Visa Process Guide for Thailand

Thailand Visa Guide

Visa Types

Thailand offers various visa types depending on the purpose and duration of your stay:

1. Visa on Arrival (VOA)

Granted upon arrival at designated airports and land borders
Available for citizens of eligible countries for stays up to 30 days
Can be extended once for an additional 30 days

2. Tourist Visa (TR)

For short-term tourism and visits
Single-entry: Valid for 60 days, stay up to 30 days
Multiple-entry: Valid for 6 months, stay up to 60 days per entry

3. Business Visa (B)

For business or professional activities
Single-entry: Valid for 90 days, stay up to 90 days
Multiple-entry: Valid for 1 year, stay up to 90 days per entry

4. Education Visa (ED)

For students enrolled in educational institutions
Single-entry: Valid for 90 days, stay up to 90 days
Multiple-entry: Valid for 1 year, stay up to 90 days per entry

5. Retirement Visa (O)

For individuals over 50 years old with sufficient income or assets
Single-entry: Valid for 1 year, stay up to 1 year
Multiple-entry: Valid for 1 year, stay up to 3 years

Required Documents

For all visa types:

Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond intended stay
Visa application form
Passport-sized photo
Proof of accommodation (e.g., hotel reservation)

Additional documents for specific visa types:

Tourist Visa: Proof of onward travel or return ticket
Business Visa: Letter of invitation from a Thai company or organization
Education Visa: Letter of acceptance from an educational institution
Retirement Visa: Proof of income or assets, medical certificate

Application Procedures

1. Visa on Arrival (VOA)

No prior application required
Obtain VOA upon arrival at designated entry points

2. Tourist Visa (TR)

Online application: Submit an online application through the Thailand eVisa website
Embassy/Consulate application: Submit the application in person or by mail at the nearest Thai embassy or consulate

3. Business Visa (B)

Submit the application in person or by mail at the nearest Thai embassy or consulate

4. Education Visa (ED)

Submit the application in person or by mail at the nearest Thai embassy or consulate

5. Retirement Visa (O)

Submit the application in person at the Immigration Bureau in Bangkok

Fees

Visa on Arrival (VOA)

$30-50, depending on nationality

Tourist Visa (TR)

Single-entry: $40
Multiple-entry: $200

Business Visa (B)

Single-entry: $80
Multiple-entry: $320

Education Visa (ED)

Single-entry: $80
Multiple-entry: $320

Retirement Visa (O)

Single-entry: $1,000
Multiple-entry: $3,000

Timelines