Thailand VISA

Thailand is a beautiful country. Long regarded as the jewel of Asia, its tropical weather and rich culture act as natural magnets for those around the world. Year after year, visitors return for affordable holidays and unique experiences.

A large part of Thailand’s commerce is tourism. As the tourism hub of Asia, millions of travelers help generate revenue each year. Businesses cater to providing the best experience for holidaymakers, and as Covid fades, travel restrictions ease and borders open. It is time to once again venture into the world.

Travel is almost as easy as it was before the pandemic, but like pre-Covid times, there are certain guidelines and processes for entering Thailand. This page will show how you can visit Thailand for an extended holiday.

Visiting Thailand as Tourist

Visiting Thailand is easy. Many nationalities can visit the Land of Smiles without a visa under the Visa on Arrival rule or Visa Exemption scheme. These options allow visitors to stay for up to 30 or 45 days.

Tourists are travelers who visit the country for leisure. It is important to note that a tourist cannot work or conduct business while in the country. If a visitor is traveling for a purpose other than leisure, they will need to look at other visa options.

For holiday makers who know 30 days is never long enough, they can apply for a Tourist Visa at a local Thai Embassy or Consulate in their country.

What is a Thailand Tourist Visa?

A Thailand Tourist Visa is a stamp or document placed in your passport. It is needed to enter Thailand for tourism. It is issued by a Thai embassy or Consulate in your country and stamped on your passport upon arrival at the airport in Thailand. A tourist visa can be extended while in Thailand if you want to stay longer. The tourist visa should not be confused with the Visa Exemption stamp issued at the airport.

Requirements for a Tourist Visa to Thailand

When applying for a tourist visa, there are certain documents needed, and a fee is paid on application. The documents and fee can change anytime and without prior notice, so contact your local embassy before organizing your application.

• Passport or travel document with an expiry date of no less than 6 months
• Visa application form (filled out)
• One(1) recent 4 x 6cm. photograph of the applicant
• Round-trip air ticket or e-ticket (paid in full)
• Proof of financial means (10,000 baht per person/20,000 baht per family)
• Proof of Hotel or private accommodation booking

Consular Officers reserve the right to request additional documents if deemed necessary. It is advisable to allow enough time before traveling to lodge your application as there is an influx of travelers applying now that Covid is less of a priority.

Visa Fee

US $30.00 (or equivalent) per entry. The Tourist Visa fee is subject to change, so it is recommended to contact the nearest Thai Embassy or consulate in your area before lodging your paperwork.

During the pandemic, applications could be lodged online in certain countries. Contact your Embassy to confirm if you need to apply in person.

Length of Stay

There is a 60-day Tourist Visa that can be extended for additional 30 days, and the 90-day Special Tourist Visa (STV), which allows two 90-day visa extensions at the local immigration office. There are certain requirements needed for the STV, but it allows a visitor to stay in Thailand for up to 9 months.

Covid and Vaccination Requirements

As of today, travelers must be vaccinated or have completed an RT-PCR or Pro-ATK test (if unvaccinated) before entering Thailand. The test result must be no older than 72 hours before departure from a home country. ATK self-test results are not accepted.

Proof of this paperwork is not required before leaving a home country, but Airline staff and Immigration Officers are conducting random checks of passengers arriving in the country. Airlines may deny boarding, or Thai Immigration Officers may deny entry to the country if these documents cannot be presented when asked.

Children under 18 will enter Thailand the same way as their parents. If a child travels with unvaccinated parents, they will need to provide proof of Covid tests.

Travel Insurance for Visitors to Thailand

With travel restrictions eased, Thailand removed the need for travelers to provide proof of a valid Covid Insurance policy. It is important to note that foreign visitors are not eligible for free medical care while in Thailand. If a foreigner requires medical attention, they will need to cover any expenses themselves.

Travel insurance is a wise choice for people traveling abroad. It not only covers Covid-related incidents but also:

• Medical emergencies
• Personal injury & accidents
• Missed or delayed flights
• Damage to belongings
• Lost luggage

Checklist for Tourists Visiting Thailand

After receiving your Thailand tourist visa from the Thai Embassy or consulate, a traveler should prepare the following documents before traveling to Thailand:

• Valid visa in your passport
• Vaccination Certificate or  RT-PCR / Pro-ATK test result.
• Printed Travel Insurance certificate
• Copy of confirmed hotel booking
• Copy of confirmed flight reservation

Validity of the Tourist Visa and Permit to Stay

The validity of a tourist visa ranges from 3 months to 6 months, depending on the number of entries you make across a land border or airport. If you arrive in Thailand through an international airport, you will be stamped with 60-day permission to stay for a normal Tourist Visa, or 90 days if arriving with the Special Tourist Visa.

Don’t have a valid date for the visa and the permit to stay. The validity of the visa as stated on your visa sticker is the time you have to use the visa or enter Thailand. The permit to stay is the number of days you may legally stay in Thailand. The permit to stay is the stamp you receive when you arrive at the airport or border.

Tourist Visa Extension in Thailand

If you enter Thailand via airport or land border, you will be stamped with a 60-day permission to stay at the immigration post. You must exit the country before the stamp expiry date.

However, the permit to stay can be extended if you want to spend more time in Thailand. You can apply for an extension to stay at a local Immigration Office. A 60-day Tourist visa can be extended for another 30 days, and the STV will be extended for 90 days. The cost for both extensions is 1900 baht.

Remember, an extension of stay approval is at the discretion of the immigration officer processing your application.

With the above information, it is easy to head abroad again. The Land of Smiles is ready to welcome visitors back and provide the unique, memorable experiences it is famous for.

For updated information on Thai Visa you may visit:

https://www.thaiembassy.com/thailand-visa/visa-on-arrival  

https://www.thaievisa.go.th/tourist-visa

https://www.thaiembassy.com/thailand-visa/thailand-tourist-visa

https://www.immigration.go.th/en/