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Types of Thailand Visas

Thailand Visa

A Thailand visa is required for most foreign nationals to travel to Thailand for tourism, business, investment, studying, medical treatment, mass media, religion, employment, visiting family, and other activities. Travelers are required to apply for the appropriate visa from a Thai embassy or consulate.

70 countries have bilateral treaties with Thailand, and their citizens are exempt from needing a visa to travel to the country for short stays. Under the Visa Exemption Program and Bilateral Agreements, 6 countries are granted the 90-day permit to stay, 62 countries are granted a stay of 30 days, and 2 countries are granted a stay of 14 days in Thailand. View the list of exempted countries here.

Depending on the purpose of travel, there are various types of visas available from Thai embassies and consulates, including:

  1. Transit Visa
  2. Tourist Visa
  3. Non-immigrant Visa (B, O, ED, OA etc.)
  4. Thai Elite Visa
  5. Diplomatic/Official Visa
  6. Courtesy Visa

Here are the most common types of visas foreigners can obtain for travel to Thailand:

  1. TOURIST (TR)
    • For tourism in Thailand
    • Not for Business or Employment purposes
    • Allowed to stay up to 60 days
    • An extension is allowed for another 30 days
  2. BUSINESS (B)
    • For business in Thailand
    • Must be employed or sponsored by a Thai Company
    • Allowed to stay up to 90 days for single-entry visa or 1 year for a multiple-entry visa
  3. EDUCATION (ED)
    • For studying in Thailand
    • Allowed to stay up to 90 days for a single-entry visa or 1 year for a multiple-entry visa
  4. RETIREMENT OR MARRIAGE (O)
    • For retirees and spouses of citizens in Thailand
    • Retirees must be 50 years or older
    • Marriage must be to a Thai national
    • Allowed to stay up to 90 days for a single-entry visa or 1 year for a multiple-entry visa
  5. THAI ELITE VISA (PE)
    • 5 to 20-year renewable multiple-entry visa with an extendable 1-year length of stay per each entry
    • An uninterrupted stay in Thailand without the usual need to leave the country every 90 days as with other visa types
    • Expedited immigration and passport control processing when arriving in Thailand

Special Note

Most visa types can be extended if they are pending approval from Thai Immigration. This is called an “extension of stay.” Typically, a short-term extension of stay is granted for up to 30 days for a Tourist Visa or a Non-Immigrant Visa. Some visas allow the holder to apply for an extension of stay for one year, but it must be for one of the following purposes: Business, Education, Marriage, or Retirement. Holders of Tourist Visas must first convert to a Non-Immigrant Visa before the long-term extension of stay. Applying for visa extensions must be done at an immigration office by the traveler or an authorized agent such as a government-authorized General Sales and Services Agent (GSSA) like Siam Legal.

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114 Responses

  1. Do Indian’s need visa for travelling to phuket in jan2024?
    I have read that no visa for India’s to increase the tourism.

    1. Hello, Tyagi.

      Up until 10 May 2024, India is under the Visa Exemption Scheme, which means you can enter Thailand strictly for tourism purposes without the need for a visa and can stay in Thailand for 30 days.

    1. Hello, Celia Tanaka.

      As a citizen of the Philippines, You can enter Thailand through the Visa Exemption Scheme and stay in Thailand for 30 days.

  2. Hi again,
    I have just received a link that states vaccine certificates and proof of negative tests for COVID are no longer required when entering Thailand, as of 30 September 2022. Is this correct?

  3. I am travelling to Bangkok on 5th – 11th November 2022 from the UK to attend an exhibition where i will have a business stand.
    Do i need to apply for a business Visa or not?

  4. Hi, together with my wife and two sons, we are visiting Thailand for a two week holiday in Phuket as of 21 October 2022. Am I correct in saying that we DO NOT require a VISA? Thank you

  5. Hi,
    I am planning to attend one education conference in Thailand. Originally, I am from Pakistan and staying in Finland. So what kind of Visa I should apply and how?

  6. Good morning! I’m belarusian, but living in Bangladesh. I’d like to visit Thailand as a tourist for couple weeks. Do I need a trourist visa?
    Thank you.

  7. If i want to stay in Thailand for 3 months and beyond, basically during winter. What do i need to do, based in the UK

    thanks

  8. I am planning to enter via Phuket and leave via Bangkok 45 days later.
    I hold an Australian passport.
    What visas do I need?

    1. Hello Alvin,

      Australian Passport Holders are not required to obtain a visa when entering Thailand for tourism purposes and will be permitted to stay in Thailand for a period not exceeding 30 days on each visit. However, if you will stay longer you can extend your visa in Immigration office for another 30 days.

      Thank you.

  9. Good afternoon,

    I am planning a trip to Thailand, as a tourist I am allowed to there for 30 days without a visa. Am I able to extend it to an additional 30 days? If so how do i go about doing so?

    1. Dear Christian,

      Yes, you can extend your permit to stay for another 30 days. You only need to visit the local immigration office towards the end of your 30-day stamp and pay for the extension, it will cost 1900 THB.
      Thank you.

  10. I am Australian and currently in Australia.I have lived in Thailand for the past 15 years and married a Thai National 10 years ago.I held a retirement visa for 12 years which ran out while I was back in Aus.I am anxious to get back as I have not seen my wife for 20 months.Do you have any suggestions
    Thank you.

    1. Hi Neil

      As of 1 November 2021, travelers to Thailand need apply for a Thailand Pass to enter the country. If you are fully vaccinated and have spent at least 21 consecutive days in Australia, you are exempted from quarantine but must spend one night at an AS/SHA+ hotel to await your RT-PCR test results upon arrival. However, if you are unvaccinated you will need to quarantine for 10 nights.

      Thank you.

    1. Dear Boev,
      Good day.
      I regret to inform you that we do not have any information of the visa application and issuance of the Special Tourist Visa in Bulgaria.
      Thank you.

  11. Hello,

    I want to teach english in Thailand but the common practice is to enter with a tourist visa, then get a work permit, then a non immigrant visa. How can potential english teachers enter Thailand from the United states to teach.
    any help will be appreciated.

    1. Dear John,
      Good day.
      You have an option to apply for a tourist visa right now and then come to Thailand and change into a non Immigrant B visa. Right now, the best course of action is to find a job online and apply for the Non immigrant B visa prior to coming to Thailand to process the work permit.
      Thank you.

  12. Hello. I am an American citizen but I’m living in Korea. Can I enter Thailand? Do I need to quarantine for 14 days? Where can I apply? Thanks for your consideration.

    1. Dear Bijan,
      Good day.
      No one can enter Thailand without a visa and certificate of entry. The Thai embassy in Seoul is now issuing a tourist visa. You can apply directly from them them. After getting the visa, you can apply for the COE. The COE application requires mandatory quarantine.
      Thank you.

  13. Hello Rex! Thank you so much for your help here. I am a US national. I have been in Thailand for almost two years on Non-immigrant O Spouse Visa, Multiple Entry. I am on my second year-long visa.

    My current visa expires on December 18. I have an September 23 Amnesty extension from the BKK IO that is stamped November 23 (60 days) in my book, AND at the same time, the IO officer stapled a 90 Day in Kingdom Notice that’s dated from September 23 as well, but has an expiration of Dec 23.

    On top of that, according to the Amnesty last minute extensions for people who missed the original Sept 27 date, all extensions before October 31, are automatically extended either 30 or 60 days from then, whichever extension they were granted.

    SO! You see why I have questions.

    1. Can I extend for another 60 days if I get the extension before either A, my Visa Expires, or B, the December 23 (or 31 date)?

    2. Would it be better to apply for a new non-O Spous Mulitiple Visa and start over?

    3. Or better to apply for a long term Spousal Visa. If so, by the time I apply, I will have had two months where I’ve transferred over 40k THB into my wife’s account from my account in the US, two months in a row. Does that replace the need for 400k THB in the bank for two months?

    I certainly hope you’ve been able to follow this. I barely can. Thanks in advance. I can’t seem to find this info anywhere.

    1. Dear Daniel,
      Good day.
      If you would prefer to extend your stay inside Thailand you have 2 options:
      1. You extend for 1 year as a marriage visa. You do it before November 23. You need to have 400,000 THB in a Thai bank account prior to the extension. You will not be able to use income because you need to have 12 months banking history into your own Thai bank account in order to use that.
      2. You may apply for the 60-day extension based on Thai wife.
      Thank you.

    1. Dear Knud,
      Good day.
      I regret to inform you that Thai Embassy in Denmark is not issuing the special tourist visa (STV) or the normal tourist visa (TRV) at this time.
      Thank you.

  14. Hi for the trv visa for usa north Carolina ….the requirements of 17000 usd in bank, can it be a combination of credit card plus savings I have 10k usd in checking account plus 16k usd on credit card available…you think this can help pls? Thanks.

    1. Dear Roy,
      Good day.
      For this particular question, it is best for you to call Thai Embassy in Washington DC or NYC. The post of the embassy only stated savings account. It did not mention credit card, so we can assume that credit card is not acceptable.
      Thank you.

  15. Hi how are you I want to visit Thailand in march 2021 iam from usa Charlotte nc from my understanding I can apply for the 60 days tourist visa…what are the requirements.. are them the same as the spv…thanks swasdee krap

  16. Hello Yajnik

    I have a 6 year old son who lives near Kabinburi with his mother and I am planning on going over to Thailand in December to spend a few months with my son and girlfriend , are my chances of this happening now that it is November still good , and will I obtain a visa easily as I have a son in Thailand .

    1. Dear Grant,
      Good day.
      May I ask where are you located and your nationality? So that we can advise you if you can qualify for the Non O visa and COE.
      Thank you.

  17. Hi,

    I just got admission to start a 2-year business full-time program starting April 1st, 2021 and it seems the 14-day quarantine will be in place for a while. How soon before my program start date can I apply for the Visa at the Thai embassy and how soon can I use it to enter Thailand?

    For example, since my program start date is April 1st, 2021, can I apply as early as January 15, 2021?

    Thanks
    Marvin

    1. Dear Marvin,
      Good day.
      The visa application can take place or start it 1 to 2 months before your flight. Once the visa is issued you must travel or use it within 3 months. And when you arrive in Thailand, you will be given 3 months permit to stay.
      Thank you.

    2. Thanks for the response. As I have been looking at the Visa application, there is a question about applicant’s occupation and employer. I have a full time IT job in my home country (USA) and I will be working remote while doing my MBA in Thailand. I will need to travel back to the USA couple times, though. I am wondering if having full time job while studying might create any issue, i.e., the consulate officer questing if I will be able to complete the entire program of study while having full time job.

    3. Dear Marvin,
      Good day.
      That is just a standard question. You can leave it blank if you are not employed right now or fill it out if you are currently employed or you have your own business in the US. You answer to that question will not have a negative effect in your student visa application.
      Thank you.

  18. Hello, do you have to apply for the new 90 Tourist Visa in your home country or can this be done on arrival in Thailand or from another country through which you are travelling? Thank you!

    1. Hello again Yajnik

      I forgot to mention that I am located in Scotland and have a British passport.

    2. Dear Grant,
      Yes, you will be able to apply for a non immigrant O visa and COE at the Thai embassy in London. We have sent you an email about this. Please check your inbox or spam box.
      Thank you.

  19. I am planning to enter into thai land in next month. The university is located in bangkok, and i am able to study the class through online. So i wish to study online class in south island of thailand. Is it caused problem when i renew my ED VISA?

    1. Dear Shin,
      Good day.
      I do not see a problem for the visa, usually the visa is valid for 90 days and the visa extension is given for 1 year. The only issue will be the 90-day reporting. I suggest that you check with your university about your visa situation.
      Thank you.

  20. Hi, I am Yajnik from India. Can I go to thailand for shorttime visa on arrival on january,2021 without quarentine?

    1. Dear Yajnik,
      Good day.
      Yes, that will be possible only on the last quarter of 2021. That is around 365 days from now. If there will be a COVID-19 vaccine already.
      Thank you.

  21. Hello My name is Ashok kumar , I am living in India and I am planning to come to Thailand for work Visa , i am getting work permit from my employee in Thailand.
    So could you please help me for that when Royal Thai Embassy in India will open and start taking application for Non Immigrant B visa .
    VFS Thailand in India is also not opening .
    please help me .

    Thanks and regards,
    Ashok kumar

  22. Hi,

    Just wondering when we can start applying for 60 day tourist visas?

    Currently living in Ireland and looking to move to Thailand for a short period. Any help is appreciated.

    Thank you!

    1. Dear Dante,
      Good day.
      I would say that Special Tourist Visa (STV) and Normal Tourist Visa (TRV) will be back to normal processing in the beginning or middle of 2021.
      Thank you.

  23. Hello,
    I would like to start an internship in Thailand in December, am I able to apply for an education/internship visa or a tourist visa so that I can start the internship on the intended start date?

    1. Dear Midori,
      Good day.
      At the moment, the non-immigrant ED or B visa under internship is not bring issued due to the travel ban. You may have to wait until next year. You may also ask the school in Thailand where you will do an internship if they can assist you as well.
      Thank you.

  24. Dear sir/madam

    I would like to ask is that possible to have the 30 days extension of stay if we are students that already graduated from thai and our student visa is expired ? And I also heard that if we would like to apply for business visa we shall apply it in Thai embassy outside Thailand, Can I apply it inside Thailand because of the pandemic Thai border is closed and it is difficult for me to go back and forth from my country, Indonesia ?

    1. Dear Amanulia,
      Good day.
      If your ED visa will expire in November or December, unfortunately you can only extend for 7 days. But you may contact the Immigration office if they can give you a longer extension such as COVID-19 extension which is 30 days or 60 days.
      Thank you.

  25. Hello Rex, How can I get a retirement visa set up so I can travel now to Thailand? I am currently in Canada but would like to go next month to Thailand.

  26. Hello, I live in the USA. I am hoping to start an internship in Thailand in December. Am I able to get an education/internship visa or a tourist visa so that I could start the internship on the intended start date?

  27. Hello,
    If an Irish national wants to stay for 29 days, but work remotely in a UK-based job for 8 of those days, what kind of visa is needed?

    Many thanks

  28. I am in Thailand on a non immigrant type O spouse visa. I need to stay until the end of the year but my visa expires on the 11th of November. I dont think the 30 day extension will be long enough and the 1 year extension is way more than I need because I cant currently prove income because of Covid. Are there other options?

    1. Dear Evan,
      Good day.
      As a foreigner married to a Thai national, you can apply for the 60-day extension. Please visit the Thai Immigration office before November 11th. You can use this 60 days extension to prepare for the 1 year extension application.
      Thank you.

  29. I live in Canada and spend my winters in Thailand I would like to know how the embassy is picking dates and how much for the flights thank you for your help

    1. Dear Paul,
      Good day.
      The embassy is not charging for the flights. The embassy will inform you which airline has an approved flight on a specific date and you may book the flight directly with the airline.
      Thank you.

    1. Dear Vanessa,
      Good day.
      Thank you for your message. At this time, as per the website of the Thai Embassies, the non-immigrant O visa application for volunteer work is suspended. The application for the certificate of entry is also not allowed for the Non O volunteer visa.
      Have a good day.

  30. Dear Sir Madam
    The Embassy of Thailand in Egypt
    Good afternoon

    1-Please Advise Can Egyptian Citizens Proceed for the STV visa or it is for others nationalities ?
    2-Please also advise will the embassy in Egypt open soon for the short stay visa or not ?

    Many thanks in Advance
    Hani Fayez

  31. Good day,our question is simple but I am getting different replies from others.
    We have a flight from UK to BKK in November with Emirates via Dubai in transit for a short time (2hrs approx) could you please confirm the documentation currently required to enter BKK. Someone mentioned that the rules have changed last weekend.Our holiday is 22/29 Nov.
    regards keith and Leena Staley

    1. Dear Ahmed,
      Yes, you can apply for a business visa if you are a business owner in Egypt and you have a Thai business partner that you will travel to Thailand to conduct business with. Please call the Thai embassy in Cairo for more information.
      Thank you.

    1. Dear Olga,
      May I ask if you are in Thailand or are you abroad? Which country? The Non ED visa is based on enrolment in a university?
      Thank you.

  32. Hi, we are Malaysian and I will be posted to work in Songkhla next month. My company will apply a working visa for me, but I intend to bring my family along and will enroll my kids to the Thai schools. May I know the what kind of visas to apply for them?

    1. Dear Liew,
      You can get a non immigrant B visa and your whole family can apply for the Non Immigrant O visa as dependants. All of you can apply together at the Thai embassy in KL. All of you must also apply for the Certificate of Entry to Thailand.
      Thank you.

    2. Hi Sir/Madam,

      With refer to the below advise, when can I apply non-immigrant O visa for my family? Is it upon the receipt of my working visa? how long is the processing time for the visa and lastly, how long this non-immigrant O visa last for?

      “Dear Liew,
      You can get a non immigrant B visa and your whole family can apply for the Non Immigrant O visa as dependants. All of you can apply together at the Thai embassy in KL. All of you must also apply for the Certificate of Entry to Thailand.
      Thank you.”

    3. Dear Liew,
      If you are still abroad, you can apply altogether. The Non B visa and Non O visas are valid for 90 days upon entry. For the processing time, I highly recommend that you contact Thai Embassy in KL.
      Thank you.

  33. Dear Sirs,
    My son and family live in Chiang Mai. His wife is Thai and their children were born in Thailand. We would like to visit Thailand for a long stay. We have heard that Thailand might be allowing tourist Visas for 90 days renewable for another 90 days. We would like to go for a minimum of 90 days and possibly longer. We are quite aware of the quarantine requirements. Can you please tell us how to proceed.
    Thank you very much.

  34. Hello, excuse me please,
    I need to know the prices of non immigration O and volunteer visa, and how can I do anyone of these, I’m from Egypt, I’ve been in Thailand for one year and six months now, and I’m still in Thailand, I’m 35 year old if that will help.

    1. Dear Abdelsalam,
      I regret to inform you that we do not have any information about the Non Immigrant O volunteer. All we know is that some agencies are doing the visa in Kalasin, Khon Kaen and Pattaya. It sounds dodgy to me. Who volunteers in those places?
      I recommend that you contact the local immigration office where you live. If you stay in Bangkok, please call 1178 for more information.
      Thank you.

  35. Hi my name is Iris and I live in Canada. My husband has the work permit and is working in Thailand now. I wonder what type of visa should I apply for going to Thailand to stay with him and what support documents should I prepare? Thanks.

    1. Dear Iris,
      You can can apply for the Non Immigrant O visa as dependant. You can apply for the visa at the Thai embassy in Ottawa. You must also apply for the Certificate of Entry to Thailand. You need proof of marriage and copy of his passport and visa in Thailand.
      Please call the Thai Embassy in Ottawa for more information.
      Thank you.

  36. I am married to a Tahi National now for 6 years. Wish to come to stay for 2 months JjAN / fEB at our Thai House in UDON TAHNI.
    can I apply for Postal Visa and what documents do I need and proof .
    thank You

    1. Dear John,
      Good day.
      Yes, you can apply for the Non Immigrant O visa for having a Thai wife. You need to submit a copy of the marriage certificate and copy of ID card of your Thai wife. The application for the visa and the certificate of entry is done online. I recommend that you contact the Thai Embassy in your country for more information about the visa application.
      Another option for you is the special tourist visa or STV, if you are qualified, you must get in touch with the local Thai Embassy or the Tourism Authority of Thailand in your current location for more information.
      Thank you.

  37. Good day

    I am living and working in Thailand. My boyfriend would like to come on a long stay tourist visa from South Africa. South Africa has just opened for international travel.

    How do I apply for permission to enter Thailand? Is it allowed for South africans?

    1. Dear Simone,
      The travel ban is still in place.
      However, Thailand will allow limited numbers of long stay foreign tourists under the Special Tourist Visa (STV) Program.  The visa is valid for 90 days which can be extended for another two 90-day extensions. This long stay visa is open to foreign nationals  travelling to Thailand with the intention to stay long term as tourist to boost the tourism industry. According to the head of Thailand Tourism Office, this is available to the countries in the Top 10 of the global COVID-19 Index or ones who haven’t had new cases for say 28 days will be allowed.
      -The applicant must agree to undergo 14-day quarantine in a quarantine hotel accredited by the Thai government and the applicant must also provide COVID-19 health insurance covering the first 3 months of stay.
      -The applicant must apply for the visa and certificate of entry prior to traveling to Thailand. The Thai Embassy will be the one to arrange the flight to Thailand so it is recommended not to book any commercial flight. 
      -Applicant must also provide a negative result of a COVID-19 PCR test issued within 72 hours before the flight. 
      If he is qualified, he must get in touch with the local Thai Embassy or the Tourism Authority of Thailand in Pretoria for more information.

      Have a good day.

  38. Hi my name is alan barry toon. I am looking for a 90 day non-immigration visa
    I am married to a thai and live in phetchabum province.
    I work for 5 months a year in the uk
    What support documents do you reguire for the visa?
    Do you have a application form(s) to fill in

    1. Dear Alan,
      If you are in Thailand, you need to visit the Phetchabun immigration office and file for TM86 or TM87 for the non immigrant O visa. You need to provide proof of marriage and proof of funds in your Thai bank account.
      Thank you.

  39. Hello, I live in the United States. I would like to be considered for the new Special Tourist Visa when it becomes available. I am able to quarantine in an ASQ facility for 14 days, and have hotel reservations in Pattaya following from January 16, 2021-March 31, 2021.

    I believe I would be able to fly to Seoul, and then on to Bangkok via a Thai Air charter if necessary.

    Can you assist with visa arrangements?

    1. Dear Mark,
      -Starting October 1, 2020 to September 30, 2021 Thailand will allow limited numbers of long stay foreign tourists under the Special Tourist Visa (STV) Program.  The visa is valid for 90 days which can be extended for another two 90-day extensions. This long stay visa is open to foreign nationals  travelling to Thailand with the intention to stay long term as tourist to boost the tourism industry. According to the head of Thailand Tourism Office, this is available to the countries in the Top 10 of the global COVID-19 Index or ones who haven’t had new cases for say 28 days will be allowed.
      -The applicant must agree to undergo 14-day quarantine in a quarantine hotel accredited by the Thai government and the applicant must also provide COVID-19 health insurance covering the first 3 months of stay.
      -The applicant must apply for the visa and certificate of entry prior to traveling to Thailand. The Thai Embassy will be the one to arrange the flight to Thailand so it is recommended not to book any commercial flight. 
      -Provide a negative result of a COVID-19 PCR test issued within 72 hours before the flight. 
      If you are qualified, you must get in touch with the local Thai Embassy or the Tourism Authority of Thailand in your current location for more information.
      Have a good day.

    1. Dear Grace,
      The Thai Elite Visa is a special tourist visa valid for 5 years. This is a privilege given to the members of Thai Elite Club.
      You need to pay 500,000 THB fee to become a member of Thai Elite. Once you are a member, the club will assist you in your visa application. The processing time for the membership takes 1-2 months and another few weeks for the visa.
      Thank you.

    2. Hi i am medical doctor from iran ,i have australian medical exam in bangkok in feb 12 ,Can i apply for visa ?

    3. Dear Mahsa,
      Good day.
      Please contact the Thai Embassy in Tehran if you can obtain a visa and certificate of entry. At this time, your purpose of visit is not on the list for the visa and COE applications.
      Thank you.

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