Visiting Thailand soon? Not sure if you need a tourist visa or how it works? Stay tuned! This guide has all you need on getting a Thailand tourist visa. You’ll learn about the visa types, what you need, and how to apply.
Tourist Visa Takeaways
- Thailand has different tourist visa types, such as single-entry and multiple-entry visas, and visa-on-arrival.
- Some nationalities can visit Thailand visa-free for up to 90 days. Others might enjoy a 30 or 14 day stay without a visa.
- Prices for a Thailand tourist visa vary, based on the visa and entry type.
- When applying, you’ll need a valid passport, a photo, and other documents like a financial proof and where you’ll stay.
- If you want to stay in Thailand longer, you can apply for a visa extension at a local immigration office.
Before Applying For A Thailand Tourist Visa (Important)
Thailand welcomes many visitors yearly for tourism purposes and medical tourism. Conveniently, there are a few options for travelers. Based on your nationality and personal circumstances you may not need a tourist visa. Firstly, check if your country is covered on the visa exemption program. if it is then you will not need a visa for tourism purposes. Secondly, If your country is not eligible then you should check to see if your country is on the list of countries which qualify for the visa-on-arrival program. It is important to note that the visa on arrival only allows for 15 days and can not normally be extended. Ok, so your nation is not on the list for the visa on arrival program or you need longer than 15 days in Thailand. Then the Tourist visa may be for you. So continue reading! It is important to note that for any tourism purpose, you are not allowed to work or do other activities. If you would like to do a non-related tourism activity then you need to learn more about the other Thai visa types.
Thailand Tourist Visa: What is It?
Let’s focus on what a tourist visa actually is! In a nutshell, A Thailand Tourist Visa is a stamp in a passport which lets travelers visit Thailand for tourism purposes. It should not be confused with the visa exemption, which lets some people from a select list of countries stay without a visa.. Back to tourist visas, travelers like yourself can get a tourist visa from Thai embassies/consulates in your own country or in another country.
There are 2 main things you need to know at this stage:
- You have to get the visa before you arrive in Thailand. Therefore in another country.
- You have to complete an application before the stamp is issued in your passport.
There are two kinds of Thai tourist visa. Single entry (one-time entry) and multiple entry. They have different rules and use cases, depending on your personal situation.
Single-Entry vs. Multiple-Entry Tourist Visas
- Single-Entry Visa: This visa lets you enter Thailand once for up to 60 days. You can add 30 more days (in Thailand) which will cost between $30 and $50. This is called a Thai tourist visa extension.
- Multiple-Entry Visa: The Multiple-Entry Tourist Visa (METV) allows several trips across the border in 6 months. Each visit can be up to 90 days. You can expect to pay about $150-$250 for it.
Remember to choose single or multiple entry based on your Thailand travel plans and think about how many times you’ll visit. For example, how many times will you cross a land or air border? Here is a breakdown of the type of visa, entries allowed, maximum stays and the estimated costs.
| Visa Type | Entry Allowed | Maximum Stay | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single-Entry Tourist Visa | 1 entry | 60 days, extendable to 90 days | $30-$50 |
| Multiple-Entry Tourist Visa (METV) | Multiple entries within 6 months | 60 days per visit, extendable to 90 days | $150-$250 |
Thailand Tourist Visa Requirements
Getting a Thailand tourist visa is important for anyone wanting to explore the country. Knowing what’s needed can make your trip much easier by planning ahead. So, it’s key to look into the visa requirements and gather the right documents.
Essential Documents Needed
Essential documents for a Thailand tourist visa include:
- A valid passport with at least 6 months of remaining validity and two blank pages
- Two to four passport-sized photographs
- Proof of enough money, like recent bank statements or a credit card
- Where you’ll stay must be confirmed, either through a hotel booking or an invitation letter
- Proof of your return or onward travel like flight tickets
- Itinerary of your planned activities in Thailand
Remember to make sure you apply early and check the latest Thailand tourist visa requirements. This helps avoid last-minute problems on your trip. Also some requitements and costs may change over time. So it is always best to check before you travel.
Visa Application Assistance Services
Visa application assistance services can be a helpful option if you’re navigating the process of obtaining a Thai visa, particularly if you find it complex or time-consuming. Here’s a breakdown of what these services offer and some things to consider:
What do Visa Assistance Services Do?
These services can provide a range of assistance depending on the company, but here are some common offerings:
- Guidance and Information: They can explain the different types of Thai visas, recommend the right visa for your needs, and provide details on the required documents.
- Application Assistance: They can help you complete the visa application forms accurately and ensure you have all the necessary documentation.
- Communication with Thai Authorities: Some services may liaise with the Thai embassy or consulate on your behalf to clarify requirements or follow up on your application.
- Translation Services: If needed, they can translate documents into Thai or another required language.
- Reviewing and Proofreading: They can review your application package to ensure everything is in order and error-free.
- Fee Management: Some services may assist with paying the visa application fee (the fee itself is paid to the Thai government).
It’s always best to do your own research and choose a service that meets your needs and budget. You can still apply for a Thai visa directly through the Thai embassy or consulate without using an assistance service. in order to find a suitable service, you should try online search, look for recommendations online and from people you know and check out the embassy/consulate website for a list of providers that are recommended.
Tourist Health Insurance for Visitors to Thailand
Tourist health insurance is a wise decision for visitors to Thailand, even though there are no mandatory COVID-related requirements for entry as of June 29, 2024. Here’s why you should consider it and what to look for in a plan:
What to Look for in Travel Insurance for Thailand:
- Medical Coverage: Ensure the plan covers a sufficient amount for medical expenses, including hospitalization and outpatient care. Consider COVID-19 coverage if desired.
- Trip Cancellation/Interruption: Look for coverage in case you need to cancel or interrupt your trip due to unforeseen circumstances like illness, injury, or natural disasters.
- Deductible: This is the amount you’ll pay out of pocket before the insurance kicks in. Choose a deductible you’re comfortable with.
- Destination Coverage: Make sure the plan explicitly covers Thailand.
- Activities Coverage: If you plan adventurous activities, ensure your plan covers them.
Always read the terms and conditions of any travel insurance policy carefully before purchasing to understand what is and isn’t covered. It’s also a good idea to contact the insurance provider if you have any questions. When looking for the best deal be sure to check out online travel insurance comparison websites: These can help you compare plans and prices from different providers. Some reputable comparison websites include:
Regarding Thai travel insurance providers: Here are a few examples of travel insurance providers specifically catering to Thailand:
Tourist Visa Extension in Thailand
Visiting Thailand is a great experience, but what if you want to stay longer than 60 days? You can apply for a Thailand tourist visa extension at a local Immigration Office. If you want to stay up to 90 days, you can. The standard visa allows 60 days at first. Then, you can extend it for another 30 days for a total of 90 days. This costs 1,900 Thai baht, about $52.62 USD. Remember, getting the extension is up to the immigration officer. They consider your reasons for wanting to stay longer before granting it.
| Visa Type | Initial Stay | Extension | Total Possible Stay | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thailand Tourist Visa | 60 days | 30 days | 90 days | 1,900 Thai baht (approx. $52.62 USD) |
To start the process for a Thailand visa extension, go to a local Immigration Office. Next, complete the TM.7 Application form and attach a recent 4cm x 6cm photo. The office hours are usually from 8:30 am to 12:00 pm, with a lunch break from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm. Exceeding your allowed time in Thailand is called overstaying and usually leads to fines. At the time of writing this it is 500 Thai baht per day, for every day, past your expiration date. Fines go up to 20,000 Thai baht. So, remember to do the extension before your initial visa ends.
FAQ.
A Thailand Tourist Visa lets a traveler enter Thailand for tourism. They have single-entry and multiple-entry types. Each comes with its own rules and benefits.
You’ll need your passport, recent photos, and proof of funds. What you need could change based on where you’re from and the visa type.
A standard tourist visa lets you stay for 60 days. You can extend this for 30 more days locally.
Yes, many companies can help with the visa process. For example, Siam Legal International offers a Visa Application Assistance Package. They guide you and make sure your documents are correct.
Since July 1, 2022, Thailand no longer has COVID-19 entry rules. You don’t need to show a vaccine or test report. Still, it’s smart to get travel insurance that covers COVID-19 issues.
It’s a really good idea to buy travel insurance before going to Thailand. Foreign visitors have to pay for any medical care they need. AXA Sawasdee Thailand is one trusted insurance option.
If you need more than 60 days in Thailand, you can extend your visa. Do this at a local Immigration Office. A 30-day extension costs 1,900 baht.
