Thailand is a beautiful country. Its tropical weather and rich culture act as natural magnets for those who dwell on the far side of the world. A big chunk of Thailand’s revenues is obtained from the tourism industry, making her the tourism hub of the far-east. What if you live in a different country and would want to have a vacation in Thailand? For sure, it won’t be as easy as going for a walk in a park, roam around, and get off the place after. There are guidelines to be followed and documents to be prepared before you board the plane bound for the “land of smiles”.
Visiting Thailand as Tourist
When you visit Thailand for the purpose of leisure, sightseeing, and personal enlightenment, you are a tourist. A tourist is not allowed to work or conduct business in Thailand. A tourist needs a tourist visa so he/she can stay in Thailand for a period of more than 30 days while doing his/her own explorations and excursions in the kingdom. Due to COVID 19 pandemic, most foreigners are now required to obtain a tourist visa from the Thai Embassy or Consulate.
What is a Thailand Tourist Visa?
A Thailand tourist visa is a stamp or document needed so you can stay in Thailand for a specific period of time, for the purpose of tourism. It is issued by a Thai embassy or consulate in your country and stamped on your passport upon arrival at the airport in Thailand. The tourist visa can also be extended if necessary. The tourist visa should not be confused with the visa exemption stamp issued at the airport.
There are certain countries that made agreements with the government of Thailand so their citizens can benefit from the visa exemption when entering Thailand as tourists. These tourists are allowed to stay in Thailand for 45 days to 90 days without the need to apply for a tourist visa from the Thai Embassy.
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Requirements of a Tourist Visa to Thailand
When applying for a tourist visa, certain documents and fees are needed to obtain one. The documents and the fee are subject to change anytime and without prior notice, so it would be a good idea for an aspiring Thai tourist to inquire for the right information before flying off to Thailand.
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Documents required:
- Passport or travel document with a validity not less than 6 months
- Visa application form (filled out)
- One(1) recent 4x6cm. photograph of the applicant
- Round-trip air ticket or e-ticket (paid in full)
- Proof of financial means (20,000 baht per person/40,000 baht per family)
- Proof of Hotel or private accommodation
Don’t forget that consular officers reserve the right to request additional documents when they deemed it necessary, so it is advisable that you present yourself when you are in good shape and state, together with your papers and documents.
Visa Fee:
- US $ 30.00 per entry or equivalent. The tourist visa fee is subject to change without prior notice, so it is a good idea to be updated by visiting the nearest Thai Embassy or consulate in your area.
Update: Due to the COVID 19 pandemic the issuance of the tourist visa can be made online, by mail, or in-person depending on the current regulation of the Thai Embassy in your country.
Application for COE
Aside from the Tourist Visa, a traveler must apply for a COE or certificate of entry from the local Thai Embassy or Consulate. To apply for the COE, please register online by filling in your personal details, and upload supporting documents such as a copy of your passport, a copy of the valid visa, and COVID-19 travel insurance. The Embassy will screen and pre-approve the applicants who meet the requirements. The second step of the COE application involves uploading the flight information and the quarantine hotel reservation. You must apply for the COE at least 5 to 15 days prior to your flight to Thailand.
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Checklist for Tourist Visiting Thailand
After receiving your Thailand tourist visa and certificate of entry from the Thai Embassy or consulate, the traveler must prepare the following documents before traveling to Thailand:
- Certificate of Entry (COE)
- Valid visa in your passport
- Declaration Form
- Medical Certificate with a laboratory result indicating that COVID -19 is not detected. The COVID test must be by the RT-PCR method, within 72 hours before departure. Some airlines do not accept home kit tests so please check specific requirements with the airlines you are traveling with.
- Printed COVID 19 travel insurance certificate and all pages of the terms and conditions on the COVID-19 coverage and medical benefits. You may be refused to board the flight if you could not show that the insurance meets this requirement.
- Copy of confirmed ASQ Hotel booking
- Copy of confirmed flight reservation
- T8 Health Form
- You must download the “Thailand Plus” Application on your mobile phone
Validity of the Tourist Visa and Permit to Stay
The validity of a tourist visa ranges from 3 months to 6 months, depending on the number of entries you make across the land border, or from the airport. If you arrived in Thailand through an international airport, you will be stamped with 60-day permission to stay.
Please do not be confused with the validity of the visa and the permit to stay. The validity of the visa as stated in your visa sticker is the time you have to use the visa or to enter Thailand. The permit to stay is the actual number of days you are allowed to stay in Thailand legally. You will receive the permit to stay when you arrive at the airport or border.
Want to stay in Thailand for 5, 10, or 20 years? Consider the Thai Elite Visa program.
Tourist Visa Extension in Thailand
If you enter Thailand via airport or land border, you will be stamped a 60-day permission of stay as a tourist in the immigration post, after which you will have to exit the country again on or before the expiration of your permission of stay. However, the tourist visa permit-to-stay can also be extended if you wish or need to stay longer in Thailand. You will have to file an application for an extension of stay at the Office of Immigration Bureau located at Government Complex Chaengwattana Road, Bangkok with contact center number 1178. Bear in mind that the success of an extension of stay is solely at the discretion of the immigration officer attending to your application.
Update: Foreigners who are currently in Thailand may apply for a 60-day COVID 19 extension at any local immigration office for a fee of 1,900 Thai baht. You may visit your local immigration office on or before May 29, 2021.
I am traveling from India to Thailand with Prepaid hotel bookings and return flight ticket. How much Thai Baht currency in hand do I have to show at the immigration counter?
What if I have 5000 Thai Baht currency in hand & money equivalent to 20000 Thai Baht in my global Bank account, is it acceptable??
Dear Vishwas,
You may have to prove funds of at least 10,000 THB (thai currency) per person and 20,000 THB per family during your stay in Thailand.
Thank you.
Hello, I am Australian, coming to Thailand on 1 October 2022 for 39 days.
Will my Visa on entry cover my trip? Is the Visa on entry 30 or 60 days?
Many thanks.
Hello Geoffrey,
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.
I am coming to Thailand, Phuket on 19 August 2022 with my family (total 4 person).
Do we need Certificate of Entry (COE) and declaration form?
Can we apply for Visa on arrival online?
Dear Aditya,
For the latest information on Thailand Entry Requirements, please check this link:
https://www.thaiembassy.com/weekly-updates/thailand-entry-requirements-august-2022
Thank you.
Hello,
This is Lolita. I am planning to visit Thailand for 3 weeks in September and I hold a passport from Mexico and reside in Australia. I have my vaccination proof and would like to know how I can apply for the visa (preferably electronically) if needed the tourist visa.
I will kindly thank you to please email me the information to [email protected]
Kind regards,
Lolita Cueva
Hello Lolita,
For Mexico Passport holders unfortunately, you are not eligible to apply for a visa through Thai E-Visa system. You may apply for a visa in person at the nearest Thai Embassy or Consulate in Australia.
Thank you.
Hello. I am planning to travel to Thailand on September for two weeks. I am from Ecuador South America. Do I need a Visa?
Hello Leopoldo,
If you want to check if your are eligible to enter Thailand under the Visa exemption, you may visit this link: https://www.thaiembassy.com/thailand-visa/thai-visa-exemption-and-bilateral-agreement
Thank you.
I am indian citizen and planning to spent 5-6 days in Thailand in mid august,2022 on tourist visa. Is there any fees or has been waived off. Please update me on this.
Hello Pawan,
For Indian citizens, the Visa on arrival in Thailand is available, but it is given only if the visit is strictly for tourism purposes and you are allowed to stay for not longer than 15 days.
The price of the visa is THB 2000 and you need to pay it at the service counter at the immigration checkpoint.
Thank you.
Hello,
My name is Tanya, I planned to stay in Bangkok for 1 week from October 9th-16th.
Do I need to apply for Visa? Please advise of any requested documents for entry to Thailand.
I’m fully vaccinated and a Canadian citizen.
Thank you
Hello Tanya,
Canada 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.
If you are fully vaccinated, you only need to show your proof of vaccination.
Thank you.
Hi
I am coming from India for a week.
Pl confirm visa on arrival is available & likely cost.
Thanks
Hello Rajendra,
For Indian citizens, the Visa on arrival in Thailand is available, but it is given only if the visit is strictly for tourism purposes and you are allowed to stay for not longer than 15 days.
The price of the visa is THB 2000 and you need to pay it at the service counter at the immigration checkpoint.
Thank you.
Hi, I am an indian citizen travelling to Thailand in August for 7 Days. I have seen in the website that if i am staying in thailand for less than 2 weeks i am exempted for visa. Pls. clarify the same
Hello Kedar,
For Indian citizens, the Visa on arrival in Thailand is available, but it is given only if the visit is strictly for tourism purposes and you are allowed to stay for not longer than 15 days.
The price of the visa is THB 2000 and you need to pay it at the service counter at the immigration checkpoint.
Thank you.
Hi there,
My family and I are Australian citizens, fully vaccinated. We are traveling to Phuket via Singapore next week (July 2022). Am I correct in saying all we need to enter Thailand is our passports and proof of vaccination? No other declarations or visas? Many thanks for your help.
Hello Natalie,
Yes, you’re right. For those fully vaccinated travelers are only required to show the proof of their vaccination.
Thank you.
Hi,
Since the requirement for a Thai Pass is being lifted from July 1, is the requirement for a Certificate of entry (CoE) resuming?
Dear Jean,
Thailand and COE are both cancelled starting July 1. If you want to travel to Thailand, you only need your passport and your vaccination certificate. If you have no vaccination certificate, you can take a COVID test and print the test result to take with you to Thailand.
Thank you.
Hi,
I’ll travel as a tourist for 2 weeks in Thailand. I’m from Sweden, traveling from Maldives through India. Fully vaccinated. Can I come and stay without visa?
Dear Adam,
Yes, you can get visa exemption stamp which is valid for 30 days. If you will in June, you need to register for Thailand Pass. If you arrive in July, you only need passport and proof of vaccination/COVID test result.
Thank you.
Hi! My name is Adrián Parrilla from Mexico. I’m planning on traveling to Thailand, during mid-July. What documents do I need to present to apply for a tourist visa?
Thanks!
Dear Adrian,
If you will stay for less than 2 weeks, you can get visa on arrival. You only need to pay for 2000 THB. If you will stay longer than 2 weeks, please apply for a tourist visa from Thai Embassy in CDMX.
Thank you.
Hi I’m staying for 31 days annoyingly because of flights I assume I need to get a visa
Dear Sam,
If you get the 30 days visa exemption, you can also apply for 30 days extension.
Thank you.
Hi,
Is Certificate of Entry (COE) replaced by Thailand Pass?
Cheers
Shonu
Dear Shonu,
For Air and Land Travel yes, Thailand Pass is the new COE.
Hello! Canadian here. Has the Visa Exemption period been converted back to 30 days or is it still 45 days? This page says 45 however on this page https://www.thaiembassy.com/thailand-visa/thai-visa-exemption-and-bilateral-agreement it says it has been reduced back to 30. Could you confirm if it is 30 or 45?
Also, if I am entering via the Test and Go program, do I still apply for a COE?
Thank you!
Dear Rob,
Yes, the visa exemption has been changed back to 30 days. Yes, you need to apply for Thailand Pass.
Thank you.
I apply the Test and Go Feb 1, 2022
plans to travel Bangkok Feb. 6, 2022 from Los Angeles
but I still did not get the QR Code from Thailand what can I do?
Dear Jin,
If you like to check the status or follow up the status of your Thailand Pass application, you may call 02-572-8442 or email the following information:
Subject: Thailand Pass Check Status
Full Name
Passport No.
E-mail Address
Access Code
Date of Travel
Date of Arrival
You may send the above information to the Consular Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at [email protected] and [email protected]
Thank you.
I do not know which hotels are approved for your quarantine in Bangkok. I checked the only one I knew and that was full for February 8, to the 16, 2022. Can you tell me what hotels are approved ?
Dear Daniel,
You may check the list of Quarantine Hotels on this website: http://hsscovid.com/
You may also find it here: https://www.thaiembassy.com/travel-to-thailand/alternative-state-quarantine-asq-in-thailand
Thank you.
Hello, I have an approved Thailand Pass however, I had to cancel my scheduled trip as my passport that was approved was stolen. I have acquired a new passport with a new passport number. Is my approved Thailand Pass for test and go still valid and can I update my information of it is still valid?
Dear John,
Good day.
If you will apply for the new Thailand Pass, it will be either Sandbox or Quarantine. I believe you can still use your old Test and Go and new passport to travel as long as the details on your vaccination and arrival date remain the same. If your new arrival date has been changed more than 3 days from the original date of arrival, you must get a new Thailand Pass.
Thank you.
Dear sir
Is there a six month spouse visa available from November 1st 2021
Dear Andrew,
Good day.
The Thai Non Immigrant O visa for marriage is valid for 3 months in which you are able to extend for another 12 months at the local immigration office in Thailand. You can apply for the Non Immigrant O visa and COE from the Thai Embassy in order to travel to Thailand. If you need help for the visa and COE, please visit http://www.siam-legal.com/coe
Thank you.
Dear sir ,am osobu Jacob from Nigeria can I come to Thailand as a Nigeria if I have someone to accommodate me ?
Dear Osobu,
Good day.
You need to apply for Tourist Visa and COE to enter Thailand. Please contact the Thai Embassy in Lagos.
Thank you.
Hello Visa team,
I am a professional life coach from Germany doing surgery companion trips for a living. I am currently in Hyderabad, India, and my next client wants for me to travel to Bangkok with her for surgery.
How do I go about that now?
Procedures are not fully clear for me at this time .
Dear Mona,
Good day.
The COE application and issuance in India has been suspended, therefore no one at this time can travel from India to Thailand.
Thank you.
Hello!
I’m from Myanmar and currently living in Dubai. Me and my son going to travel Thailand. Do we need visa? What documents we need to prepare?
Thank you.
Sandi
Dear Sandi,
Good day.
Yes, you definitely need to apply for the visa and COE prior to coming to Thailand. You must apply for the Tourist Visa which will allow you to stay in Thailand for up to 60 days from date of arrival. You need to secure your flight itinerary, COVID 19 insurance, ASQ Hotel for 14 days and other documents required by the Thai Consulate in Dubai. Kindly call the consulate for more information.
Thank you.
Good day,
my name is Michelle I’m from Philippines planning to travel in your country. do i need a visa or COE to enter Thailand?
Thank you
Michelle Dequito
Dear Michelle,
Good day.
Yes, you need to have a COE or certificate of entry to travel to Thailand. You may get a COE based on Visa Exemption of 45 days or you can get a COE under a Tourist visa or even a Non Immigrant visa as long as you apply for this visa from the Thai Embassy in Manila.
For the application of COE under Visa Exemption, you do not need to contact the Thai Embassy. The application will be processed online. You only need to make sure that you have booked the ASQ Hotel and you have purchased COVID 19 insurance.
Thank you.