveling to many countries in South East Asia, you may have to enter Thailand multiple times. You can obtain Visa on Arrival multiple times on your trip without any problems. 

PERSONAL EXPERIENCE I obtained Visa on Arrival (VOA) at the airport and later at a land border in Thailand on my South East Asia trip and I was fine.

Passport validity required for Visa on Arrival (VOA)

Your passport must be valid for at least 30 days from the day of arrival in Thailand.

Documents required for Visa on Arrival (VOA)

The following documents are required for Visa on Arrival (VOA).

• Completed Thailand Visa on Arrival application form
• One passport-size photo (4×6 cm)
• Return/onward flight ticket (must be within 15 days of arrival in Thailand)
• Hotel booking confirmation (minimum 5 nights)
• Proof of funds (10,000 THB for individuals and 20,000 THB for families)

Print and complete your Thailand Visa on Arrival application form before heading on your trip to Thailand. If you can’t print it, you can always grab one at the airport and fill it out.

A return/onward flight ticket is mandatory and it must be within 15 days of arrival in Thailand. If your return ticket is over 15 days, you will be forced to rebook another flight ticket by the Visa on Arrival staff. You will end up spending a lot on rebooking so make sure your flight ticket is within 15 days.

Your return or onward ticket must be a flight ticket. Bus or train tickets are not acceptable. If you plan to travel to a neighboring country by land, you must still provide a flight ticket as proof of onward travel .

If you plan on traveling to a neighboring country by bus or train, get a dummy onward flight ticket for your Visa on Arrival. 

Hotel booking is mandatory. A minimum of 5 nights or more is required. Booking a hotel for the first 1 or 2 nights will not work. You will be forced to book the remaining nights by the VOA staff at the airport.

Proof of funds must be a minimum of 10,000 THB for individuals and 20,000 THB for families. You would need to show proof of funds in cash. You can get away by saying that you have your debit and credit cards on you. But, I strongly suggest you have at least 5,000 THB on your and for the remaining, you can show your debit card, credit card and bank statements.

Visa on Arrival (VOA) photo size

The photo must be of size 4 x 6 cm. It must have been taken within the last 6 months. You may need 1-2 photos for your visa depending on the checkpoint. Carry at least 2 photos for Visa on Arrival at the land borders.

Visa on Arrival (VOA) fee

Thailand Visa ON ARRIVAL fee is 2,000 THB. This fee must be paid in cash in Thai Baht (THB) only. 

You may be forced to pay an additional 200 THB as an express fee for fast processing of your VOA. Sometimes you will not have a choice but to pay this express fee.

Money exchanges are available near the Visa on Arrival sections in the airports. No ATMs are available, so make sure to carry cash in THB or any major currency.

Visa on Arrival (VOA) processing time

Visa on Arrival process at airports is quick these days. It used to take at least an hour before. Either way, account for an additional one hour for your Visa on Arrival process at the airport just in case.

To save time, you can download and fill out the Visa on Arrival application form prior to your arrival.

RELATED: How to get a 15-day Thailand Visa on Arrival (VOA) in 2023 – A complete guide

THAILAND ONLINE VISA ON ARRIVAL (e-VOA)

Thailand e-VOA speeds up the process of obtaining Visa on Arrival (VOA) at the airport. If you hold an e-VOA, you can skip the regular Visa on Arrival lines at the airports. 

All 18 nationalities that are eligible for Visa on Arrival can obtain e-VOA online. 

There are special counters set up at the airports just for e-VOA holders for obtaining Visa on Arrival. You do not need to carry supporting documents or the visa fee. All you need is your original passport, e-VOA approval and proof of funds.

IMPORTANT e-VOA is NOT eVISA. Even with an e-VOA, you still have to go through the Visa on Arrival process and obtain your VOA stamp at the airport. It ONLY speeds up the process of obtaining Visa on Arrival at the airport since your document check and visa fee payment were already done online.

Hong long can you stay in Thailand with e-VOA

You can stay up to 15 days using e-VOA. No visa extensions are allowed.

Passport validity required for e-VOA

Blank pages needed in the passport for e-voa.

You must have at least 1 blank page in your passport.

Where to enter Thailand with e-VOA

With an approved e-VOA, you can only enter Thailand from the below 4 international airports. 

• Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok (BKK)
• Don Mueang International Airport in Bangkok (DMK)
• Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX)
• Phuket International Airport (HKT)

NOTE If you plan to enter Thailand from an airport other than the above 4 or from a land border, you must opt for the regular Visa on Arrival. You CANNOT use e-VOA.

Thailand e-VOA application procedure

To obtain Thailand e-VOA, you must fill out an online visa application and upload the required documents. Pay the Visa on Arrival fee, service charge and tax. You will receive your e-VOA result in 1-3 working days.

Once your e-VOA is approved, print your e-VOA approval. You must present your passport, e-VOA approval and arrival/departure card at the Visa on Arrival counters at the airport. The 15-day Visa on Arrival will be stamped in your passport.

You can apply for e-VOA from any one of the two authorized visa agents. These are the only 2 agents authorized by Thai immigration.

• eVisa Thailand E-Visa on Arrival | THB 495.33 processing fee plus 7% VAT
• Thailand eVisa on Arrival by VFS Global | THB 500 processing fee

Documents required for e-VOA

The following documents are required for e-VOA.

• Passport cover page
• Passport ID page
• Digital photo (4×6 cm)
• Round trip flight tickets (return flight must be within 15 days of arrival in Thailand)
• Hotel booking confirmations for the entire stay

Thailand e-VOA fee

The fee for e-VOA is 2,000 THB. The visa agent will charge a service fee of 500 THB and tax on top of the visa fee. The visa fee can only be paid in Thai Baht using a credit/debit card. 

The additional THB 500 service fee is non-refundable in case of e-VOA rejection.

e-VOA processing time

The processing time for e-VOA is 1-3 working days. Express processing is also available for an additional fee where the application will be processed within 24 hours.

e-VOA application tracking

Both eVisa Thailand and VFS Global offer visa application status tracking. 

THAILAND E-VISA

Thailand E-Visa is an initiative from Thai immigration to move the Thai visa process online. The idea is to replace the regular pre-approved visa from the embassy with the new E-Visa. The visa validity and entry are exactly the same as the pre-approved visa from the embassy. 

Thailand’s E-Visa portal offers both single and multiple-entry visas. You can apply for either one. But if the officers are not convinced that you need a multiple-entry visa, they may simply issue a single-entry visa. The fee for the multiple-entry visa is not refunded in that case.

Validity of Thailand E-Visa

Thailand E-Visa is valid for 3 months or 6 months depending on the entry type. 

• Single-Entry: Valid for 3 months
• Multiple-Entry: Valid for 6 months

When to apply for E-Visa

You can apply for a Thai E-Visa up to 3 months prior to your trip. The processing takes about 3-10 working days, so it’s recommended to apply at least a month prior to your trip.

How long can stay in Thailand on E-Visa

You can stay up to 60 days in Thailand on your single-entry Thailand E-Visa. 

With a multiple-entry E-Visa, you can stay up to 60 days on each entry. All entries must be made within the validity of your multiple-entry E-Visa. Meaning, even if you enter Thailand on the last day of your E-Visa, you will still receive a 60-day entry.

Both single-entry and multiple-entry E-Visas are extendable for additional 30 days at the local immigration office. 

Passport validity required for E-Visa

At the time of lodging your E-Visa application, your passport must be valid for at least 6 months for a single-entry E-Visa and 1 year for a multiple-entry E-Visa.

E-Visa application procedure

You can apply for your E-Visa on the Thai E-Visa portal . You must fill out the online application, upload the required documents and pay the required visa fee.

The Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs has created a nice step-by-step video guide and a PDF guide on how to apply for your E-Visa using the Thai E-Visa portal.

Documents required

The following documents are required for the Thai E-Visa.

• A scan of your passport ID page
• A digital photo (4×6 cm)
• Fully paid round-trip flight tickets
• Proof of residence (if not a citizen of the country where you are applying from)

All scanned documents must be in JPG format only. Max allowed file size is 3MB.

Photo requirements

The digital photo must meet the following requirements.

• Photo must have been taken in the last 6-months
• Must be 4×6 cm in dimensions
• Must be in JPG format only 
• Max file size allowed is 3MB

The Thailand E-Visa fee is $40 USD for a single-entry tourist visa, paid in the local currency of the Thai consulate you have selected in your E-Visa application. E-Visa fees can only be paid using a credit/debit card. 

Processing time

The processing time for E-Visa is 3-10 working days. 

Application tracking

The application can be tracked within the dashboard of your account in the E-Visa portal.

THAILAND TOURIST VISA FROM THE EMBASSY

The following are eligible to apply for a pre-approved tourist visa. 

• Visa REQUIRED nationality that are not eligible for Thai E-VISA
• Visa ON ARRIVAL eligible nationality that would need to stay longer than 15 days and are not eligible for Thai E-Visa
• Visa EXEMPT nationality that would need to stay longer than 30 days and are not eligible for Thai E-Visa

Validity of Thailand tourist visa

A single-entry Thailand tourist visa is valid for 3 months. You must enter Thailand within the validity of this visa.

A multiple-entry Thailand 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. 

When to apply for Thailand tourist visa

You can apply for a Thailand tourist visa up to 3 months prior to your trip. The processing can take from 3-10 working days so it’s recommended to apply at least one month prior to your trip.

How long can you stay in Thailand on a tourist visa

You can stay up to 60 days on a single-entry Thailand tourist visa. A 30-day extension is possible from the local immigration office.

You can stay up to 60 days for each entry on a multiple-entry tourist visa. A 30-day extension is possible from the local immigration office.

Passport validity required for tourist visa

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months at the time of applying for your tourist visa.

Blank pages needed in the passport for tourist visa

You must have at least two blank pages in your passport for the tourist visa. One page for the visa sticker and one page for entry and exit stamps.

Thailand tourist visa application procedure

You can apply for a Thailand tourist visa in person at your nearest Royal Thai embassy or using an authorized visa agent such as VFS Global.

Here is an informational video made by the Royal Thai consulate in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on how to fill and arrange the documents for your Thailand tourist visa.

IMPORTANT If you are a Visa REQUIRED nationality, you can ONLY apply for a Thailand tourist visa in your country of passport or residence. That means You CANNOT apply for a Thailand tourist visa while traveling.

If you do not have a Thai mission in your country of passport or residence, you must apply at a Thai mission in a neighboring country that is specifically designated for applicants from your country. 

The following documents are required for Thailand tourist visa.

• Completed Thailand tourist visa application form (you can download it from your nearest Royal Thai embassy website)
• Original passport with at least 6 months of validity with 2 blank pages
• Copies of your passport data/ID page and last page (2-3 copies depending on the Thai embassy where you are applying from)
• Passport size photos (1-4 photos depending on the Thai embassy where you are applying from)
• Roundtrip flight tickets (fully paid and confirmed for certain Thai embassies)
• Hotel reservations for the entire trip 
• Full itinerary (full itinerary of your entire stay on a sheet of paper)
• Bank statements (last 6 months showing at least $700 USD per individual or $1,400 USD per family)
• Proof of residence (if applying from a country other than the country of passport)

The passport photo for the visa application must meet the following requirements.

• Must be of size 3.5 x 4.5 cm
• Must be latest taken in the last 3 months
• Must be on a white background without glasses or a hat

You may need 1-4 photos for your visa depending on the nationality. Carry about 4 photos when heading to the embassy.

Thailand tourist visa fee is 1,000 THB ($30 USD) for a single-entry tourist visa and 5,000 THB ($145 USD) for a multiple-entry tourist visa. You have to pay the visa fee in your local currency, so the visa fee may vary a bit due to currency exchange rates. 

Visa agents such as VFS Global charge an additional service fee, courier fee, handling charges, etc. on top of the visa fee.

Thailand tourist visa processing time is 3 to 10 working days. Most applications are processed within 3 working days but if the embassy requires additional documents from you, it can take up to 10 working days.

Thai consulates, embassies, and authorized visa agents provide visa status updates via email. VFS Global provides online visa application tracking for its applicants.

ENTRY AND EXIT PROCEDURE AT THE AIRPORT

Entering Thailand by air

If you are a visa-exempt nationality, hold an E-Visa or a pre-approved Thailand tourist visa, head straight to immigration.

If you need to obtain Visa on Arrival (VOA), head to the Visa on Arrival section first. To speed up the Visa on Arrival process, you can either opt for e-VOA or express lanes at the airport. You can also download and fill out the Visa on Arrival application form before you arrive at the airport. 

If you don’t have a completed Visa on Arrival form with you, grab one at the Visa on Arrival section. There will be examples of completed application forms on the wall to assist you with filling out the application form.

IMPORTANT Visa on Arrival fee can only be paid in THB. There are NO ATMs at the Visa on Arrival sections in any of the Thailand airports. So, make sure to carry enough cash in THB (Thai Baht) or major currency. There are currency exchanges at Visa on Arrival sections. So if you have some major currency on you, you can change it into THB.

After you complete your Visa on Arrival procedure, head to the immigration area.

Leaving Thailand by air

On exiting Thailand, you will have to go through passport control. You must present the following documents

• Your original passport
• Airline boarding pass

If flying out of Bangkok (BKK and DMK), long lines at check-in counters and passport control are common. Arrive at least 2 hours before your departure time.

ENTRY AND EXIT PROCEDURE AT THE LAND BORDER

Entering thailand by land.

If you are a visa-exempt nationality, hold an E-Visa or a pre-approved Thailand visa, head straight to immigration.

If you have to obtain Visa on Arrival (VOA), head to the Visa on Arrival section first. To speed up the Visa on Arrival process, you can download and fill out the Visa on Arrival application form before you arrive at the land border. 

IMPORTANT The Visa on Arrival fee can only be paid in THB. ATMs and currency exchanges are very rare at the land borders. So, make sure to carry enough cash in THB (Thai Baht).

Leaving Thailand by land

On exiting Thailand by land, you must go through passport control. You must present the following documents

• Visa to the next country

If the next country you will be entering requires a visa, you must present the visa of that country. Otherwise, you will not be allowed to leave Thailand. If you will be obtaining Visa on Arrival in the next country, just say that you will obtain Visa on Arrival and you will be fine.

Thailand offers Visa EXEMPTION and Visa ON ARRIVAL to many nationalities. For those who REQUIRE a visa, a Thailand tourist visa is quite easy to obtain. Currently, 18 nationalities are eligible to obtain Visa on Arrival (VOA) and over 50 nationalities can obtain E-Visa. Rest requires a pre-approved visa from the embassy.

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.

PLAN YOUR TRAVEL WITH VISA TRAVELER

I highly recommend using these websites to plan your trip. I use these websites myself to apply for my visas, book my flights and hotels and purchase my travel insurance.

01. Apply for your visa

Get a verifiable flight itinerary for your visa application from DummyTicket247 . DummyTicket247 is a flight search engine to search and book flight itineraries for visas instantly. These flight itineraries are guaranteed to be valid for 2 weeks and work for all visa applications.

02. Book your fight

Find the cheapest flight tickets using Skyscanner . Skyscanner includes all budget airlines and you are guaranteed to find the cheapest flight to your destination.

03. Book your hotel

Book your hotel from Booking.com . Booking.com has pretty much every hotel, hostel and guesthouse from every destination.

04. Get your onward ticket

If traveling on a one-way ticket, use BestOnwardTicket to get proof of onward ticket for just $12, valid for 48 hours.

05. Purchase your insurance

Purchase travel medical insurance for your trip from SafetyWing . Insurance from SafetyWing covers COVID-19 and also comes with a visa letter which you can use for your visas.

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.

AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. Please refer to our full disclosure for further information.

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Thailand 60 Day Visa (SETV) and 6 Months Multiple Entry Visa (METV)

Planning a trip to Thailand and considering what’s the best travel visa to obtain? There are a number of options that depend on where you’re from and the length of stay planned.

Thailand tourist visa types covered here include – 60-day single entry (SETV) and 6 month multiple entry visa (METV). There is no longer a double entry. For rules regarding visa exemption (countries that can receive 90, 30, or 15 days without a visa) see this article .

When seeking tourist visa information for Thailand stay as up-to-date as much possible before your trip. Regulations change fast here or regulations become strictly enforced that were not previously.

Applying (update)

Visitors to Thailand can now apply for visas and submit all documents required online (eligible countries). A response from the application is received via e-mail. Do make sure you apply well before the time of travel, and 15 days is advised.

Visa Application: Online application to be made at the official website https://www.thaievisa.go.th/ and here is our online application guide .

Attention (update on the online system): From 26 September 2021, 11.00 PM (UTC), it is no longer required for e-Visa applicant to submit his/her passport and original supporting documents in person at the Royal Thai Embassy/Consulate. After the e-Visa application has been approved, a confirmation e-mail will be sent to applicants. It is kindly requested to print a copy of the confirmation e-mail to present to airline and Thai Immigration officials to carry out checks when travelling to Thailand.

This article will be updated as much as possible in line with the latest application process. However, due to the covid situation, I have held off updating some information until everything is clear. Documents and other requirements are still the same and correct.

Note:  Take note of where I state to go to an Embassy or Thai consulate for now within this article; because the online system is in place for some countries. Many countries are still not eligible to apply online. Will neighboring countries continue to issue visas? I don’t think so, but let’s see, and now, citizens of the neighbouring countries cannot apply online. 

Single Entry Thai Visa (SETV) 60 Days

The SETV is given to various countries that wish to visit Thailand for the purpose of tourism for a period of 60 days. This can be extended for 30 days if required.

This visa type has to be applied for at a Thai Embassy or Consulate outside of Thailand, which could be a neighbouring country (i.e, Laos, Cambodia, Malaysia) if you’re not staying in your home country. Some countries have access to applying online and do not have to go to a Thai Embassy or Consulate.

Requirements Needed At Thai Embassy or Consulate

• Passport with a minimum validity of 6 months and at least 2 pages left within the passport for the visa and border control stamps.
• A completed form that can be downloaded or completed at your chosen Embassy or Consulate.
• Supply two passport pictures.
• Photocopy of your passport main photo page and last stamp and/or visa into the country, although this depends on where you apply. For example, in the UK (UK passport holder) you’ll just take a passport, passport pictures and fee, whereas in Vientiane as a non Loathian resident you will need photocopies, which can be done outside and this is the same for most Thai Consulates neighbouring Thailand.
• The fee. In the UK it’s 35 GBP, Ho Chi Minh 40 USD, Malaysia 150 RM and Laos 1000 THB which gives you an idea of the approximate cost for whichever country you’re applying from.
• Evidence of travel (air/bus ticket to and from Thailand) and finances of (20,000 Baht per person and 40,000 Baht per family). This can be requested and is Thai regulations, however, it has never been requested from me personally.

Validity – When To Apply

From the date of issue, a SETV can be used anytime before the enter before the date shown on the visa, which will be 3 months. You can apply 3 months before travel (maximum) or the day before travelling (minimum). Make sure you enter before the ‘Enter Before’ date shown on the visa.

In my home country and maybe yours, the visa is given on that day of attending the Embassy or Consulate (it was before we started doing the application online, that is). If applying at any of Thailand’s neighbouring countries you’re likely to attend and apply in the morning then collect the visa the next day (check for each Consulate/Embassy).

6 Months Multiple Entry (METV)

The Thailand multiple-entry tourist visa replaces the old triple entry tourist visa. There are more specific and strict requirements, although flexibility is given in terms of being able to enter and leave Thailand as many times as you wish once the visa is activated (entered Thailand).

The METV has to be applied for in your home country unless you have residency within other countries and has to be done in-person to receive it that day, within an hour (UK). Applying via post within the UK requires the passport holder to apply at the London Thai Embassy and not a Consulate. Check with your own Thai Consulate/Embassy for application rules whether applying in person or via post.

You still have to leave Thailand every 60 days or request a 30 day extension at a Thai immigration office, giving you 90 days x 3. Extensions can be done every 60 days allowing a person to spend the good part of 9 months in Thailand if they get the dates correct.

Requirements

• Bank statements showing £5000 or more in the account continuously for 6 months per person. If a joint account with a couple traveling the amount is £10’000.
• A letter from your employer stating how long you’ve worked for them and they know of your land.
• If your self employed, proof of this is required. For UK citizens the proof is a SA100 HMRC tax return for the latest tax year. For other countries, I imagine it’s something similar from your government tax office.
• If you are retired, at any age, and receiving a private pension, a copy of this pension is required.
• If any children are travelling a copy of the child’s birth certificate is required with the parent’s name on the certificate.
• A completed form that can be downloaded or completed at your chosen Embassy or Consulate. Also, supply two passport pictures.
• Confirmation of where you plan to stay when arriving in Thailand. If staying with a friend or family members they state the requirement of a utility bill from the person you’re staying with. Any concerns about this, contact your Consulate.

Requirements and Consulates

It has been known for some time that one consulate can be stricter than another. The best approach if you have concerns is to contact the office you intend to make the application.

The validity of the METV is 6 months from issue which means you must enter before the ‘Enter Before’ date shown. The enter before date is important because the last possible entrance for 60 days has to be used when entering the day before the end before date.

To get the maximum stay out of a METV you need to apply and begin using it as soon as possible. Two of the three 60 day exit stamps could possibly be extended for 30 days at a Thai immigration office although your last entry must be no later than the ‘Enter Before’ date.

Examples Of Getting The Most Out Of Your METV

An example of nearly 9 months. Stamped in with your first 60 days (then exit and return), now another 60 days (exit and return), another 60 days (exit and return before ‘Enter Before’ date) then apply at the Thai immigration office for an extension.

Above you left the country 3 times and extended once at immigration.

Another example of nearly 9 months. Stamped in with your first 60 days (Thai immigration extension 30 days), 90 days used so far (exit and return), now another 60 days (Thai immigration extension 30 days) 180 days used, so it will be very close to your ‘Enter Before’ expiring, you will need to leave before the extension expires, (exit and return) now you have your last 60 days + a possible 30 day Thai immigration extension.

Above you left the country twice and extended 3 times at immigration.

There are many scenarios that a person can make the visa work better for themselves depending on how often they want to leave. Another example of nearly 6 months would be extending the first 60 days at immigration for 30 days, exit after that 30-day extension and come back with 60 days, then extend 30 again, then head home after spending six months in Thailand after only exiting once and extending twice.

Don’t Meet The METV Requirements and or Want To Visit for 5 or 6 Months

Not all tourists need a METV, even if they end up staying for the good part of 6 months. If you apply for a single entry and extend for 3 months, that’s 90 days (approx 3 months). Go and spend some time in neighbouring countries, visit the Thai Consulate there and get another SETV for 60 days and extend for 30.

If staying for 5 months get a SETV + 30 day extension then exit and return via a land or airport border. If you’re one of 19 ‘G7 or bilateral agreement countries’ you will get 30 days visa exemption (see if your country is allowed 30 and not 15 or visa on arrival rules apply) and now you can extend the exemption for 30 days which equals approximately 5 months.

Back to Back Visas

Update: Let’s see how these work out while many are required to apply online. I can’t see back-to-backs being acceptable while applying online.

When I first visited Thailand it was easy to cross the border and come back with 90 and continue doing this. Those days are long gone.

What I am led to believe and have seen the consequences of people I know doing more than this is, 3 seems to be the rule. Not getting the proper visa and crossing the border on visa exemptions for 30 days is the biggest clampdown regarding back-to-backs.

One person I know of got stopped with two many back-to-backs and it was allowed in for 90 days and spent 3 months in Cambodia and the Philippines. Another got stopped at Myanmar airport border, was made to book a flight out of Thailand in 7 days, and had a red ink note stating he must leave in 7 days and return with a NON-O visa.

A visa agency I know in Penang said 2 or 3 SETV’s is the max there.

I will keep this page updated as much as possible and also provide other sources that are also updated regularly.

• Applying for a Thailand Tourist Visa Online Guide
• Thailand Tourist Visa Exemption 90 or 30 Days
• 30 Day Tourist Visa Extension
• Thailand Travel Visa Guides for Tourists

Bangkok Travel

Hua Hin Travel

Nong Khai Travel

Where To Go In Thailand? - Top Places To Visit

Kanchanaburi Travel

Pattaya Travel

Food of Thailand

Transport in Thailand

Multiple Entry Tourist Visa

Multiple-Entry Tourist Visa is valid for entering Thailand within 6 months from the date of application. The period of stay is 60 days maximum per stay . You may enter Thailand again as long as the visa is still valid.

Multiple-Entry Tourist Visa can only be applied for at Thai consulates and embassies within your home country and costs around 150 EUR.

Documents Needed for a Multiple-Entry Tourist Visa

When applying for a Multiple-Entry Tourist Visa you will need (list can slightly vary depending on embassy / consulate):

• Passport valid for at least six months.
• Copy of the main page of the passport.
• Duly filled-in and signed Thai Visa Application Form .
• One or two passport size (4 x 6 cm) photos .
• Visa fee (cash) or a proof of fee payment confirmed by the bank (accepted payment options depend on embassy / consulate).
• Return / onward journey air ticket for flying out of Thailand for the first visit (some embassies / consulates ignore this requirement, others not).
• Hotel or apartment address in Thailand that can be verified and evidence of accommodation booking for the first visit.
• Proof of bank balance exceeding around 5,000 EUR per person (6 months of financial statements).
• Proof of employment . 

At the time of your arrival to Thailand, you will have to submit  Thailand Arrival Card  as well. Learn how to fill it here:  How to Fill Arrival Card Form .

Thai Embassies and Consulates Issuing Multiple-Entry Tourist Visa

You can apply for Multiple-Entry Tourist Visa only at Thai consulates and embassies within your home country !

Thailand E-Visa Application

Thailand E-Visa Application  service giving an opportunity to apply for  Thai visa online  was recently launched. E-Visa service will make application for Thailand visa at Thai embassies and consulates much easier. 

Thailand E-Visa application service is currently available for  Chinese  and for visa submission  at the Royal Thai Embassy in Beijing only . The service will be made available in Thai consulates in other Chinese cities soon.

From 1 April 2019, visa applicants in the  UK  and  Ireland  will have to apply for Thailand visa online as well. Thai embassies and consulates in other countries and cities around the world are expected to start using Thailand E-Visa application service over a three year period.

More information about application for Thai visa online can be found here:  Thailand E-Visa Application: Apply for Thai Visa Online .

Thailand Immigration control procedure  at the airport in Thailand is briefly described here:  Thailand Immigration Control Procedure for Foreigners .

Your stay in Thailand  can be extended  once per entry. In most cases it can be extended by 30 days. For more information check:  Thai Visa Extension .

The application of a  Multiple-Entry Tourist Visa seems to be not worth the effort?  You can opt for one of the easier ways to visit Thailand - Free visa-exempt stay , Visa on Arrival  or Single-Entry Tourist Visa .

Any Questions?

Check our Frequently Asked Questions about getting Thailand Visa at Thai Embassies and Consulates and ask your own question if it's not answered there yet.

FAQ - Thai Visa at Embassy / Consulate

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5 Visa Options to Stay in Thailand Long Term

Thailand is a popular destination for travelers, but many people also dream of making it their long-term home. Indeed, one question many have after a wonderful holiday is, “How can I stay here long term?”

Fortunately, there are several visa options that allow foreigners to stay in the country for extended periods.

In this article, I detail five visas that offer a long-term stay in Thailand, including the requirements, benefits and application process for each.

Whether you're looking to retire in Thailand, start a business, or simply enjoy the tropical lifestyle, this guide will help you navigate the visa options available to make your dreams a reality.

For a more in-depth look at each visa option, follow the links posted throughout the article below the relevant visa.

1. Non-Immigrant O (Retirement Visa)

The Non-Immigrant O Visa (based on retirement) is for people who are 50 years or older and want a long-term stay in Thailand. It is one of the easiest visas to obtain.

The O visa (retirement) is obtained from a Thai embassy or through the eVISA system (depending on your home country).

The visa provides a 90-day stay upon entry to Thailand. Within this 90 days you can obtain a 1-year extension based on retirement at an immigration office in Thailand. You must meet the financial requirements 60 days prior to doing your extension of stay (see below).

• Allows for a one-year stay in Thailand (once the extension is done inside Thailand).
• Extendable each year.
• No requirement to leave the country every 90 days.
• Can open a Thai bank account .

Requirements:

• Age of 50 or above.
• Proof of financial means: 800,000 Baht in a Thai bank account (60 days prior to extension) or monthly income of at least 65,000 Baht.
• Report to immigration every 90 days (90-day reporting).
• 2,000 Baht for the initial O visa.
• 1,900 Baht for a yearly extension.

* Please note: There is an O-A visa, which enables you to obtain your 1-year stay immediately by applying for the visa in your home country. However, the requirements are more in-depth, and the majority of people use the Non Immigrant O Visa pathway outlined above because it is less work. More on the OA visa here.

+ Read more about the Retirement Visa here

2. Non-Immigrant O (Marriage Visa)

There are a number of categories of O visa and the Non-Immigrant O Visa based on marriage is another way to stay long term in Thailand. It is known as the marriage visa because it is granted to foreigners who want to stay in Thailand with their Thai spouse.

This visa allows a stay of one year, with the option to extend annually. You are allowed to work in Thailand on this visa, if a work permit is acquired.

As is the case with the aforementioned retirement O visa, you will be given a 90-day stay upon arrival in Thailand, which you can then extend by one year once you have the financial requirements in place.

• Allows for a one-year stay in Thailand.
• Can open a Thai bank account.
• Married to a Thai national.
• Proof of financial means: 400,000 Baht in a Thai bank account (60 days prior to extension) or monthly income of at least 40,000 Baht.
• Marriage certificate.
• 2,000 Baht for single-entry; 5,000 Baht for multiple-entry.

* Please note: If you get a multiple entry O visa based on marriage, you don't have to do to the 1-year extension of stay. You can, instead, leave every 90 days and return to Thailand to be stamped in for a further 90-day stay. The pathway outlined above is based on a single entry Non Immigrant O Visa, which provides a stay of 90 days.

+ Read more about the Marriage Visa here

3. Long-Term Resident (LTR)

The Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visa is designed for professionals who work remotely and wealthy individuals. The three most popular categories of the LTR visa are Wealthy Global Citizen, Wealthy Pensioner, and Work-From-Thailand Professional (remote worker).

This visa is an option for those interested in making Thailand their second home or want to experience living in the country for several years. The visa comes with a number of perks such as the ability to use the Airport Fast Track Service, report to immigration just once a year, and fly in and out of Thailand without a re-entry permit. Depending on the category of LTR you apply for, there are other associated benefits.

The initial visa is for five years, with the possibility of extending it for an additional five years, allowing a total stay length of up to 10 years. The key requirements vary depending on which category one applies for. All visa classes require a minimum of $40,000-$80,000 annual income for two years prior to application.

• No reporting to immigration every 90 days.
• Work in Thailand without the need to work for a company to get a permit.
• Fast track airport service.
• Easier route to citizenship.
• Health insurance policy.
• Minimum income of of $40,000-$80,000 (depending on category).
• Other requirements are category specific (see link below).
• When obtained inside Thailand the cost of the visa is 50,000 Baht. Abroad, at Thai embassies and consulates, the cost is approximately 1,600 USD (depending on exchange rate).

+ Read more about the LTR Visa here

4. The Education Visa (ED

The Education Visa (ED) enables foreigners to stay long-term in Thailand for the purpose of pursuing studies, attending a Thai language course, or doing research in an educational institution in the country. The ED visa is valid for up to 1-year and can be extended for subsequent years, as long as the educational program remains ongoing.

Holders of the ED visa are required to attend classes or study regularly, and maintain a minimum attendance rate of 80% to avoid the risk of having their visa revoked.

• Stay up to a year while studying.
• Holders of the ED visa can also open a bank account in Thailand and apply for a Thai driving license.
• You must be enrolled in a legitimate educational institution in Thailand that is recognized by the Thai Ministry of Education.
• You must provide a letter of recommendation and sponsorship from the place you are studying.
• 90-day reporting.
• You must obtain a re-entry permit to leave the country and re-enter during the validity period of your visa (to keep the visa active).
• The application fee for the ED visa is 2,000 Baht (approximately $60 USD).
• Additional costs may include tuition fees for the educational program, textbooks, and accommodation expenses.

+ Read more about the Education Visa here

The Elite Visa

The Thailand Elite Visa is a multiple-entry visa that is valid for up to 5, 10, or 20 years, depending on the chosen package. The visa allows you to stay in Thailand for extended periods without the need for frequent visa runs or extensions.

Holders of the Thailand Elite Visa are entitled to a range of benefits and privileges, including VIP immigration clearance, airport limousine transfers, access to exclusive golf courses, and more.

• Expedited immigration clearance, complimentary airport transfers, and discounts and special offers at partner hotels, resorts, and shopping malls.
• Access to a dedicated concierge service, which can assist with a range of tasks such as arranging accommodation, transportation, and leisure activities.
• 90-day reporting taken care of by an Elite Visa agent (major cities only)
• Free annual medical checkup
• Banking privileges
• Benefits are dependent on the type of Elite Visa you choose (see link below)
• Available to applicants from any country.
• No age limit or financial requirements.
• Submit an application form along with a passport-sized photograph and supporting documents such as your passport and a letter of employment or proof of financial status.
• Costs depends on the package chosen. The most affordable package, the “Elite Easy Access,” costs 500,000 Baht (approximately $16,000 USD) for a 5-year visa.
• The “Elite Ultimate Privilege” which offers a 20-year visa with a range of exclusive benefits, can cost up to 2 million baht (approximately $64,000 USD).
• There are also additional fees associated with the visa, including a one-time application fee of 60,000 Baht (approximately $1,900 USD) and an annual fee ranging from 15,000 to 30,000 Baht (approximately $500 to $1,000 USD) depending on the package.

These are the main long-term visa options for staying in Thailand. Of course, there is always permanent residency, and even citizenship , but few people ever get that far, or can be bothered to try.

Generally speaking, most people can find a way to stay for a year at a time, using one of the options above. However, all stays beyond 30 days require a visa, and usually 90-day reporting, which means going to an immigration office with a bunch of documents to have your circumstances approved.

If you only want to stay for a couple of months, check out the Tourist Visa option here.

Other than that, drop any questions you may have below in the comments section.

+ Read more about the Elite Visa here

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Thailand extends visa waiver plan for Indian, Taiwanese tourists for 6 mths

The temporary extension follows the success of the initial waiver in november last year. indian and taiwanese tourists are normally eligible to stay in thailand for 15 days under a visa-on-arrival.

Photo: Shutterstock

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First Published: May 07 2024 | 2:46 PM IST

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Here's Every Destination Americans Can Travel To Without A Visa In 2024

Post may contain affiliate links; we may receive compensation if you click links to those products. This has no impact on how offers are presented. Our site does not include all offers available. Content on page accurate as of posting date.

Americans are back to traveling in droves now that the travel landscape is back to normal, excluding, of course, the state of conflict in some countries and the unpredictable realm of geopolitics, which keeps changing unpredictably by the minute.

Lucky for the average U.S. passport holder looking to escape the daily humdrum, there are very few limits as to where they can go.

Most countries now welcome them with open arms and are easing visa rules further, but that does not apply to all .

In fact, Americans need visas or electronic travel authorizations (ETAs) to travel to a number of popular destinations, including Australia, where an ETA is required, and Egypt, where a visa must be purchased on arrival, and that's only two examples.

The days of travel restrictions may be in the past, but that does not mean international travel is always completely seamless.

So, if you are wondering where Americans can travel to without any pre-existing requirements simply by holding a valid passport, this list may prove useful to you :

Let's start with the most restrictive continent for travelers: though Africa is widely known among Americans for transformative journeys, a wild undisturbed nature, and unmatched ethnic diversity, it is perhaps the hardest region to travel .

A majority of African countries still require Americans to obtain visas or eVisas in advance, an arduous process that may involve accessing outdated websites that are not fully functional, traveling to the nearest Consulate, paying expensive fees (as high as $200), and stressful border crossings.

There are only 15 destinations U.S. citizens can access completely visa-free, and interestingly enough, the continent's leading attraction is not one of them: arriving in Egypt, Americans must purchase a physical single or multiple-entry visa at the airport, with prices starting from $25.

Home to Mount Kilimanjaro, a bucket list African landmark, and the UNESCO-listed Zanzibar island, Tanzania, too, requires Americans to pay a visa fee for entering, at an even higher rate of $50; even global safari capital Kenya has eVisa arrangements in place.

Fortunately, not all African countries make it harder and more bureaucratic for U.S. citizens to enter, with subtropical Morocco, an Arab country straddling both the Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts and the cultural hotspot that is South Africa allowing them to enter without visas.

The full list can be found below:

• Central African Republic
• Sao Tome and Principe
• South Africa

Traveling Africa may prove challenging for most Americans, unless they a bunch of pre-obtained visas in hand, and plenty of blank passport pages to use up, but if it's any consolation, exploring their own continent couldn't be easier.

There is only one country in the whole of the mainland Americas where they cannot enter unless holding a valid tourist visa, and that is Venezuela , which in recent years has not exactly had friendly relations with the United States or most of its Southern neighbors, for that matter.

As for every other destination in the New World, Americans may come and go as they please, seeing they are not bound by restrictive entry rules and visa requirements, be in the form of entry authorizations or Consulate-issued permits.

From sunny Mexico down to tropical Colombia, they are eligible for hassle-free entry provided they carry a U.S. passport, and in these two countries in particular, their permitted length of stay can be as long as six months , sure to make slow travelers and digital nomads happy.

With that being said, Brazil, the largest South American country is now mulling over introducing a tourist visa for Americans, that would in theory make it impossible for them to visit unless holding a pre-obtained authorization, though that is not yet being enforced .

For 2024, these are all the North and South American countries U.S. nationals can visit without visa restrictions:

• El Salvador

Asia is the perfect spot for Americans looking to immerse themselves in an entirely different culture and escape their mundane Western worries, but unfortunately for blue passport holders, unlike Africa, the list of visa-free countries in the continent of friendly smiles is not as limited.

The most obvious odd one out is China, which requires U.S. nationals to apply for a physical visa in order to enter, a bureaucratic process that typically involves a visit to a Consulate, where applicants must present documentation and be interviewed unless they are merely transiting through.

Fortunately, a majority of destinations across Asia are open to hosting Americans bureaucracy-free , and though there may be an entry form or an eVisa to be filled out here and there, these can be easily obtained online by paying a fee and with minimal hassle.

One such example is Vietnam, where U.S. travelers are not allowed to enter unless holding a valid eVisa.

On the brightside, the maximum length of stay for visa applicants traveling to the Southeast Asian gem in 2024 has been extended from 30 days to 3 months.

Exercising sovereignty over Bali, a popular wellness retreat and paradisaical island, Indonesia also requires Americans to purchase a visa, either online in advance or upon arrival at the airport, as does Cambodia and Laos; thus, they do not qualify for the list.

• Philippines
• South Korea

The Caribbean

Going abroad, there is truly nowhere most Americans would rather be than the tropical Caribbean, a turquoise-blue ocean littered with paradisaical islands, some of which are countries in their own right and others that are autonomous territories of larger states.

With the exception of Cuba , they are free to roam around the territory freely, usually by presenting a valid passport. In the communist state, however, they are officially discouraged from visiting by U.S. authorities, and those who do must purchase a ‘Tourist Card'.

Similarly to a visa, a Cuban Tourist Card can be obtained at a Cuban embassy or consular mission, or at the airport prior to departure, though the latter option is not advised as not all airlines and service providers are licensed to issue the document.

In some cases, the travel agency you book your Cuba trip with could be the one applying for the card.

As you might suspect, this requirement makes Fidel Castro's homeland the hardest country for U.S. tourists to enter in the Caribbean.

• Antigua and Barbuda
• Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba
• British Virgin Islands
• Cayman Islands
• Dominican Republic
• French West Indies
• Puerto Rico*
• St. Kitts and Nevis
• St. Maarten
• St. Vincent and the Grenadines
• Trinidad and Tobago
• Turks and Caicos Islands
• U.S. Virgin Islands*

Out of all the continents, Europe is easily where Americans will find it easier to travel around, with all but three countries granting them visa-free entry: in fact, a majority of Europen states is a member of the European Union, one of the United States' most trusted partners.

Whether they're off to Italy to chase Mediterranean sunsets and rugged drives as they eat gelato, or they're ticking off fairytale German castles off the list, U.S. passport holders do not have to worry about obtaining entry permits in advance ( at least for now ).

In the future, the EU will require them to apply for a travel authorization before flying, and that's still not a visa – it's an online form that needs to be filled coupled with a small, symbolic fee that actually exempts them from a regular visa – but as of this year, travel is still completely bureaucracy-free.

As for the exceptions, perhaps it's not a surprise that Russia and Belarus would bar entry to American travelers unless they've been pre-screened at a Consulate and have obtained a visa in advance, and it's not like there are many travelers going to these war-raging countries these days, anyway.

The third European – or marginally European – country that is not listed under the visa-free agreements is Azerbaijan , the southernmost of the Caucasus states, a region between Eastern Europe and Western Asia: in order to enter, Americans must apply for an eVisa valid for only 30 days .

• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Liechtenstein
• Netherlands
• North Macedonia
• Switzerland
• United Kingdom
• Vatican City

Middle East

The Westernmost part of Asia, the Middle East is often treated as its own subcontinent, and similarly to the wider continent, it can be trickier to navigate if you're an American, not only due to complex visa rules, but also conflicts or anti-American sentiment.

Visiting Iraq, Jordan or Kuwait, you will be required to apply for a visa on arrival, with prices and passport requirements varying between countries, and even some of the visa-free destinations, like Lebanon and disputed Palestine, carry their own significant risks.

The war between Israel and Hamas has made the Jewish state equally high-risk for Americans to travel, especially now that Iran is weighing in .

We would definitely not encourage you to visit Iran, where Americans have been known to be arbitrarily arrested and accused of crimes despite being innocent and being aware of the multiple kidnapping cases, and only cross the Yemeni border at your own risk.

That being said, there are plenty more Middle Eastern countries that are risk-free .

These include visa-free Turkiye , home to the fascinating cross-continental city of Istanbul and the coastal resort of Antalya, the United Arab Emirates , with its futuristic Dubai, and the increasingly trendy Saudi Arabia: they are all formally neutral in the conflict, and they all warmly welcome American tourists.

• Saudi Arabia
• Turkiye (formerly spelled Turkey)
• United Arab Emirates

Yet another subcontinent – not formally a continent, but rather a geopolitical concept – Oceania is arguably the most peaceful territory on Earth in 2024, with no wars , low levels of crime, and limited travel restrictions imposed.

Americans can travel visa-free to most sovereign Oceanic states and self-governing, non-independent islands, including French Polynesia and New Caledonia, which are part of France, and the Cook Islands, which belong to New Zealand.

They even enjoy freedom of movement across State-Governed collectivities.

The two ‘big' countries in Oceania, Australia and New Zealand, do not grant unrestricted entry to Americans on the basis of holding a U.S. passport alone: applicants must have an Electronic Travel Authorization before boarding.

This is an easy requirement to fulfill, however, as it is easily obtained online, and it does not equal a visa. As for the rest of the Oceanic destinations, bar three – Papua New Guinea, Tuvalu, and Nauru – presenting an American passport at the border is generally all the documentation you need.

• American Samoa*
• Australia**
• Cook Islands (New Zealand)**
• Eastern Island (Chile)
• French Polynesia (France)
• New Caledonia (France)
• New Zealand**
• Marshall Islands*
• Pitcairn Islands (United Kingdom)

Vinicius Costa

Vini, our senior lead writer at Travel Off Path, has over 60+ countries under his belt (and currently weaving tales from Paris!), and a knack for turning off-the-beaten-path experiences into informative stories that will have you packing your bags.

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The post Here’s Every Destination Americans Can Travel To Without A Visa In 2024 appeared first on Travel Off Path .

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Visa waiver extended for Indians, Taiwanese

Cabinet says 30-day visa-free stays will remain in effect until Nov 11

PUBLISHED : 7 May 2024 at 16:44

WRITER: Bloomberg News

The cabinet has approved a plan to extend visa exemptions for tourists from India and Taiwan for six more months, as the country seeks to boost the number of foreign arrivals to shore up the sluggish economy.

Tourists from India and Taiwan will be able to enter Thailand without a visa until Nov 11 after an existing waiver ends on Friday, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin told reporters after a cabinet meeting on Tuesday. Travellers can stay for a maximum of 30 days at a time under the rules.

The temporary extension follows the success of the initial waiver in November last year. Indian and Taiwanese tourists are normally eligible to stay in Thailand for 15 days under a visa-on-arrival scheme.

The country has been relaxing visa rules for travellers from some of its main markets including China and Russia . In the first four months of 2024, Thailand welcomed more than 12 million foreign tourists, representing a 39% increase from the same period last year, according to the Ministry of Tourism and Sports.

The largest groups of visitors — those from China, Malaysia, Russia, South Korea and India — accounted for half of the total arrivals this year.

Tourism is one of the country's key industries accounting for about 20% of total jobs and making up about 12% of the 18-trillion-baht economy. The Srettha administration has set a goal of attracting 80 million tourists a year by 2027 — double the pre-pandemic record set in 2019.

• Visa exemption
• Visa waiver

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Related Practices & Jurisdictions

• Immigration
• Administrative & Regulatory

The Thai government is introducing several new immigration initiatives designed to increase tourism and spur economic growth.

Key Points:

• The Immigration Bureau stated that visa holders are allowed an extension for an additional 30 days and can convert to a nonimmigrant B visa for work authorization if desired.
• Applicants would contact their respective embassy to obtain a nonimmigrant education visa to enter for 90 days.
• The visa will be renewable depending on the registration authority. If an individual obtains a visa from a boxing school that holds an education license approval from the Ministry of Education, they will be able to renew their visa for a period not exceeding one year. If the visa is from a school registered with the Sports Authority of Thailand, the visa will be non-renewable, and continued study will require a new application.
• The program is still in development. BAL will provide additional details upon approval from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
• Finally, Thai officials are leading a push for a joint visa program similar to the Schengen visa that would include Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam.

Additional Information:  Thailand’s Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin stated that the move for a joint visa program between the six nations would promote seamless mobility across the Southeast Asian countries, streamline tourist entry and boost tourism spending.

BAL Analysis:  Thailand’s economic growth has slowed recently due to weaker demand and tourism. The tourism-reliant country has recently created several policy updates to reopen after strict pandemic restrictions. These policies are also part of a wider government strategy to facilitate entry and boost investment from international business interests.

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