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 05-05-2025

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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?

You can begin the Thai visa application process up to 90 days before your trip. Processing periods vary by embassy or consulate, but after your application is complete, it normally takes 5-10 business days. Some locations can issue visas in as little as two days. To avoid delays, apply at least two weeks before you travel.

Depending on your nationality, you have the following visa options:

• E-Visa: Apply online using the Thai Immigration website.
• Visa on Arrival (VOA) is available to eligible travelers at designated entry points.
• Traditional Visa: Apply at a Thai embassy or consulate in your place of residency.

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.
• Extend your stay in Thailand up to 90 days: With a default of 60 days, travelers can apply for an additional 30 days at the Thailand Immigration Office.

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

How to Apply for a Thai Visa

Most tourist and long-term visa applications must be submitted at the nearest Thai embassy or consulate. If approved, the visa will be stamped in your passport before you travel—but the process can be time-consuming.

Required Documents

• Passport (original + copy), valid for at least 6 months beyond your departure from Thailand
• Recent passport photo
• Proof of address
• Flight itinerary (arrival and departure)

• Bank statement:

  • Single-entry: recent bank receipt with date and stamp, showing:

    • Personal account: minimum $1,080 USD

    • Joint account: minimum $2,000 USD

  • Multiple-entry: 6 months of statements showing at least $5,000 USD

• Accommodation details or a letter of invitation if staying with friends/family

Application Process

• Submit documents at a Thai embassy/consulate
• Pay a visa fee (amount varies by visa type and your nationality)
• Once approved, a visa sticker will be placed in your passport, which you'll present to immigration upon arrival

Optional: You can also apply through a visa agency for a fee to simplify the process.

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?

1. Retirement Visa

For individuals aged 50 and above who do not intend to work in Thailand.

• Non-Immigrant O-A Visa (1-Year Stay)

  • Age 50+

  • Financial requirements:

    • 800,000 THB in a Thai bank (held 2 months prior), or

    • 65,000 THB monthly income, or

    • Combination of both totaling 800,000 THB/year

  • Health insurance required

• Long-Stay O-X Visa (10-Year Stay)

  • Available to citizens of 14 countries (e.g., USA, UK, Japan)

  • Valid for 5 years, renewable for another 5 years

  • Financial requirements:

    • 3 million THB in a Thai bank, or

    • 1.2 million THB annual income

2. Thai Work Visa (Non-Immigrant B)

Required for those intending to work in Thailand.

• Must be sponsored by a Thai company or organization

• Requires a valid job offer and a Thai work permit

• Can be issued as:

  • Single-entry (60 days) or

  • Multiple-entry (1 year)

• Apply at a Thai embassy/consulate or via Thai immigration if already in the country

3. Thailand Elite Visa

A long-term residency visa designed for high-income individuals, retirees, or frequent visitors.

• Open to applicants aged 20+

• Visa durations: 5, 10, or 20 years

• Membership fees range from 600,000 to 2 million THB

• Benefits include:

  • Multiple-entry privileges

  • VIP airport services

  • Government concierge services

  • Discounts on travel, hotels, healthcare, and golf

  • Assistance with visas, work permits, and driving licenses

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

It is critical to maintain the validity of your visa or stay permission. Overstaying may lead to:

• Fines: 500 THB each day, with a maximum of 20,000 THB.
• Serious repercussions include possible incarceration, deportation at your own expense, and re-entry restrictions of up to 10 years.

While some people consider "just paying the fine at the airport" for a brief overstay, this can result in an overstay stamp in your passport, which may impede future visits to Thailand. The safest approach is to leave or renew your visa before it expires.

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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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