Visa on Arrival

Updated in July 2025 by Siam Legal International, a Bangkok, Thailand law firm

If you’re planning a short-term trip to Thailand for tourism only, you may not need to apply for a visa in advance if you hold a passport from a country eligible for the Thailand Visa on Arrival program.

What is the Thailand Visa on Arrival?

The Thailand Visa on Arrival (VOA) is a short-term visa available to passport holders from eligible countries. It allows you to enter Thailand without needing to secure a visa in advance and grants a stay of up to 15 days in the country, provided your visit is strictly for tourism. 

As the name suggests, this visa is issued only upon arrival in Thailand. To apply for it, you must enter the country through one of the designated immigration checkpoints.

However, if you qualify for the Thailand Visa Exemption Scheme, this may be a better option for you. This allows you to enter Thailand visa-free and stay for up to 60 days, with the option to extend for another 30 days at the nearest Thai immigration office. Though keep in mind that recent government announcements suggest that later in 2025, this initial visa-free stay period may be reduced to 30 days, with the option to extend.

Countries Eligible for the Thailand Visa on Arrival

The Thailand Visa on Arrival is currently only available to passport holders of the following countries:

• Africa: Namibia, Seychelles, Tunisia
• America: Bolivia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Mexico, Paraguay, Venezuela
• Asia: Bhutan, China, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Taiwan, Uzbekistan,
• Europe: Armenia, Belarus, Bulgaria, Georgia, Malta, Romania, Russia, Serbia
• Middle East: Cyprus, Ethiopia, Saudi Arabia
• Oceania: Fiji, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu

If you don’t see your home country on this list, it may be because you are instead eligible for the Visa Exemption Program. Refer to the link above.

Thailand Visa on Arrival Requirements

If you are from one of the countries eligible for the Thailand Visa on Arrival and wish to apply, prepare the following documents and ensure you have them on hand when you arrive in the country:

• A passport from one of the eligible countries with at least 30 days of validity remaining
• A completed Visa on Arrival Form (available at immigration)
• A photo sized 4 x 6 cm taken within 6 months
• Proof of accommodation in Thailand, such as a hotel or an apartment address
• Proof of funds to support your stay (minimum 10,000 THB for single travelers and 20,000 THB per family)
• Proof of a return ticket for exiting Thailand (open tickets do not qualify, and the ticket’s destination cannot be a neighboring country of Thailand)

It is important to note that there is a non-refundable visa fee of 2,000 THB that must be paid in cash at the immigration counter. 

The fee must be paid in the local currency, Thai Baht (THB), or else you risk being denied entry into the country. Because of this, it is strongly recommended that you perform a currency exchange before traveling to Thailand. There are currency exchange counters at major airports if you’re arriving by air and haven’t exchanged currency beforehand, but they are not guaranteed to be open, so it’s better to be safe than sorry.

List of Thailand Immigration Checkpoints for Visa on Arrival

You can apply for the Visa on Arrival at the following international airports, land checkpoints, and harbors:

Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC)

On May 1, 2025, Thailand replaced the physical TM6 form with the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC). All travelers must now complete and submit this online form before entering the country, regardless of visa type and whether they are arriving by land, sea, or air. This applies to all visitors entering with a VOA.

The TDAC was introduced to improve border control, support security efforts, and streamline the arrival process by electronically collecting traveler details, including their name, passport information, flight number, and accommodation address in Thailand.

Make sure that you register for the TDAC before entering the country. You can submit the form up to three days before your arrival. If you do not complete the registration in advance, you may face delays at immigration or be denied entry.

Alternatives to the Visa on Arrival in Thailand

If you want more time in Thailand than the VOA allows or it does not meet your needs, there are many alternative Thai visa options you can consider. Whether you want an extended visit or want to travel to Thailand frequently without worrying about repeated visa applications, there’s an option for you.

Thailand Tourist Visa

If you are not eligible for the Visa on Arrival or Visa Exemption Scheme but still plan to visit Thailand for tourism, you can apply for the Thailand Tourist Visa. This visa is available in both single-entry and multiple-entry and allows you a 60-day stay in the country, with the option to extend for another 30 days at the nearest Thai immigration office.

Destination Thailand Visa (DTV)

If you’re looking for a longer stay in Thailand with fewer immigration requirements, the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV Visa Thailand) offers a flexible multiple-entry option. Designed for remote professionals and those engaged in Thai cultural activities, the DTV allows access to Thailand for up to 5 years. Each entry into the country grants a 180-day stay, with the option to extend for another 180 days at the nearest Thai immigration office.

The DTV provides an affordable solution for long-term stays and repeat visits, reducing the need for frequent visa applications or re-entry permits.

Thailand Elite Visa

If you’re looking for a stress-free way to stay in Thailand long term while enjoying exclusive privileges, the Thailand Elite Visa may be the right option for you. Available through five membership tiers, this multiple-entry visa is valid for 5 to 20 years and comes with a wide range of VIP benefits designed for comfort, convenience, and luxury.

With the Thailand Elite Visa, you’ll have access to fast-track immigration, luxury airport lounges, and discounts at top restaurants and retailers. Members also gain access to a points system that can be used to redeem free perks, including but not limited to spa treatments, hotel stays, and boat or vehicle rentals that make exploring Thailand much easier and more enjoyable.

Professional Assistance With Entering Thailand

If you are planning a trip to Thailand but aren’t eligible for the Visa on Arrival or the Visa Exemption Scheme, get in touch with Siam Legal International. We are a full-service law firm and visa consultancy with more than 20 years of experience in helping clients from all around the world enter Thailand swiftly and hassle-free. 

Our team of Thai immigration specialists is equipped with the knowledge and skills to help you find the Thai visa that best suits your needs. We’ll then guide you through each step of the application process, from preparing the required documents to submitting them on your behalf to the appropriate government agencies.

By partnering with Siam Legal, you can avoid unnecessary delays and maximize your chances of approval, so you can make the most of your time in Thailand without added immigration-related stress.

For professional assistance with your Thai visa application, do not hesitate to contact Siam Legal to book a consultation!

Frequently Asked Questions About the Thailand Visa on Arrival

How much does the Thailand Visa on Arrival cost?

The Thailand Visa on Arrival costs 2,000 THB and must be paid in cash at the immigration counter using the local currency, Thai Baht (THB).

Is the Thailand Visa on Arrival available for multiple entries?

No, the Thailand Visa on Arrival allows only a single entry into the country. This means that if you leave Thailand before the visa expires, it will be void, and you will need to apply for a new Thai visa to enter the country again.

Do I need a return flight for the Thailand Visa on Arrival?

Yes, you will need to show proof of departure from Thailand within 15 days. If you cannot provide this, you will most likely be denied entry into the country.

Can I apply for the Visa on Arrival at any airport in Thailand?

No, you can only apply for the Visa on Arrival at select airports, land checkpoints, and harbors in Thailand. If you arrive at a location not listed to provide the Visa on Arrival, you will most likely be denied entry into the country.

Do all members of my family need to register for a Visa on Arrival in Thailand?

Yes, each family member must complete their own Thailand Visa on Arrival application and pay the visa fee separately to be allowed entry into the country.