How long to obtain a Thai visa?


Thailand Immigration

I would like to visit Thailand this year and was told it was best to apply for a visa first at the Thai embassy. Can you tell me how long does it take to obtain a Thailand visa?

This depends on where you apply for your Thai visa as it depends on the embassy. Most times it is an overnight process. The Thai embassy in Laos issues visas overnight while the Thai embassy in Cambodia is 4 days. In the UK this is normally also an overnight process. Ask the embassy in your location how long before the visa is issued.

 

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54 Comments

  1. Wizzy
    June 5, 2019
    Reply

    Hello, I am currently living and working in Thailand as a teacher. my passport expired and my new passport came in late so this brings forth the following questions.
    1. Is my non-B visa still valid after I pay the overstay?
    2. I still have a contract with the same school; must I go out to get another Non-B visa for the same school?

    • June 7, 2019

      Hi Wizzy,

      If your passport has expired before you were able to transfer the non-immigrant B visa into the new passport, then you overstayed and you need to leave Thailand and start the whole process. You need to get a new non-immigrant B visa under your new passport. You will apply for the non-immigrant B visa from the Thai embassy either in your home country or nearby countries of Thailand.

  2. Pradeep
    September 28, 2018
    Reply

    What r the documents required for visa on arrival at Thailand and how much time it take for the process

  3. Irfan Ullah Amin
    June 9, 2018
    Reply

    Hello Im from afgan but Im studying in india , I already apply thailand visa for tourist 1 month ago but still not get visa yet ,I went to embassy 10 times more but they only said have to wait and my ticket already passed and I have to change flight date ,I just want to know how long I can get visa because I can book my ticket exactly date and they did not contact me anything

    • June 13, 2018

      Applying for a Thai Tourist visa, it usually takes 1-3 business days only. However, if its longer than this, there might be a few verification process that the Thai embassy is conducting specially if you are not a citizen of the country. You have to ask the Thai embassy in India to know why is it taking so long for them to release your Tourist visa.

  4. ami
    July 27, 2017
    Reply

    I am in usa.How long it take to get thai visa?

    • August 11, 2017

      Hi Ami,

      There are different types of Thai visa ( Tourist visa, Business visa, Retirement visa, Marriage visa, Dependent visa or Education visa).
      For Tourist visa, it will only take 1-2 business days depending on which country you will apply for the Thai tourist visa, but it is likely to be done within 1-2days only. This doesnt include the mail service if you apply the visa through mail. It will depend on the courier service.
      For other types of visa, if there are no problem in your paperwork, the visa process will take from 5-10 business days. If applied through mail, it will take longer depending on the courier service)

      Johnc

  5. Kurian P Oommen
    November 7, 2016
    Reply

    Hi, if I am submitting my visa application form on 15th November, 2016 at VFS Delhi, when can I collect my visa? What are the supporting documents required to submit along with my application form? What is the fee for a tourist visa with singly entry?

    Thanks and regards.
    Kurian

    • November 8, 2016

      For information about the visa application procedure through the Thailand VFS in New Delhi, kindly contact them through the following channels.

      Call: 022-67866003 between 08:00 -17:00, Monday-Friday except Holidays
      Email:​ ​[email protected]

  6. Sandeep Mishra
    October 18, 2016
    Reply

    Hi, I am Sandeep Mishra. I need a visa for Thailand. I want to take it for longer time because I want to go there for job. So what should I do to get this visa? How many longer time I will be stay in Thailand? Could you give me some information about this please?

    • October 19, 2016

      Kindly get in touch with the Thai embassy or consulate near your location to inquire about obtaining a Non Immigrant B Visa based on the purpose of employment. You may contact them to inquire about the requirements, application procedure and fees associated with the visa.​

  7. sandesh rawat
    October 15, 2016
    Reply

    Hello,

    I’m a Nepalese citizen studying in New Delhi. Could you please tell me how many working days does it take to get visa? Is there any option for immediate visa with some extra charges?

    • October 18, 2016

      Kindly get in touch with the Thai Embassy in New Delhi for information about the visa application procedure, timelines and fees.

      ​Royal Thai Embassy, New Delhi, Republic of India​

      Address​: ​D-1/3 Vasant Vihar, New Delhi 110057
      Telephone​: ​+91 11 4977 4100
      Email​: ​[email protected]
      Website​: ​http://www.thaiemb.org.in

  8. ABDULLAH AL ZABER
    October 10, 2016
    Reply

    I applied for a Thai visa 25 September on Bangladesh. But it is until now processing. In VFS Thai visa application center said it becomes 5 days but I can not receive my passport yet. Now what can should I do?

    • October 11, 2016

      Kindly get in touch with the Thai Visa application center for information about your application. Unfortunately, we don’t have information regarding this.

  9. Hida Ruzz
    October 9, 2016
    Reply

    Hello, I am a Lebanese and currently living in Beijing. I want to apply for the Thai visa. How long will it take because I want to go around the first of November. Is that possible?

    • October 11, 2016

      Kindly get in touch with the Thai Embassy in Beijing for information and assistance with your visa application.

      Royal Thai Embassy, Beijing
      Tel: (86-10) 6566 1149, 6566 4299, 6566 2564 (for visa information dial extension 102-103)
      All inquires 14.00 – 16.00 hrs of Monday to Friday

  10. Nagendra
    October 3, 2016
    Reply

    I got an offer from Bangkok based company. They started preparing company related documents for my visa/work permit. How much time probably it takes to receive the visa after they have submitted the documents to Thai embassy? I have all the valid and correct documents. What is the success rate of getting the work visa?

    • October 4, 2016

      The processing time for visa applications will depend on the Thai embassy where you have submitted your application. I would suggest that you get in touch with their office for information about their timelines. You may also inquire about the success rate from their office at it will differ from one Thai embassy to another.

  11. Zahid Hasan
    September 24, 2016
    Reply

    I am Zahid Hasan from Bangladesh. I want to go to Bangkok to participate in a business meeting. I am currently staying in India and will apply from Indian Visa Application center. How long it might take to get VISA from here for Bangladeshi nationals?

    • October 5, 2016

      The visa application process, it may take 1 to 3 weeks. Please contact the Visa Facilitating Service provider in India for more information.

  12. Ann
    September 9, 2016
    Reply

    I am Chinese and I want to go to Bangkok. May I know how long will it take for me to make a Visa?

    • September 16, 2016

      Kindly get in touch with the Thai embassy or consulate in your location for information about the visa processing time.

  13. Ashish Dubey
    September 4, 2016
    Reply

    I am Indian and I want to go bangkok. Can you please let me know how much money will required and VISA is required.

    • September 8, 2016

      You are eligible to obtain a Visa on Arrival at the airport or designated port of entry. You are able to stay up to 15 days. This visa on arrival cannot be extended.

  14. Hybrid
    August 9, 2016
    Reply

    I was born in Thailand (Issan) to a Thai mother and American father. I am an American citizen. I do have a Thai Birth certificate… and my American passport shows that Thailand as birth place on it.

    My American husband and our children are interested in retiring in Thailand. I heard there was a visa for us Hybrid (lol).

    Being Half Thai, which Visa would be most be beneficial for us?

    Thank you for making time for my question.

    • August 11, 2016

      In your case, you may apply for a Non Immigrant O visa based on having Thai relatives. For your husband, he can apply for a Retirement Visa if he meets the minimum age (50-years old). Your children can then apply for a Non Immigrant O visa based on his Retirement Visa.

  15. Maaz
    July 24, 2016
    Reply

    Hello,
    I’m from Georgia living in China and want to apply for Thai visa. I would like to ask how long it’s take to get it.
    Thx

  16. Andreas
    July 9, 2016
    Reply

    Hello!
    I am a Filipino and just got hired to work in Bangkok. I was advised to get a Non-Immigrant Visa for employment before flying to Bangkok. My questions are: Do I need to buy a plane ticket already before applying for a visa? and How long does it take to process the visa from application to release? Thank you very much!

    • July 11, 2016

      Kindly contact the Thai embassy in Manila regarding the ticket requirement and processing time for the​ Non Immigrant B Visa application. Below are their contact details for your reference.

      Royal Thai Embassy
      107 Thailand (Rada) Street, Legaspi Village, Makati City, Metro Manila, The Philippines
      TEL: (632) 810-3833 loc. 102 or 103
      E-Mail: [email protected]

  17. Jessie Cain
    May 26, 2016
    Reply

    I am a Filipino and I booked a flight from Manila to Bangkok on July 18 and going back on August 25 which is more than 30 days but I am also planning to visit Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam so I am not staying in Bangkok for more than 30 days. Do I need to apply for a Thai Tourist visa before leaving Manila? Thanks

    • May 27, 2016

      You can enter Thailand on visa exemption for a maximum of 30 days each time you enter by air or 15 days if you enter by land. However, if you plan to re-enter Thailand several times, I would recommend that you contact the Thai embassy in Manila to check on the best visa option for your trip.

  18. Bhalla
    May 9, 2016
    Reply

    I am applying for Thai Business Visa for official purpose/meeting. I have the return air tickets and hotel confirmation too. How many days will it take to process the Visa and why do you need my bank statement when the trip is completely sponsored by by company and all the payments will be made through American Express Corporate Credit Card?
    What if i don’t have much amount in my bank account?

    • May 13, 2016

      The visa application will depend on the Thai embassy or consulate where you will be submitting your application. Please know that there is no online application. Applications for Thai visa must be made in person or through mail.

  19. Laura Sanders
    April 16, 2016
    Reply

    Wanting to live permanently in Thailand with my Australian family. What process do you have to go through?

    • April 25, 2016

      You will need to apply for a visa which is appropriate to the purpose of your trip or stay in Thailand. For more information, you may contact the nearest Thai Embassy or Consulate in your area.

  20. Rebekah
    February 19, 2016
    Reply

    When applying for a one year visa to enter Thailand form the US, how long does it usually take to obtain?

    • March 3, 2016

      The processing of the visa at the Thai Embassy or Consulates in the US is usually 2 days, given that all required documents are already submitted to them.

  21. Carson Bradford
    November 30, 2015
    Reply

    Hey I’m wanting to do all of south east Asia I’m from canada and plan a trip the will take from January 2 till February 5 I will have a round trip booked from Bangkok but will I need a visa since it’s over 30 days even though I plan on going to laos cambodia and vietnam also?

    • December 1, 2015

      If your every stay in Thailand is not more than 30 days, then you do not need to apply for a visa. Citizens of Canada are entitled to a 30 days visa-free entry to Thailand under the Visa Exemption agreement with Thailand. This is given that their purpose of trip is for tourism only.

  22. Sandy Lee
    November 26, 2015
    Reply

    Hi Sir/Madam,

    I would like to understand how can I get the work permit. As mentioned on web, we have to get the non immigrant visa first which take one day. And I possible to apply it at HK. (My boss is Australia passport holder and he located at HK right now)

    Then how about to apply the work permit? It have to apply it at Thai embassy? I notice the doc. require on web, then where can I download the application form? Also, if there any contact information as well as any pre-appointment available? how long will it take for the processing time?

    Thank you,

  23. November 10, 2015
    Reply

    Hi, I applied for a Visa, using a UK Passport from the UK embassy. I paid all of the money (including the postal return fee of £10) in a postal order.
    But I read somewhere that I was meant to pay for the return fee in cash? Is this a problem?

    Also, how will it take for my passport to be returned?
    Thanks,
    Matt

    • November 12, 2015

      Please contact the Thai Embassy or Consulate where you sent your passport to verify your concern.

  24. Noor Salloum
    July 28, 2015
    Reply

    Hello,
    I would like to ask, I am traveling with my husband-to-be to thailand on our honeymoor. But i am running out of time and issues with my fiance’s passport, got delayed with another visa request. My question, how long does the visa need time to be issued from Beirut, Lebanon. My plane is on August 16th, and I can receive the passport on August 11th. Is it do-able?

    • August 3, 2015

      Hi Noor!

      Normally, a tourist visa application takes about 3 days in some countries. The visa processing time depends on the Thai Embassy or Consulate who will receive and process your application and, therefore, we advise that you contact the nearest Thai Embassy in your location regarding your concern.

  25. Pradeep Chowdary
    June 4, 2015
    Reply

    Hi..
    Am Pradeep from India and am working in Malaysia. I have some quires which is running out of my mind. let me ask,Well, am gonna get married on 27th of August 2015 and me and my fiance has been planned to come Phuket, Thailand on 06.09.2015 (2105hrs – Local Time) we were coming from Chennai, India to Kuala Lumpur will land most probably aound 1530hrs from there next flight to phuket is 2005hrs. So here is my question,

    1. Can we land thru Phuket by On Arrival Visa or we guys have to obtain visa from our country itself?

    2. Actually we gonna stay there for just 3days and will be back to Malaysia. So in that case we have to show any proof like marriage certificate or something?

    3. Normally what kind of question did immigration officer’s will raise at the time of arrival?

    4. And last not but not least, what are all the documents should we have to bring at the time of arrival?

    So actually since we are new and we don’t want to put our self into trouble, before leaving from our origin. Kindly do the needful for us to make our trip wonderful in Thailand.

    Hoping to hear from you soonest.

    Regards,
    Pradeep

    • June 8, 2015

      You may apply for the visa on arrival when you arrive at the airport in Phuket. There is no need for you to show any proof of marriage since you are only staying in Thailand for 3 days and also considering the purpose of your trip. The immigration officer would just likely ask for the visa on arrival requirements.

      For information on the requirements, please visit our website by clicking on the link below:

      http://india.siam-legal.com/

  26. Siva
    June 2, 2015
    Reply

    Dear sir,
    My employer asks me to come on arrival visa. And within that 15 days he is responsible to change as non b and work permit. I am from India. Is it ok possible.

    • June 4, 2015

      Hi!

      Visa on Arrival cannot be directly converted into the Non-Immigrant B visa inside Thailand. The initial process of the visa application for Non-Immigrant B visa is done outside of Thailand. Therefore, you are likely to be required to leave the country later on. We advise that you confirm with your employer on how they’re going to do this process if you wish to make sure that everything is done properly and legally.

  27. Candice
    May 26, 2015
    Reply

    my name is Candice Hamer and I am a permanent resident of Australia traveling to Sweden on my Sri- lankan passport as I am not a citizen of Australia yet. We will be in transit for over half a day and was wondering if i am allowed to leave the airport or how i obtain a transit visa. please get back to me asap as we are planning on leaving on the 16th of June