Thailand Entry Policy. Thai Pass and Visas

Processing Steps

Online Application

Form is received and reviewed.

Receive Document

Receive the approved document.

Arrive in Thailand

Present the document upon arrival.

Thailand eVOA Processing

Visa Requirements for Entering Thailand 

The visa requirements differ for citizens of different nationalities, duration of stay, and purpose of visit in Thailand. Citizens of visa-eligible countries must obtain a visa on arrival, or they can apply for a Thailand eVisa (if they belong to eVisa eligible nation). 

Thai Visa Types 

The general visa types for Thailand encompass a broad array of categories, depending on the intent of the individual applying for the visa. Thailand offers the following types of visas:

1. Courtesy Visa: It is granted by the Embassy of Thailand on official request to diplomats, UN officials, and others entering the Kingdom for official duty or other purposes. 
2. Permanent Resident Visa: Eligible for individuals who have stayed in Thailand for three consecutive years with one-year visa extensions. Income requirements differ based on marital status - thirty thousand Thai Baht (USD 863.63) per month if married to a Thai for five years, and eighty thousand Thai Baht (USD 2303.2) per month if single. 
3. Tourist Visa: Ideal for individuals planning to stay in Thailand for over thirty days. This visa allows an initial stay of sixty days and may be extended once for an additional thirty days for a one thousand and nine hundred Thai Baht (USD 54.7) fee. 
4. Transit Visa: Suitable for individuals in transit through Thailand to another destination or the personnel in charge of a conveyance coming to a port, station, or area in Thailand. 

The Thailand Non-Immigrant visa types have more specific classifications: 

1. Type B: For business purposes, work, attending conferences, teaching, or attending certain courses. 
2. Type O-A: It is a type of Retirement Visa. 
3. Type IB: For investing or conducting investment-related activities.
4. Type D: It is a Thai Diplomatic Visa. 
5. Type IM: For an investment with the agreement of the Thai ministries and governmental departments. 
6. Type ED: For educational purposes, such as studying, participating in projects or seminars, and attending conferences or training courses. 
7. Type F: For performing official duties, such as military exercises or governmental assignments. 
8. Type M: For roles in media, such as film producers, journalists, or reporters. 
9. Type EX: For skilled work or roles requiring expertise or specialization. 
10. Type O: For family visits, performing duties for state enterprises or NGOs, medical treatment, sports coaching, and being a contestant or witness in a judicial process. 
11. Type RS: For conducting scientific research or training in a research institute. 
12. Type S: For participation in officially recognized sports events.
13. Type R: For performing missionary work or other religious activities. 

Each Thai visa type has specific requirements and guidelines that must be followed for a successful application. It’s essential to choose the right visa type based on individual circumstances and the purpose of the visit. 

Thailand eVisa and Visa-on-arrival 

Only certain nations and territories’ citizens are eligible to apply for a Thailand eVisa or an eVOA and a visa on arrival, which enables them to visit the country for up to fifteen to thirty days by land or air. It is not possible to extend visas received at the airport.

Thailand eVisa or eVOA: Tourists can apply for an electronic visa on arrival or eVOA for Thailand online days before their travel. A single-entry visa with a 30-day validity period costs THB 2500 (USD 71.97), and it permits stays up to 30 days. 

Thailand VOA: Tourists need to submit visa applications upon arrival in Thailand. Tourists can pay THB 2000 (USD 57.58) for a single-entry visa for a stay of between 15 and 30 days in exchange for this.

Transit through Thailand: Rules and Regulations 

 A transit visa for Thailand is available for crew, athletes, and for transit purposes. Anyone with a regular passport who wants to enter Thailand for one of the following reasons must first get a transit visa:

• To travel through Thailand while in transit to reach the destination country or return to one’s own country.  
• For athletes to take part in sports in Thailand for up to one month. 
• Person in charge or crew of a ship traveling to or through the Kingdom of Thailand. 

Document Requirements for Traveling to Thailand 

Travelers should contact the Thai Embassy or consulate to learn more about the documents required. In most cases, the following documents are required for a visa:

1. A passport or other travel document that is valid for at least six months. 
2. A recent six-month-old photo of the candidate. 
3. Proof of departure from Thailand: fully paid airline ticket. 
4. Proof of sufficient funds, twenty thousand Thai Baht (USD 575.75) per individual and forty thousand Thai Baht (USD1151.51) per household.

A Thai visa can be used for three or six months. Travelers possessing this kind of visa may be allowed to stay in Thailand after arrival for up to sixty days. 

Thailand’s Entry Policies for Different Nationalities 

 The visa policy of Thailand differs for citizens of different nations.

Travelers from the United States of America

Tourist passport-holding U.S. citizens, provided they have an onward or return airline ticket, can enter Thailand without a visa. To be granted entry, their passport must have a minimum of six months validity. Upon entry, immigration officials in Thailand will issue an immigration stamp in the passport, which allows a thirty-day stay in Thailand, regardless of whether the individual arrives by air or land. This duration can be extended for thirty days by paying a one thousand and nine hundred Thai Baht (USD 54.70) fee at the Thai Immigration Bureau office. 

The Embassy, however, advises U.S. citizens who carry a diplomatic or official passport to obtain a visa for Thailand before their arrival in the country. While it can occasionally be possible for holders of diplomatic or official passports to enter without a Thai visa, the decision ultimately lies with the airline and immigration personnel, and entry might be denied. 

Thailand Tourist Visa for Americans

Individuals planning to stay in Thailand for more than thirty days may choose to obtain a tourist visa from the Embassy of Thailand in the United States before arriving in Thailand. Generally, the tourist visa must be used within ninety days from its issue date and allows for an initial stay of sixty days. Upon arrival in Thailand, a Thai tourist visa can be extended once for an additional thirty days at the discretion of an immigration officer, making the total stay period no longer than ninety days. The extension incurs a one thousand and nine hundred Thai Baht (USD 54.70) fee. Americans who are interested should contact the Thai Immigration Bureau.

U.S. citizens wishing to stay in Thailand for longer than ninety days during any six months will need to secure a valid Thai visa from an authorized Thai Embassy or Consulate that issues visas. The U.S. Embassy advises all U.S. citizens seeking a Thai visa to contact the Thai Immigration Bureau for precise visa requirements and regulations. Failure to adhere to visa regulations can result in individuals being denied entry to Thailand at the border. 

Other Nationalities

Brazil, Korea (ROK), and Peruvian passport holders are eligible for the Thai tourist visa exemption program. Thailand also has bilateral agreements with Brazil, Korea (ROK), and Peru that exempt holders of diplomatic, official, and regular passports from needing a visa for a stay that doesn’t last longer than ninety days. Vietnam and Hong Kong passport holders are eligible for the tourist visa exemption program. Additionally, Thailand, Vietnam, and Hong Kong have bilateral agreements that exempt holders of diplomatic, official, and ordinary passports from needing a visa for up to thirty days. 

Citizens of other countries must check with the Embassy of Thailand to learn more about visa requirements if they belong to a visa-eligible nation.

Requirements for Business and Work Visas in Thailand 

Foreign nationals must apply for a Thai Non-immigrant visa at the Embassy and Consulate of Thailand if they want to work, do business, or invest in Thailand. The Non-Immigrant Visa for Thailand offers a number of categories to accommodate the demands and qualifications of various businesspeople. These include business visa categories such as Thai Type B Visa, Thai Type IB visa, Thai Type B-A visa, and investment and business visas. Before starting employment, this visa holder must get a work permit from Thailand. A visa costs five thousand Thai Baht (143.94) for multiple entries with a one-year validity and two thousand Thai Baht (USD 57.58) for a single entry with a three-month validity. 

Only at the Thai Embassy in their country of residency are nationals of specified countries needed to apply for a Thailand visa. Before leaving, travelers from visa-eligible are recommended to contact the closest Thai Embassy to learn where they may apply for a visa to Thailand. 

Work Visas 

All foreigners seeking to work in Thailand must secure a Thai work permit and visa. To receive a work permit, an application must be filed on behalf of the work visa applicant by a company, foreign government, or another organization based in Thailand. Once granted, the work visa is valid for one year. 

Application Process for Thai Visas 

The application process for Thai eVisa is as follows: 

1. Travelers need to create an account on the official website. 
2. Applicants will have to fill out the online Thai visa application form. 
3. Upload additional documents 
4. Visa fees have to be paid online 
5. Travelers will need to wait for the Thai eVisa to be processed 
6.  eVisa to Thailand will be sent by email upon approval. 

Travelers can check on the official platform whether they are eligible to apply for Thailand eVisa. They can also check if they are eligible to apply online and find out the visa type they should apply for. 

Applicants can also get a regular embassy visa by contacting the Embassy of Thailand in their country. The power to refuse any application without having to give a reason is reserved by consular officers, as is the right to request additional documents if they are required. 

Thailand’s Policy on Long-term Stays 

Thailand has started offering 10-year visas to entice wealthy and highly qualified professionals, retirees, and digital nomad workers to the nation in an effort to enhance tourism and stimulate the economy. The Interior Ministry’s proposal states that up to four family members, including children up to the age of twenty, can receive ten-year visas. The long-term residency permits can be extended for five years after their initial five-year validity period. Additionally, applicants must pay an annual fee of ten thousand Thai Baht (USD 287.88). 

After acquiring their visas, travelers who intend to work during their stay can apply for work permits in Thailand. The Board of Investment will still need to determine the requirements for families and travelers who can apply for long-term visas (LTR) for Thailand. Additionally, LTR visa holders from outside Thailand will need to validate their residential address once a year. With the assistance of the Immigration Bureau, they can later ask for a change in the type of visa if they decide otherwise. According to planned changes from the Labour Ministry, travelers could start working as soon as they acquire their visas and submit an application for a work permit rather than waiting for it to arrive. The Thai work permits can be extended for a further five years. 

Conditions for Visa Exemption 

Foreigners entering Thailand through any mode of transportation under the Visa Exemption scheme are mandated to possess proof of planned travel, such as confirmed air, train, bus, or boat tickets, at the port of entry, indicating their departure from Thailand within thirty days of arrival. If this condition is not met, they are required to secure a visa before setting foot in Thailand. 

When traversing to Thailand by land or sea, passport holders from specified countries qualify for the Visa Exemption Scheme. Still, it is limited to a maximum of two instances within a calendar year. The Tourist Visa Exemption scheme of Thailand is exclusively applicable to foreigners who bear passports issued by certain nations. 

Requirements for Minors Traveling to Thailand 

When the children are traveling independently, the following condition must be met:

1. Children can venture into, out of, and transit in Thailand without the accompaniment of their parents. For additional information, travelers should contact the chosen airline in advance is advised. 

When accompanying someone else’s children, travelers will need to furnish the following: 

1. the child’s birth certificate
2. a consent letter from the child’s parents or legal guardians
3. copies of their passports. 

Accompanying children (Minors under Twenty years old) 

When accompanying a child bearing the same family name:  

1.) If both parents are traveling with the child, they need to provide an official document confirming the relationship, such as a birth certificate or family book.  

2) If only one parent is accompanying the child, the parent will need to provide: an official document confirming the relationship, such as a birth certificate. A consent letter from the other parent or legal guardian, along with a copy of his or her passport. Alternatively, if there is sole custody, a copy of custody papers should be provided. If the other parent is deceased, a copy of the death certificate must be presented. 

When individuals are traveling with a child whose family name is different from theirs, they will need to provide the following: 

1. An official document confirming the relationship, such as a birth certificate and a consent letter from the other parent or legal guardian, along with a copy of his or her passport. 
2. The consent letter should be in English or Thai and must be valid.

It’s recommended to prepare three copies: one for personal keeping, one to be placed in the child’s bag, and one for the individual traveling with the child. 

Special Considerations for Diplomatic and Official Visas 

Upon formal request, the Embassy of Thailand may provide visas to holders of diplomatic or official passports who wish to assume responsibilities at a foreign diplomatic mission, consulate, or international organization in the Kingdom, as well as to members of their families. Supporting documentation includes official paperwork and a note from a foreign government or international organization attesting to the applicant’s identification and motivations for residing in the Kingdom. 

Customs Regulations: What Can Travelers Bring into Thailand 

The passengers arriving in Thailand, where they do not have anything to declare to the customs officials, should proceed to the Green Channel. When arriving passengers do not possess any items liable for duty and taxes or prohibited or restricted goods upon entering Thailand, it indicates they have nothing to declare. In such situations, they should proceed through the designated lane.

The following items are exempted from duty under these conditions:

1. Personal belongings of reasonable quantity, valued at no more than twenty thousand Thai Baht (USD 575.75) in total and excluding prohibited or restricted goods or food.
2. Any excess quantities of restricted items must be deposited in the box provided by Customs. Failing to do so will result in prosecution. 

Passengers possessing goods to declare are required to present their passports along with invoices or receipts (if any). Customs officers stationed at the designated channel inspect the passengers’ passports and physically examine their baggage. 

Penalties and Consequences of Overstaying Visas in Thailand 

It is illegal to overstay a Thai visa. Visitors who overstay their welcome for a brief time will be fined. They will be expelled from Thailand and forbidden from returning if they overstay for longer than ninety days, which is a major offense. Depending on how long a person has overstayed their visa, the length of the ban varies. Tourists who are detected to be overstaying by an immigration officer risk being arrested if they cannot afford the fine or have a prolonged overstay. The penalty is determined by how many days they overstayed in Thailand. The daily minimum fee is 500 Thai Baht (USD 14.39). The maximum fine is twenty thousand Baht (USD 575.75) for overstays of forty days or more. 

Thailand’s Digital Nomad Entry Policies 

Due to the LTR (long-term) visa’s provision of a digital work permit and tax exemption for money earned abroad, the visa particularly appeals to digital nomads. Affluent professionals and the wealthy who can afford the high investment requirements are the target audience for the Long-Term Resident visa and Thailand Elite membership. Thailand wants to entice affluent global citizens to the country to assist economic growth by offering them alluring visa privileges. Therefore, digital nomads can anticipate spending more than ordinary Thai households if they use both visa schemes to live and work in Thailand. 

Emerging Developments in Thailand’s Entry Policies 

The entry and exit information for Thailand is subject to change without prior notice. Travelers are advised to keep track of the latest news and contact the Embassy of Thailand to learn more about recent developments in the entry policy of Thailand.

Frequently Asked Questions