Thailand E-Visa: What You Need to Know Before Applying

A trip to Thailand is the dream of many an adventurer and amateur of this culture. In order to ensure easy access, Thailand has introduced an e-visa system that allows facilitation-easy applications from the globe's travelers in the most accessible way possible. The online application procedure makes the process quick and smooth for visitors so they can devote more time to planning their stay.

In this article, we'll review the different types of e-visas, the advantages, and necessary information while entering Thailand.

Written by Preetika Narula (Local Expert)Updated on 21-10-2024

Comments

Table of contents

What is the Thailand e-Visa?
Why Choose an Electronic Visa?
E-Visa Availability at 59 Global Embassies and Consulates
Thailand E-Visa: Types and Key Benefits

What is the Thailand e-Visa?

The e-visa, or electronic visa, is an online visa application system specifically for Thailand. It allows travelers to submit their application and download their visa for Thailand directly from the official website. Thus, the applicant usually does not need to visit the Thai Embassy except in exceptional situations.

Why Choose an Electronic Visa?

An eVisa, particularly the 'stickerless visa,' offers many benefits, including reduced travel expenses and time for applicants. Moreover, it minimizes contact, which is especially important during health crises.

E-Visa Availability at 59 Global Embassies and Consulates

As of the latter part of the year 2024, applicants intending to travel to Thailand can apply for an e-visa online through 59 embassies and consulates around the world. Foreign applicants who are within the areas covered by these embassies and consulates can apply for an e-visa at www.thaievisa.go.th

Here is the breakdown of the regions where the Thailand eVisa system is now available:

North America:

Canada: Ottawa, Vancouver

United States: Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, Washington D.C.

Latin America:

Brazil : Brasilia

Chile: Santiago

Europe:

Germany: Berlin, Frankfurt, Munich

Austria: Vienna

Belgium: Brussels

Denmark: Copenhagen

Spain: Madrid

Finland: Helsinki

France: Paris

Greece: Athens

Hungary: Budapest

Italy: Rome

Norway: Oslo

Netherlands: The Hague

Poland: Warsaw

Portugal: Lisbon

Czech Republic: Prague

Romania: Bucharest

United Kingdom: London

Sweden: Stockholm

Switzerland : Bern

Africa:

South Africa: Pretoria

Asia:

Cambodia: Phnom Penh

China: Chengdu, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, Kunming, Nanning, Beijing, Qingdao, Shanghai, Xiamen, Xi'an

South Korea: Seoul

Kazakhstan: Astana

Malaysia: Kota Bharu, Kuala Lumpur, Penang

Sri Lanka: Colombo

Timor-Leste: Dili

Vietnam: Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh

Middle East:

Saudi Arabia: Jeddah, Riyadh

Bahrain: Manama

Egypt: Cairo

Qatar: Doha

Turkey: Ankara

Oceania:

Australia: Canberra, Sydney

New Zealand: Wellington

*List of embassies and consulates where the e-Visa is available*

Thailand E-Visa: Types and Key Benefits

This is currently the easiest way to obtain a visa and plan your vacation in Thailand. The Thailand e-visa provides access to two popular tourist visas, both of which allow entry into Thailand by air, land, or sea.

Single-Entry Tourist Visa

It grants permission for a foreigner to enter the Kingdom of Thailand for tourism, leisure, or medical purposes, with only one entry allowed. In Thailand, holders can stay for up to 60 days, which can be extended for an additional 30 days by visiting the local Thai immigration office.

The visa is valid for 3 months from the date of approval, meaning that recipients have a 3-month window to enter the country. Once in Thailand, they can enjoy their 60-day stay and plan their trip accordingly.

Multiple-Entry Tourist Visa

The visa permits the foreigner to enter and exit Thailand as many times as they wish within a 6 month time span. This visa type is offered to individuals who intend to visit the country for vacation, recreation or health treatment. Holders of this type of visa may remain in Thailand for a maximum of 60 days during each visit.

One of the key benefits of this Thai visa is how travelers are allowed to exit and re-enter the country without the need of worrying about getting another visa. It is most appropriate for individuals who would like to travel to other countries in Southeast Asia with Thailand as a base. Furthermore, the length of stay may also be increased by an additional 30 days by going to the nearest immigration office.

How to Submit Your Application

Step 1: Create an account on the official Thai government website: www.thaievisa.go.th. After submitting your request, you will receive a verification email. Be sure to review it to finalize your account creation.

Step 2: Click on "Apply for a New Visa" as shown in the image.

Step 3: Fill in the requested information

At this crucial stage, it is essential to fill out the online application form, providing all the necessary details. Ensure that your application is complete and accurate, as any mistakes or missing information may delay the processing of your application.

NOTE: For the part about uploading your photo.

There are specific requirements that must be met for the visa photos for Thailand. The photos should be 3.5 x 4.5 cm, or roughly 1.4 x 1.8 inches. The photo must be a standard passport photo, showing your full face from the front, with no shadows or objects obstructing it. Additionally, ensure that while your face is fully visible, you do not smile broadly or wear anything that covers your face, such as sunglasses.

Once you complete and submit the corresponding application, and the process proceeds as usual, you will receive a confirmation email regarding your application after some time. It is crucial for passport holders from certain countries to take a screenshot of this email, even if it seems obvious. Upon arrival in Thailand, this confirmation must be shown to airline agents and Thai immigration officials. This will help ensure that you encounter no issues entering the country and can fully enjoy your stay.

Conclusion

An e-visa for Thailand is a time-saving and risk-managed option for any traveler seeking to visit the country. There are different visa options available for various types of tourists, making it easier to organize vacations, especially in Thailand. The new health safety protocols also aim to enhance travel ease. Additionally, plans have been announced for the introduction of an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system in 2025 for travelers who do not require a visa to visit Thailand, although the exact implementation date has not yet been set. This measure is expected to further simplify entry into the country, making Thailand even more welcoming to tourists from all over the world.

Keep in mind that there are additional categories of visas for Thailand. To learn more about these, please read our article 'Thailand Visa'.

>>> Read also: