Before reading this article, firstly check if your country is on the list of countries whose citizens are exempt from needing a Thai tourist visa. If your country is not on the list, then you may qualify for a visa on arrival in Thailand. It is now simpler than ever, thanks to the Visa on Arrival program. If you’re from one of 31 countries, you don’t need a pre-arranged visa. This means you can start your adventure with ease. This guide seeks to inform you all about the visa on Arrival for Thailand.
This article was last updated on: 14th August 2024
Thailand’s Visa Upon Arrival: Important Points
- The Visa on Arrival program allows passport holders from 31 eligible countries and territories to enter Thailand without a pre-obtained visa.
- The non-refundable entry fee for the Visa on Arrival is 2,000 THB (Thai Baht).
- Visitors with the Visa on Arrival are permitted to stay in Thailand for up to 15 days.
- Proof of onward travel may be required upon entry, so be sure to have a ticket showing your departure from Thailand within the allowed time frame.
- Travel insurance is highly recommended for Visa on Arrival travelers, as foreign visitors are not eligible for free medical care in Thailand.
- Thailand’s Visa Upon Arrival: Important Points
- What is a Visa on Arrival for Thailand?
- List of Countries Eligible for The Thai Visa on Arrival
- Visa on Arrival Thailand, How Long & Extension Options (Important)
- Visa on Arrival Thai: Fees and Payment
- Eligibility Requirements for Visa on Arrival
- Visa on Arrival Thai: Immigration Checkpoints
- Air Borders: International Airports
- Conclusion
- FAQ.
- FAQ. Part 2
What is a Visa on Arrival for Thailand?
The Visa on Arrival allows travelers to get a visa when they arrive in Thailand at specific entry points and for visitors from certain countries. With this visa, you can stay in Thailand up to 15 days. This program is great for both short trips and longer visits. Plus, it’s quite affordable. With regards to the countries lets see if your country is on the list below.
List of Countries Eligible for The Thai Visa on Arrival
Thailand’s visa on arrival makes it easier for visitors from select countries to enter. If your passport is from one of these places, you can get your visa when you arrive in Thailand.
The list of countries and territories that can get the Visa on Arrival in Thailand now are:
- Armenia
- Belarus
- Bhutan
- Bolivia
- Bulgaria
- China
- Costa Rica
- Cyprus
- El Salvador
- Ethiopia
- Fiji
- Georgia
- India
- Kazakhstan
- Kyrgyzstan
- Malta
- Mexico
- Namibia
- Nauru
- Papua New Guinea
- Paraguay
- Romania
- Russia
- Saudi Arabia
- Serbia
- Seychelles
- Taiwan
- Tunisia
- Uzbekistan
- Vanuatu
- Venezuela
Many of our readers often ask us about certain countries, so please check out the below section.
Visa on Arrival Thailand, How Long & Extension Options (Important)
The Visa on Arrival in Thailand has limits and extension rules it is crucial that you know them. Essentially, this visa lets you stay in Thailand for up to 15 days. After that, you usually can’t extend your stay, the only exception is if you are sick and can’t leave. So you can not stay longer than 15 days, if you stay longer then this is called overstaying, which is illegal. To stay longer than 15 days, you’ll need to apply for a different visa type. Furthermore you should apply for the other visa (Probably a Thai tourist visa) before going to Thailand. You can apply at a Thai embassy or consulate in your country.
Here is a snapshot of the different options:
| Visa Type | Validity | Extensions | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival | Up to 15 days | Generally not eligible for extension | US $30.00 per entry |
| Tourist Visa | 60 days | Can be extended for an additional 30 days at the local immigration office for a fee of 1,900 baht | US $30.00 per entry |
Visa on Arrival Thai: Fees and Payment
It is important to know about the cost of the visa on arrival for Thailand so you can prepare the money in advance. This making your arrival smoother.
How Much Does a Visa on Arrival Cost?
It is important to note that Thailand visa on arrival fees are the same for everyone they do not vary based on which country you come from. A Visa on Arrival for Thailand costs 2,000 THB per person. At the time of writing this it is about $57 USD or around £45 GBP.
Remember that you have to pay this fee in cash (Thai baht) when you arrive in Thailand therefore it is smart to get some Thai Baht before you travel to avoid inconvenience. You may be able to find currency exchange counters at many Thai airports but their locations, opening hours and availability can not guaranteed and the last thing you will need is a delay of any kind. Let’s take a look at which payment methods are accepted, you can only pay with cash for the visa as they don’t take credit or debit cards. Next we will see if you meet the eligibility criteria for this visa.
Eligibility Requirements for Visa on Arrival
To get a Visa on Arrival, visitors must fit these criteria:
- Be a citizen of one of the 31 listed countries or territories
- Have a valid passport with at least 1-month validity and 2 blank pages
- Have a recent passport photo taken within 6 months
- Have proof of accommodation in Thailand
- Have proof of sufficient funds (10,000 Baht per person or 20,000 Baht per family)
- Confirmed return or onward ticket within 15 days of arrival.
Remember, the rules for the Visa on Arrival may change. So, check the latest info before you go to Thailand. Additionally, The Visa on Arrival in Thailand is for tourism only. No work is allowed with this visa. If you plan to stay more than 15 days, or coming for reasons other than tourism, you must apply for a different type of visa before coming to Thailand.
Thailand visa on Arrival Application Form
The Application form for the Visa on Arrival for Thailand is the TM88 form. You can access the arrival form online and download it. Alternatively, you can complete the form at the airport when you arrive. It could save vast amounts of time if you complete it before you arrive though.
Arrival Card Thailand 2024 Update
The Thailand Arrival Card is a document which has to be completed and given to immigration when you arrive over a land border or by ship. Since 2022 it is not required for air travelers. The form is also called a departure card and is known as the TM 6 card. You can get yours at the border or from your travel company. Due to the uniqueness of the form, it can not be downloaded.
Visa on Arrival Thai: Immigration Checkpoints
You can get a visa on arrival at many places. This includes big airports like Suvarnabhumi in Bangkok and some border crossings with neighboring countries.
Air Borders: International Airports
Bangkok Visa on Arrival
If you are landing at one of Bangkok’s airports, then you can get a Bkk visa on arrival. Bangkok is sometimes referred to as BKK. It is also the airport code for Suvarnabhumi Airport (Bangkok). Apart from Suvarnabhumi Airport, Bangkok has another airport which is called Don Mueang International Airport (DMK).
Other International Airports in Thailand
- Phuket International Airport (HKT)
- Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX)
- Krabi International Airport (KBV)
- Hat Yai International Airport (HDY)
- Samui International Airport (USM)
- U-Tapao International Airport (UTP) – Pattaya
- Chiang Rai International Airport (CEI)
Land Border Crossings
Visa on arrival is possible at land borders in Thailand
- Mae Sai Border Checkpoint – Chiang Rai (Thailand-Myanmar)
- Sadao Border Checkpoint – Songkhla (Thailand-Malaysia)
- Aranyaprathet Border Checkpoint – Sa Kaeo (Thailand-Cambodia)
- Nong Khai Border Checkpoint – Nong Khai (Thailand-Laos)
- Mukdahan Border Checkpoint – Mukdahan (Thailand-Laos)
- Samui Land Border Checkpoint – Trat (Thailand-Cambodia)
Conclusion
The Visa on Arrival program in Thailand is a great way for eligible travelers to enter without a prior visa. You just need to meet certain criteria, pay the required fees, and follow the entry rules. This makes exploring Thailand much easier. As Thailand often updates its visa rules, it’s wise to keep track of any changes.
FAQ.
The Visa on Arrival program lets people from 31 countries visit Thailand without a special visa. They don’t need to show they’ve been vaccinated against COVID-19. But, they might need to prove they’re leaving Thailand. This can be with a flight ticket. For more information see our requirements section.
People from 31 countries are eligible. They need a passport with 1-month validity left and 2 empty pages. Also, they must have a recent photo and show they have somewhere to stay in Thailand and enough money.
The fee for the Visa on Arrival is 2,000 THB. This must be paid in cash when you arrive in Thailand.
To get the Visa on Arrival, you need to fill out a form and have a passport and a photo. You also must show where you’ll stay and that you have enough money.
The Visa lets you stay in Thailand for up to 15 days. Most of the time, you can’t stay longer unless there’s a special reason.
You can get the Visa at big airports and some land border crossings in Thailand.
FAQ. Part 2
You can get the Visa at big airports and some land border crossings in Thailand.
No, you must pay the fee in cash using Thai Baht. Cards and other types of payment are not accepted.
If you’re married to a Thai, you can apply for a Marriage Visa. Those over 50 might get a Retirement Visa. Or, you can get a special visa for a longer stay.
Yes, it’s a good idea to have travel insurance. It’s not free to get medical care in Thailand.
The e-Visa system will start on March 19, 2024. It will be at 48 Thai embassies and consulates. This will make getting a visa to Thailand easier before you travel.
US. Citizens do not need a visa as they are covered under the visa exempt program.
If you stay in Thailand longer than you’re allowed, you could get in trouble. You might need to pay a daily fine. This goes up to 20,000 Baht. If you overstay, Thai police might keep you until you pay and leave.
