Thailand Visa 2025 Update: Latest Formalities and News

Thailand ranks among the top ten most visited countries globally and stands as one of the most accessible destinations in Asia, thanks to its simplified entry procedure. If you are considering a trip to the Land of Smiles, one of the initial questions you should ask yourself is whether you need a Thai visa.

However, it is essential to note that Thai visa requirements can be confusing and subject to frequent changes. In this article, we will delve into the various types of Thai visas, the latest guidelines, and all the essential information you may require.

Written by Preetika Narula (Local Expert)Updated on 21-01-2025

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1. Do I Need a Visa for Thailand?

To travel to Thailand, a visa is required unless you are from one of the countries whose nationals are visa-exempt.

According to the most recent information (June 2024), Thailand allows citizens of the USA, the UK, Australia, Canada, and those of about ninety other countries to enter Thailand without a visa, free of charge, for a stay of up to 60 days.

The Visa on Arrival (VOA), on the other hand, is available to nationals of 31 countries, allowing a stay of up to 15 days.

• Armenia
• Bhutan
• Bulgaria
• China
• Cyprus
• Ethiopia
• Fiji
• Georgia
• India
• Kazakhstan
• Malta
• Mexico
• Nauru
• Papua New Guinea
• Romania
• Saudi Arabia
• Taiwan
• Uzbekistan
• Vanuatu
• Belarus
• Montenegro
• Moldova
• Mongolia
• North Macedonia
• Panama
• Paraguay
• Serbia
• Ukraine
• Latvia
• Lithuania
• Palau

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2. When Should You Apply for a Thai Visa?

The Thai Embassy allows you to initiate visa formalities up to 90 days before your departure. The processing time for a Thai tourist visa depends on the embassy or consulate where you apply. Typically, it takes between 5 and 10 business days once they receive your complete application, although some diplomatic missions claim to issue visas in as little as 2 business days.

However, since there is no predetermined duration, it is recommended to apply at least two weeks before your intended travel date. Planning ahead for your visa application will ensure you obtain it with peace of mind, guaranteeing a secure arrangement for your stay in Thailand.

There are different types of Thai visas you can apply for, but eligibility also depends on your nationality, which can make the process easier or more complicated based on your country of origin. Please explore the options below:

• The electronic visa or E-visa, which is issued online through the Thai immigration website.
• Visa on Arrival (VOA) available at entry points.
• Traditional visa issued directly by Thai Embassies in your country of residence.

This diversity of options streamlines the visa application process and allows you to choose the method that best suits your needs to fully enjoy your trip to Thailand.

3. Thailand E-Visa: A Convenient Way to Obtain Your Visa

The e-Visa allows certain foreign nationals to apply for, review, and make online payments for their visa without having to attend the Thai embassy or consulate in person.

As of October 2024, Thailand expanded its electronic visa program to 59 Thai embassies and consulates general worldwide. The initiative is aimed at smoothing the visa application process and enables travelers to apply online without having to visit an embassy or consulate. Tourists can apply for the visa on the official website https://www.thaievisa.go.th. The e-Visa service, previously available in 23 countries and 38 offices, has expanded to a wider network in the Americas, Europe, Asia, Africa, and Oceania.

In case the application for e-Visa is approved, the applicant will receive a confirmation email. These applicants should print out the confirmation email and present it to their airline and Thai immigration at the arrival hall upon arrival in Thailand.

Currently, this is the easiest way to get a visa and organize your vacation in Thailand. The electronic visa from Thailand provides access to two popular tourist visas, allowing travelers to enter Thailand by air, land, or sea.

Single-Entry Tourist Visa

The single-entry tourist visa allows foreign nationals to come to Thailand for tourist, leisure, or medical purposes with only one entry permitted. Once they enter the country, visa holders are allowed to stay for 60 days. If desired, this stay can be extended for an additional 30 days by visiting a local Thai immigration office.

This visa is valid for 3 months from the approval date, which means that individuals who have received approval have a 3-month window to enter Thailand. Once in the country, they can enjoy their 60-day stay, providing them with an opportunity to plan their trip in advance.

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Multiple-Entry Tourist Visa

The multiple-entry tourist visa allows foreign nationals to have unlimited entries into Thailand over a period of 6 months. This type of visa is issued to individuals who wish to visit the country for tourist, leisure, or medical purposes. Visa holders of multiple-entry visas have the option to stay in Thailand for up to 60 days per visit.

One of the significant advantages of this Thai visa is that travelers can leave the country and return without the need to worry about obtaining another visa. It is ideal for those who wish to use Thailand as a central point for visiting various countries in Southeast Asia. Furthermore, the stay period can also be extended by 30 days by visiting a local immigration office.

4. Thailand Visa on Arrival (VOA)

The Visa on Arrival (VOA) is an entry program that allows citizens of these 31 listed countries and territories to enter Thailand at entry points without needing to apply for a tourist visa at a Thai embassy in their own country. However, when arriving in Thailand, you may encounter long queues at the airport to obtain this visa.

• Armenia
• Bhutan *
• Bulgaria *
• China * 
• Cyprus *
• Ethiopia
• Fiji * 
• Georgia * 
• India *
• Kazakhstan
• Malta * 
• Mexico * 
• Nauru
• Papua New Guinea *
• Romania * 
• Saudi Arabia * 
• Taiwan * 
• Uzbekistan * 
• Vanuatu
• Belarus
• Montenegro
• Moldova
• Mongolia
• North Macedonia
• Panama
• Paraguay
• Serbia
• Ukraine
• Latvia
• Lithuania
• Palau

Note: *Countries/Territories eligible for 60-day visa exemption scheme

With the VOA, individuals can stay in Thailand for a maximum of 15 days, and this duration cannot be extended. If you plan to stay longer than 15 days, you must apply for an appropriate visa, such as a tourist visa, at a Thai embassy or consulate before your trip. Find here the list of immigration checkpoints where you can get the visa on arrival.

Svarnabhumi
International Airport, Don Muang International Airport, Bangkok
Chiang Mai International Airport, Chiang Mai Phuket International
Airport, Phuket
Hatyai International Airport, Songkhla
UTapao Airport, Rayong
Mae Sai Immigration Checkpoint, Chiang Rai
Chiang Saen Immigration Checkpoint, Chiang Rai Chiang Khong
Entry and Exit Checkpoint, Chiang Rai
Bondong Immigration Checkpoint, Yala
Sadoa Immigration Checkpoint, Songkhla
Samui Airport, Surat Thani
Sukhothai International Airport, Tak Entry
Point Bangkok Port Immigration Post Office, Bangkok
Sri Racha Immigration Checkpoint, Chonburi
Mabtaput Immigration Checkpoint, Rayong
Nong Khai Immigration Office, Nong Khai
Immigration Checkpoint Samui, Surat Thani
Immigration Checkpoint Phuket, Phuket
Immigration Checkpoint Satun, Satun
Immigration Checkpoint Krabi, Krabi
Immigration Checkpoint Port Songkhla, Songkhla
Immigration Checkpoint Airport Chiangrai, Chiangrai
Airport Immigration Checkpoint Surat Thani, Surat Thani

Short-term measures targeted for implementation on June, 2024:

• Expansion of Visa-on-Arrival (VOA): The VOA policy will be extended to include additional countries, from 19 to 31.
• Extended Stay for Tourists and Business Travelers: The allowable stay of 30 days will be extended to 60 days for tourists and short-term business travelers from 93 countries.

To receive a Visa on Arrival, a traveler must meet the following conditions:

• Properly fill out the application form (available at designated entry points in Thailand, as indicated below).
• Provide a recent photo.
• Show proof of sufficient funds: 10,000 Baht per person and 20,000 Baht per family accordingly.
• Have a passport with at least 1 month of validity and at least 2 blank pages.
• Possess fully paid and usable transportation tickets within 15 days from the entry date.
• Pay the fee of 2,000 Baht (in Thai Baht cash only, non-refundable).

You may be asked to present your flight ticket upon entry into Thailand. If you do not have an airline ticket to prove that you will depart Thailand within 15 (or 30) days of entry, entry will most likely be denied.

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5. Classic Visa Application at the Embassy

All those above-mentioned kinds of tourist visa applications, which cannot be applied for by foreigners, can be submitted to the nearest Thai embassy or consulate. In that case, the visa will be placed in their passport before the trip, but they have to undergo a tedious application process.

The required documents for applying for a Thai visa:

• Passport with the original document and a copy, valid for six months beyond your date of departure from Thailand.
• Recent passport photo.
• Proof of address.
• Arrival and departure flight information.
• Copy of a recent bank receipt with the date and stamp from the bank, showing the balance in your account: personal accounts - at least 1,080 USD, and joint accounts - at least 2,000 USD. If the visit visa is for multiple entries, proof of the last six months will be required, showing 5,000 USD.
• List of accommodations for your visit or a letter of invitation if you are staying with friends or family.

You will be required to present the documents and pay a certain fee, which also varies depending on the type of visa applied for and the applicant's country of origin. Once your visa is approved, the visa sticker will be placed in your passport, which you will need to present to Thai immigration officials upon arrival in the country. This is also the usual route for applying for a long-term visa: going to the Thai embassy or consulate and applying there.

Third-party options include applying for the visa through specialized agencies for an extra fee, aside from the two ways you could handle the process yourself.

Contact of the embassies of Thailand:

Royal Thai Embassy in Washington, D.C., USA

• Hours: Monday - Friday, 09:00 AM - 05:00 PM.
• Official website: https://washingtondc.thaiembassy.org/en/index

Royal Thai Embassy in London, United Kingdom

• Hours: Monday - Friday, 09:30 AM - 05:30 PM.
• Official website: https://london.thaiembassy.org/en/index

Royal Thai Embassy in Ottawa, Canada

• Hours: Monday - Friday, 09:00 AM - 12:00 PM and 01:00 PM - 04:30 PM.
• Official website: https://ottawa.thaiembassy.org/

Royal Thai Embassy in Canberra, Australia

• Hours: Monday - Friday, 09:00 AM - 01:00 PM and 02:00 PM - 05:00 PM.
• Official website: https://canberra.thaiembassy.org/

6. How Much Does a Thailand's Visa Cost?

The single-entry tourist visa costs approximately $40 (depending on the applicant's country) and allows you to stay for 60 days in Thailand. The multiple-entry tourist visa, which permits multiple stays of up to 60 days per entry within a 6-month period, costs approximately $200.

As for the Visa on Arrival (VOA) in Thailand, its price is 2,000 THB (approximately $60) and must be paid at the service counter at the immigration checkpoint at entry points. Payment must be made in cash, and only the local Thai currency (Thai Baht) is accepted.

If you wish to extend your stay in Thailand, it is possible, except for holders of a Thai Visa on Arrival. Visitors with a tourist visa can extend their stay in the country by 30 days by visiting a local Thai immigration office. This extension costs 1,900 Thai Baht (approximately $55) and must be paid in the local currency (Thai Baht).

Therefore, it is advisable to exchange your money for local cash as soon as you arrive at the airport or border. Learn more about the Thai Baht and how to exchange Thai currency.

7. How do I get a Long-Term Visa for Thailand?

Thailand offers a variety of long-term visas for foreigners wishing to stay in the country for an extended period. Here are the main long-term visas available:

Retirement Visa in Thailand

Foreigners aged over 50 can apply for a retirement visa to live in Thailand. The applicant for this visa must be able to provide proof of regular income and deposit a sum of money into a Thai bank account, in addition to having health insurance. There are two types of retirement visas:

Thailand Non-Immigrant O-A Visa

Holders of this type of visa are allowed to stay in Thailand for one year without the intention to work. To be eligible for a Thai retirement visa O-A, the following financial conditions must be met:

• A security deposit of 800,000 THB in a Thai bank account, to be made 2 months before the visa application.
• A monthly income of 65,000 THB.
• A combination of the security deposit and an annual income of 800,000 THB.

Also known as the 10-year retirement visa, it is available to citizens of 14 countries: Australia, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America.

Holders of this type of visa are allowed to stay in Thailand for 5 years each time (total of 10 years), without the intention to work. The financial conditions for this visa are as follows:

• A security deposit of at least 3 million THB in a Thai bank account.
• An annual income of at least 1.2 million THB.

Thai Work Visa

Tourists are not allowed to work in Thailand. If they wish to work, they must have their visa modified to a non-immigrant B type visa. All foreigners interested in working in Thailand must obtain a Thai work permit as well as a Thai work visa. To obtain a work permit, a company, foreign government, or any other organization in Thailand must apply on behalf of the visa applicant. Once granted, the work visa can be applied for.

The work visa is available as a single-entry for 90 days or as a multiple-entry visa for one year. Interested individuals can apply for this visa at the Thai embassy or consulate in their home country. In cases where they are already in Thailand, they can apply through the immigration service.

Thailand Elite Visa

The Thailand Elite Visa is open to individuals aged 20 and above, regardless of their nationality, with a focus on wealthy individuals, entrepreneurs, and retirees. Membership fees must be paid by applicants, and depending on the chosen package, you can extend your Thailand Elite visa for 5, 10, or 20 years.

The cost of the Thailand Elite Visa can vary based on the selected package, ranging from 600,000 Thai Baht for a 5-year visa to 2 million Thai Baht for a 20-year visa. There are seven types of Thailand Elite Visa programs that offer basic features such as airport service (escort on arrival and departure, personal assistance at immigration, and access to executive lounges), government concierge service, and a 24-hour contact center. Additionally, the Thailand Elite Visa offers a multitude of benefits to its holders, including multiple-entry visas and exclusive discounts on hotels, golf courses, and spas.

The visa also includes assistance with driver's license applications, work permits, and visa extensions, making it an ideal choice for retirees and long-term residents.

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8. What Are the Risks of Overstaying Your Visa in Thailand?

It is essential to abide by the validity period of your visa or stay permit. Fines of 500 Thai Baht per day can be imposed for overstaying, up to a maximum of 20,000 Thai Baht.

Even though the idea of simply 'paying the fine at the airport' for a few days of overstaying may seem tempting, it could lead to problems if you plan to return to Thailand and if an overstay stamp is placed in your passport. The best advice is to strictly adhere to the duration of your visa.

Under Thai law, overstaying your visa can result in detention, fines, and deportation at your expense. Additionally, you may be barred from entering Thailand for a period of up to 10 years.

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9. Do I need a Travel Insurance for Thailand Visa?

While obtaining a visa for Thailand does not mandate travel insurance, it is strongly advised by officials to secure travel insurance for your visit. For extended stays, exploring expat health insurance options is recommended for additional coverage.

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In conclusion,

The Thai visa offers a variety of options tailored to different needs and situations. Before applying for a visa, make sure to understand the specific requirements and provide all the necessary documents. Feel free to contact us for up-to-date information and guidance on the application process.

By planning your trip in compliance with Thai visa rules, you'll be able to fully enjoy all the wonders this beautiful country has to offer. Whether your stay is short or long-term, Thailand will welcome you with open arms to provide you with an unforgettable experience.

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