tourist e visa thailand

The Thailand Tourist Visa Guide (Single & Multiple Entry)

The majority of foreign nationals are able to enter Thailand on a visa exemption stamp.

This means that when you enter Thailand you are given a stamp at the immigration desk that allows you to stay in the country for 30 days.

Okay, so now you're clear on how long you can stay when you arrive without a visa, what if you want to stay for 6 weeks, or 2 even months?

In this case, you can apply for a Tourist Visa before you travel.

In this FAQ guide, I'll answer all common queries regarding the Thailand Tourist Visa, both single and multiple entry.

1. Where can I get a Tourist Visa?

A Tourist Visa can be obtained from a Thai embassy or consulate in your home country, or a country outside of Thailand, if you live abroad or are already traveling.

You can also apply via the E-Visa online system. Indeed, some embassies may no longer accept applications for Tourist Visas and instead require you to apply online.

The E-Visa is delivered via email. You can then print it out and present it to immigration on arrival.

What different types of tourist visa are there?

A. single entry.

The Single Entry Tourist Visa is valid for 3 months from its date of issue. It allows a single stay of a maximum of 60 days.

B. Multiple entry

The Multiple Entry Tourist Visa is valid for 6 months from its date of issue.

It allows an unlimited number of entries within the 6-month validity of the visa. Each entry allows a maximum stay of 60 days.

For example, if you leave Thailand on the 59th day of your stay and re-enter the country a day later, you will be stamped in for a further 60 days.

What documents do I need to get the Tourist Visa?

The requirements may vary slightly between country, but this is usually what's required from your local embassy.

• A completed visa application form with two recent passport type photos attached. The form can be downloaded from your local Thai embassy website.
• Your passport must have a minimum 6 months remaining validity, and at least two blank pages – this is so your visa can be added to the passport, and for entry/exit stamps when entering and leaving Thailand.
• If you reside in a country but are not a citizen of that country, then you will be required to show a visa or residence card that permits you to stay. You will also be required to show evidence of where you live, by way of utility bill, bank account statement, or driving license.
• Two recent passport size photographs. You can get these done at a photo booth (in a mall or store) or at some print services shops.
• Confirmation of travel (flight tickets).
• Proof of accommodation in Thailand: this can be a copy of your hotel booking or a letter from the family or friend you are staying with.
• Copy of bank statement to show proof of earnings. This requirement will differ between countries, and differs for the single and multiple entry visas. For example, for a Single Entry Tourist Visa from a US Thai embassy, you will need a copy of your bank statement showing $700 per person and $1,500 per family. For a Multiple Entry Tourist Visa, you will need a copy of your bank statement for the last 6 months showing a minimum balance of $7,000 (every month).

Thailand's E-Visa System

If you are applying online through the E-Visa system, you will require the following documentation:

• Passport or travel document with a validity of not less than 6 months.
• Photograph taken within the past six months.
• Evidence of travel to Thailand (air ticket paid in full).
• Evidence of adequate finance (20,000 Baht per person and 40,000 Baht per family).

Please note that you are not required to submit any supporting documents in person at a Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate after completing the E-Visa application. Once approved, a confirmation e-mail will be sent through and you can  print a copy of the confirmation e-mail to present to airline and Thai Immigration officials.

You can apply online here: https://www.thaievisa.go.th

Historically, Thailand's online systems have always fallen way short of expectations, with browser compatibility issues, bugs, broken links, etc., but the new visa system is working pretty well.

For those who deem themselves digitally challenged, there is a comprehensive user manual. This manual is also available as a series of how-to videos, which are very helpful. You can find the manual here.

How much does a Thai Tourist Visa cost?

The cost varies between country, but here is the cost for the US and UK:

• US: Single – $40. Multiple Entry – $200
• UK: Single – £30. Multiple Entry – £150

How long does it take to process a Tourist Visa?

If you attend the Thai embassy in person, the process will take around 5 working days. If you apply by mail, the process will take a minimum of 15 days.

Applying online will take 6-10 working days.

This is a general guideline and will differ between countries, and may be longer or shorter depending on how busy the embassy/consulate is.

I would personally allow 2 weeks if applying in person or online, and 3 weeks if applying by mail. This will ensure you get your visa before your flight date.

When is my Tourist Visa valid from?

The Single Entry Tourist Visa is valid 3 months from date of issue, and the Multiple Entry Tourist Visa is valid for 6 months from date of issue.

When you enter Thailand, you will be stamped in for 60 days.

Note: The expiry date of the visa shows on the visa sticker as ‘ENTER BEFORE'. When you enter Thailand, you will receive a rectangular stamp in your passport stating your date of entry and the ‘ADMITTED UNTIL' date. This date will be exactly 60 days after your date of entry

What happens if I leave Thailand before my 60-day stay is up?

If you leave prior to your 60-day stay ending, the remaining days will be forfeited.

If you think you will want to leave Thailand and re-enter, you should get a Multiple Entry Tourist Visa.

The Multiple Entry Tourist Visa is valid for 6 months from date of issue. You are allowed unlimited entries within the 6-month period of the visa. If you exit Thailand, as long as you re-enter before the visa expires, you will be stamped in for a further 60 days.

Can I extend my visa inside Thailand?

For those who want to extend their stay in Thailand, you can extend the 60-day Single Entry Tourist Visa by 30 days at a local Immigration Office. The fee for the extension is 1,900 Baht.

Under the Multiple Entry Visa, you can extend one of the 60-day stays by a further 30 days. The cost is the same.

Under the Multiple Entry Tourist Visa, by saving the 30-day extension for your final entry, you can accumulate almost 9 month's stay in Thailand.

Can I cancel my visa and get a refund?

No. The visa fee is non-refundable.

Can't I just do border runs instead of getting a Tourist Visa?

Because you are granted 30 days stay on arrival in Thailand, in theory you could just leave over a land border after 30 days and return the same day, activating a further 30 day's stay.

This is known as a border run . People used to stay in Thailand for years just going back and forth over the border.

However, the current rule is that if you enter Thailand over land without a visa, you are allowed a maximum of two 30-day entries within any rolling 12-month period.

With a Multiple Entry Tourist Visa, you can go in an out as many times as you want within the validity of the visa.

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Last Updated on January 17, 2024

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Do I need a visa to visit Thailand?

Jan 11, 2024 • 5 min read

Look over the visa options for Thailand with this handy guide © Pyrosky / Getty Images

Citizens of dozens of countries can enter  Thailand visa-free.

This makes it one of the easiest countries in Asia to visit impulsively. Other travelers and visitors on longer trips need a visa, but they're easy and inexpensive to obtain.

There's a lot to see and do in Thailand , and your visa must cover the full period of your stay. Make sure you know the requirements before your trip – read on for the basics.

What you need to know about visas in Thailand  

Entry procedures for tourists to Thailand are very straightforward, whether you arrive by air or overland. Thailand shares land borders with  Malaysia ,  Myanmar ,  Cambodia and  Laos , and many people zip in and out multiple times on a multi-destination trip around  Southeast Asia .  

Many travelers can arrive in Thailand visa-free; the remainder have to apply for tourist visas. For all visa classes, you need a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the date of entry, with several spare blank pages. You can be denied entry without proof of an onward ticket and sufficient funds for your stay, but in practice, this is rarely checked. You'll also need to enter an address in Thailand on your arrival card, but again, this is rarely followed up. If you don't have a hotel booked, pick a name  from a guidebook or an online search.

The  Ministry of Foreign Affairs oversees immigration and visa policies; check the website or contact the nearest Thai embassy or consulate for the current rules. The  'Do I need a tourist visa? ' section of Thailand's e-visa website is very helpful for identifying requirements based on your nationality.

Visa-free entry to Thailand depends on what passport you hold

Thailand allows visa-free entry for tourists from many countries for stays of 30 to 90 days. The exact list of countries and permitted durations of stay varies , but it usually includes the US, Canada, the UK, Ireland, most of Europe, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and more prosperous nations in Asia, South America and the Middle East. 

Some visitors can get a tourist visa on arrival (VoA)

Citizens of some smaller European countries and a handful of destinations in Asia can get a tourist visa on arrival (VoA) for stays of 15 days .  

There are desks handling the paperwork at more than 30 airports and land border crossings. You'll need a recent passport photo, proof of funds to support yourself and tickets for onward travel within 15 days. The cash fee is 2000B (about US$60), payable in Thai Baht.

Get a tourist visa in advance from your local embassy or consulate, or online

If you are not eligible for visa-free travel or a VoA, you will need to apply for a tourist visa ahead of your visit. It allows a stay of up to 60 days and is valid for three or six months. Fees and conditions vary; contact your local Thai embassy or consulate for the latest rules.

The Thai government's e-visa process makes applying online a possibility for eligible nationalities. Use  the Q&A form to understand if this process is open to you. If it is, you can create an online account and follow the steps to provide all the requested information digitally, paying the application fee ahead of processing. If your application is successful, a confirmation email will be sent to you, which you should print out and show to airline or immigration officials when traveling to Thailand.

Education visas are available for those going to study  

Thousands of travelers visit Thailand yearly for long-term diving training, meditation study, Muay Thai courses, language lessons and more. If that's you, you can  apply for an education visa .  

You'll need a letter of acceptance from an accredited education institution showing proof of enrollment on a course, and your passport should be valid for at least six months past the end of the course. The single-entry visas are valid for three months.

Thailand doesn't yet have a true digital nomad visa

The closest thing Thailand has to a digital nomad visa is the new LTR (long-term resident) visa . Unfortunately, it's geared toward those with money. Applicants must pay a processing fee of 50,000B (approximately US$1380) and show proof of earning US$80,000 per year (or at least US$40,000 per year if they can fulfill other requirements, such as having a master's degree). They also need insurance covering US$50,000 and must work in a legally registered company that has an income of no less than US$150 million within the past three years. If granted, it allows up to a 10-year stay for skilled professionals who wish to work from Thailand.

Tourist visas can be extended in Thailand

If you run short on time during your stay, tourist visas can be extended for an additional 30 days at any immigration office in Thailand at the discretion of Thai immigration authorities; the usual fee is 1900B. See the website of the  Immigration Bureau for office listings.  

Remember to dress in your best when you visit the office; turning up in threadbare beachwear and thongs is unlikely to reassure the immigration officers that you have funds to support yourself for a longer stay.

For all types of visa extensions, bring two passport-sized photos and photocopies of the photo and visa pages from your passport. Always take care of your visa business yourself; if you go through a third party, you'll pay more, and there's a risk of falling for a scam.

What if I overstay my visa?

If you overstay your visa, the usual penalty is a fine of 500B per day, with a 20,000B limit. Fines must be paid in Thai baht, either at the airport or in advance at an immigration office. Kids under 15 are exempt, and if you've overstayed by only one day or your departure is delayed because of circumstances beyond your control (eg a flight cancellation by the airline), you usually won't get charged.

"The visa run" is still a possibility... twice

Another extremely popular extension-of-stay option for travelers eligible for visa-free entry is simply to cross a land border and re-enter Thailand after a few days. A new visa exemption will be issued upon your return.

This typically works well the first two times, but authorities are becoming increasingly strict towards travelers who try to extend their stay indefinitely by popping over the border multiple times; don't expect to be able to come back in if you've already done it twice, and remember that re-entry is at the discretion of the visa agent.

This article was first published September 2021 and updated January 2024

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Thailand’s e-visa: Your step by step guide to applying for a tourist visa to Thailand online

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Joanna Horanin

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Hi, I'm Joanna, the author of The Blond Travels. In the worlds of Thailand and Portugal, I feel like a fish in water - and it's no coincidence! I've been exploring Thailand for over a decade, and I've settled in Portugal for 6 years now. My mission is to support Dreamers - just like you - in discovering these fascinating countries and helping those in love with them find their own place on Earth, preferably for good! Let's uncover these unique corners of the world together.

What? There is a fast and secure way of getting your tourist visa to the Land of Smiles? And you don’t even need to leave your home? Yes. That’s right. The new e-visa service is a great way of getting your travel documents ready before you leave. Read on to find out more.

When I visit Thailand , I don’t normally need a visa. I stay there for around a month, so I can get a permission to stay at the airport. However, in 2023 (I’m writing this post before the end of 2022) I was planning to go for 2 months, so a visa was needed. Luckily for me, the Thai government introduced a new e-visa, which is now available to citizens of quite a few countries. I applied for it and got it within 1 working day. Find out more how you can apply for this visa as well.

Do you need a tourist visa to Thailand?

You might not need a visa at all. If you’re going for 30 days (please check exactly as in 2022 Thailand changed it temporarily and extended it to 45 days), you can arrive at the airport and get a stamp in your passport. It’s a visa exemption, your permission to stay.

Please check if you’re eligible for the visa extension.

If you’re going as a tourist and get your stamp, you might stay a bit longer in Thailand. I’m not encouraging you to do that, but it might be an easier and cheaper way.

You can overstay your 30-day visa exemption. For each day overstay you pay 500 THB at the airport when you leave.

This option is good for people who don’t travel to Thailand very often. If you do and you want to keep your ‘record clean’, then it’s best to apply for a visa, or shorten your stay. You can also fly somewhere, or cross the border overland, come back and get another stamp, but this is also limited to two times per year. I wouldn’t advise doing this more than once as you might encounter problems at the border.

Your plan for your first trip to Thailand

Don’t go to the embassy.

You might only be able to apply for the visa online.

Go through the process below step by step, check if you’re eligible and if you are, then your only option is the online application.

You can apply for your friends and family, too

If you’re going with your friends or family, you can apply all together under one account. This is quite convenient as one person can manage everyone’s visa and have everything under control on one account.

To do that, you can submit one application first and then create another one for someone else.

Save the application for later

A very good feature of the system is the ability to save your information and then go back to it when you have everything ready. This is especially useful if you suddenly find out you need to provide a proof of residency, or your payslips and don’t have them at hand.

E-visa – The application process

So, you’re going for longer than 30 days (or 45, if this rule is still valid)? Then, you need a tourist visa . Before you had to go to you nearest Thai embassy and apply for it there. Now, you can do it online. The process is easy and quick.

Check if you can apply first

Visit the website , in the box under FAQ – ‘do I need a tourist visa’ – put your citizenship, the country of your residence and how long you want to stay in Thailand. Press ‘check’.

This will help you to determine which visa, if any, you’ll need.

Create an account

In the top right corner, click ‘create an account’.

Here you will need to put basic details, like your name, surname, email, phone number. Create a safe password and submit.

After you send the form, you will need to wait for a confirmation email. This might take a couple of days.

Once it arrives, you can log in and apply for your tourist e-visa to Thailand.

Submit your documents

Log in to your account and click on ‘apply for a new visa’.

Your first page:

• Put the country of your passport
• Permanent residency
• The last dropdown list on the page is the list of embassies. Choose the one you want to apply with.

Second page:

• Passport type – normally, if you are not a government official, you will have an ordinary passport
• Purpose of visit – travel/leisure
• Visa type – tourist visa
• Number of entries – this one depends on you. Think how many times during the visit you would like to leave the country. If you don’t want to do that, choose single entry.

Third page:

Here you need to submit a photo of the photo page of your passport. Make sure it doesn’t have any glare on it.

Take a photo of yourself on a plain background. Here, the rule is the same – no glare. It applies to your skin as well. It might be a good idea to take your glasses off, if you wear them.

Fourth page:

Your personal information – You will be asked to provide a few details, like your name and surname, country of birth, date of birth etc.

Fifth page:

Your travel document information and your address information. This is quite straight forward and doesn’t really need much explanation.

Sixth page:

Employment details – your company information, occupation and annual income.

Seventh page:

Your travel information – your flights and your accommodation. Make sure that you have booked a hotel for at least the first night and you can put those details in the bottom box. Don’t worry if you don’t have anything else booked.

Eighth page:

Supporting documents – the scan of your biodata page of your passport, a photo of you from the last six months (you can take it against a plain background with your phone).

The next one is declaration. You need to download it, print it, scan it and upload it to the page.

The last one is your travel booking confirmation – these are your flights to and out of Thailand.

Extra things you may need:

• A confirmation of your employment – e.g. your contract
• A confirmation of your income – e.g. last three payslips or your bank statement from the last three months
• A confirmation of your residency, especially if you don’t live in the country of origin.

Pay for your visa

At the end you will be asked to pay for your visa.

Make sure that you put correct contact details in and proceed to payment.

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Check the status of your application

It takes a couple of days to process the tourist visa. I got my approval in one working day, but it might take longer.

If you’d like to check the status of the visa, log in to your account, click on ‘check status’ button. You will be able to see where the application is at the moment.

This might seem like a lengthy process, but trust me – it’s not that bad. This Thai e-visa is straight forward and saves you a lot of time. No more queuing at embassies! Try it out and let me know how it went.

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60 Day Tourist Visa Thailand 2024 – All You Need To Know

If you’re planning on visiting Thailand then you need to be sure of visa requirements. 

Luckily, most people can enter Thailand for 30 days without a visa. However if you’re wanting to stay a little bit longer then you do have other options. 

I’m a regular visitor to Thailand and I’ve applied for the tourist visa before so I know how it works.

In this guide, I’ll tell you everything you need to know about the 60 day tourist visa for Thailand including how to apply, how much it costs, how to extend it and more.

P.S. I update this page regularly to ensure the information is up to date. This page was updated for 2024.

Table of Contents

30-day Tourist Visa Exemption

Passport holders of certain countries don’t need a visa when entering Thailand for tourism purposes and can stay in Thailand for a period of up to 30 days. 

You’ll simply get a stamp in your passport and don’t have to pay anything.

Please note that between October 1 2022 and March 31 2023, the Thai government did extended this to 45 days in a bid to boost tourism following the pandemic but this has now reverted back to the original 30 days.

You can only use this scheme up to 2 times a year if you’re traveling by a land border and up to 6 times a year if you arrive at the airport.

Countries under this scheme include the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and most of Europe (see the full list here ). 

There are currently 64 countries on this list so please check to see if your country is listed.

What You’ll Need:

Once you arrive in Thailand, head over to immigration.

Be sure to have the following documents:

• Proof of adequate finances for the duration of your stay – 10,000 baht per person or 20,000 baht per family. They rarely ask for this but have it prepared just in case.
• Proof of onward travel e.g. a plane ticket. A bus/train ticket should be fine but there have been reports of these being rejected. I was asked to prove this on my recent entry into Thailand.
• Proof of hotel or Airbnb stay . Again, I was also asked for this when I entered Thailand recently. I just showed a copy of my Airbnb confirmation and they accepted it.

If you are wanting to stay in Thailand longer than 30 days then you can apply for a visa. 

There are 2 different tourist visas available that will give you 60 days in Thailand.

You do need to apply in advance. You’re not able to apply for either of them after you’ve entered Thailand.

Here’s a quick overview:

• SETV: single entry, 60 days only
• METV: multiple entry, 60 days each time

Single Entry Tourist Visa (SETV) – Overview

This visa will allow you to stay in Thailand for up to 60 days from the date of arrival.

This visa is valid for 3 months meaning once issued you must enter the country within 3 months else it will no longer be valid.

As it is a single entry visa, you can only enter the country once. Once you enter, you have 60 days before you need to leave.

You can apply for the single entry tourist visa in any country. I cover exactly how to apply for this visa below.

Multiple Entry Tourist Visa (METV) – Overview

This visa is valid for 6 months from the date of issue.

As it is a multiple entry visa, this means that during the 6 months of validity, you can enter Thailand multiple times – you just can’t stay longer than 60 days on each visit. 

So theoretically, every 60 days, you could just take a flight out of Thailand and come straight back to activate another 60 days.

You can only apply for a multiple entry tourist visa in your home country.

60 Day Tourist Visa Thailand Cost

Here’s how much the 60 day Thai tourist visas cost:

• Single Entry Tourist Visa (SETV) – $50 (£30)
• Multiple Entry Tourist Visa (METV) – $200 (£150)

How To Apply For 60 Day Thai Tourist Visa

If you’re planning on using the 30-day visa exemption scheme then you don’t need to apply for anything. You will be allowed entry upon arrival and they will simply stamp your passport.

To apply for the tourist visa (either SETV/METV), you can do this online on the Thai E-Visa website . 

You should submit your application at least 15 working days before your planned travel date however most applications will be processed within a few days.

Mine took 4 working days to be approved.

You can also apply at the Thai Embassy in the country you’re in. You can check the directory here to find the closest to you.

What Do I Need To Apply For A Visa – Required Documents

Required documents:

• Passport/travel document valid for at least 6 months.
• Photograph of yourself taken within the last 6 months.
• Return or onward journey ticket e.g. plane ticket showing travel out of Thailand.
• Evidence of adequate finances – at least 20,000 baht per person/40,000 baht per family. A bank statement or pay slip should be fine.
• Proof of accommodation e.g. a hotel booking, Airbnb booking, letter of invitation from a family member.
• Confirmation of legal residence in your country e.g. a passport, driver’s license etc.

I actually applied for the SETV recently and was approved. I will say that the whole application process is really annoying and appears to be way more complicated than it needs to be.

The first thing to know is that the Thai visa website uses the same application form for every type of visa . 

This includes the tourist visas, students visas, work visas etc so the form includes a lot of irrelevant questions that don’t apply to tourists but it asks you anyway.

As an example, it asked me for the identity of the person inviting me to stay in Thailand.

As a tourist, nobody was inviting me to stay in Thailand so I was super confused about what they wanted me to upload.

I emailed the Thai embassy to ask what I was supposed to submit but I never received a reply unfortunately.

In the end, I just uploaded a blank document that says ‘I’m applying for a tourist visa so nobody is inviting me to stay’ and it was accepted.

It’s really annoying that they don’t tailor the form to each individual visa because I’m sure this confuses so many people.

My advice is that if the question doesn’t seem relevant and you literally can’t answer it then just upload a blank document and write the reason why you can’t provide it. I did this and it was accepted.

Important Information

After you arrive in Thailand, ensure you carefully check the immigration stamp so you don’t overstay your visa. The stamp will state the day you have to leave by.

The day of arrival counts as a day i.e. if your visa is valid for 60 days, the day of arrival will be day 1.

If you overstay your visa then you’ll have to pay 500 baht per day as a fine and you might be banned from re-entering Thailand for up to 10 years.

Extending Your Tourist Visa In Thailand

If you want to stay longer than your visa allows then you do have the option to extend your visa for 30 days by going to an immigration office. 

You can also now apply for a visa extension online but after it’s approved you’ll still need to go to the immigration office to get the stamp.

It costs 1,900 Baht (£45/$55) to extend your visa for 30 days. The extension is available for all visa types including the 30-day exemption, the SETV and the METV.

• If you have the 30-day exemption, your stay will be extended from 30 to 60 days.
• If you have the SETV/METV, your stay will be extended from 60 to 90 days.

All you need to do is fill in a few forms so it’s pretty easy but it regularly takes a few hours due to how busy the immigration office is.

You can only apply for this extension once per visit.

• Completed application form for extension (TM.7 form)
• Proof of onward travel from Thailand
• 2 passport photos taken within the last 6 months

There are immigration offices all over Thailand especially in the main tourist locations like Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Krabi etc. 

Check out this helpful map for the closest office to you.

Can I get a 90 day visa for Thailand?

There is no 90-day visa however if you want to stay for 90 days you can get one of the 60 day visas (either SETV or METV) and extend the visa for 30 days at an immigration office whilst in Thailand.

When do I need to leave?

Upon arrival your passport will be stamped with your arrival date and an expiry date. 

Make sure you leave Thailand before midnight on the expiry date e.g. if your expiry date is the 9th August, you need to leave by 23.59 on the 9th August.

Can I apply for a visa in Thailand?

No, you cannot apply for a visa in Thailand. If you don’t have a visa when you arrive, you can get the 30 day visa exemption but cannot apply for the 60 day visa. 

For the SETV, you can apply in any country outside of Thailand. For the METV, you need to apply in your home country.

Do I need to book an onward flight?

You may be asked for proof of onward travel when you arrive in Thailand. I was asked for this recently and had to show my plane ticket.

There have been some reports of people being denied entry if they have a bus, train or boat ticket rather than a plane ticket. It should be fine but I’d get a plane ticket to be safe.

To be honest, most of the time you won’t be asked for any proof but it is a possibility so it’s best to have something prepared or you could be denied entry. 

A copy of your booking should be enough.

How can I apply for a Thai visa?

As mentioned above, you can apply online on the Thai E-Visa website . You can also apply in person at any Thai Embassy/Consulate.

Can I do a border run/visa run to get another visa exemption?

This used to be a really popular method of staying in Thailand. You could head to a nearby border, cross over and then cross back into Thailand activating another 30 day visa exemption.

Unfortunately, Thailand has cracked down on this and it is no longer possible. You can only enter Thailand on the 30 day visa exemption scheme twice a year via a land border.

You can still enter up to 6 times a year via an airport though.

If you have a METV, you can do a border run to re-activate your visa for another 60 days.

Can I be refused a visa extension?

Technically yes but this is very rare. If this does happen you will still get a 7 day extension. There are no appeals.

Can I extend my visa multiple times?

No, you can only extend your visa by 30 days once each time. If you leave the country and come back you could then extend it again.

Visa Exemption List

The below countries don’t need a visa to enter Thailand and can stay for 30 days. Exception: Cambodia and Myanmar can only stay for 14 days.

And that’s it!

Thanks for reading this guide on the 60-day tourist visa in Thailand. 

I try to update this page as often as I can to ensure all the information is still up to date but I’d still recommend checking with your local Thai embassy to ensure you’re eligible.

If you’re planning a trip to Thailand then you might wanna check out my ultimate bucket list for Thailand which includes all of the top things to see and do.

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Hi! I need some advice for the e-visa online application

About the documents to upload on the e-visa website, it's ok to take a photo of the face with the phone and upload it on JPEG format? And also take a photo of the biodata page of the passport and upload it as a jpeg format?

The airline have sent me the booking with a pdf file that I can download on my phone or laptop and just upload it on the online application. Does it work fine to do all this process or am I missing something? Let me know thank you very much

12 replies to this topic

JPEG is fine max 3MB

Here's a useful guide to common mistakes

https://image.mfa.go.th/mfa/0/TkZZJfspCP/Year_2022/e-Visa/Common_Mistakes_EVisa.pdf

The visa is valid for 3 months from date of issue so you can apply now for mid June.

PDF is OK now (wasn't originally).

I applied online for a 60 day visa a few weeks ago and it came within 3 days. Since I live in Spain, it was processed in Madrid so maybe other embassies take longer.

A JPEG taken with the phone is ok. I actually took it myself as I had nobody around to take it. Just make sure that the light is good and there are no hard shadows.

The Ottawa embassy is an outlier. Most other embassies are much faster. As an example, I applied to the Berlin embassy on April 15th and got the visa on April 22nd.

I am doing the online application but when I upload my jpeg passport photo it tells me that is unable to read data on middle name but there is no middle name on my passport. Can I ignore that and just complete the application? I don't want my visa could get rejected

If you have no middle name, you can’t change that. Just continue your application.

But if you did put in a middle name which is not on your passport, go back and remove it.

I didn't put any middle name on the application info. Just my name and surname. So no problem if the system tells me like that? Will the embassy not reject my visa?

Some people have only one name, the embassy won't penalize you for not having three names. Just leave it blank.

Ok thanks! They ask me a proof of residence. Can I upload a photo of my id card front and back?

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How to Apply: Embassy Registration

Your embassy will assist you if an emergency (eg. Natural disasters, civil unrest, etc) occur

Why Register with the Embassy

Required information to apply.

Once You Have Registered With Your Embassy Or Consulate, You Will Need To Update Your Data If:

• your contact details change,
• your civil status changes,
• you are going back to your home country.

Learn More: Tourist Visa

What you need to know.

The Thailand Tourist Visa is a single-entry visa valid for three months.

This visa is only for sightseeing, vacation, or other tourism purposes.

Proof of accommodation is required to get the Thailand Tourist Visa. The dates in this document MUST match the travel dates selected in the application . This is a requirement that is demanded by the government in order to issue the travel document.

This Tourist Visa is only available to travelers whose point of entry into Thailand is one of the following:

• Suvarnabhumi International Airport
• Don Mueang International Airport
• Chiang Mai International Airport
• Phuket International Airport.

iVisa is a legitimate company, accredited and recognized by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). For more information, see the FAQs below.

Content updated, October 2022

Travel to Thailand with a Tourist Visa! Apply with iVisa

Thailand is one of the top destinations around the world, whether you're exploring the large cities, or relaxing by the coastline, the truth is that there are plenty of reasons to visit. Among our favorites is Thai cuisine, which is popular all over the world. It reflects key features of Thai culture: it is generous, pleasant, refreshing, and easygoing.

Thailand reopened for tourism in July 2021. And since then, tourists from all eligible countries have been completing the visa application for a Thailand Visa (eVisa) . There’s no need to visit a Royal Thai embassy or consulate. Below, we’ll tell you how to get this document online using iVisa's services.

Thai Tourist Visa - Get your Thailand Visa now!

What is the thailand tourist visa.

It is an electronic visa that allows foreign nationals of certain countries to legally enter Thailand. The eVisa is now all electronic and allows foreigners to obtain their visas to Thailand more easily, without going to a Royal Thai embassy or consulate.

This travel document can be easily obtained through the iVisa platform. With us, you can apply for your Visa using our 100% online guided process.

Which nationalities can apply for the Thailand visa?

Citizens of the following 29 countries are eligible for the Thailand Visas service:

• Albania, Antigua & Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, China, Croatia, Cyprus, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Guam, Haiti, Jamaica, Kosovo, Malta, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Montenegro, Nauru, Puerto Rico, Romania, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent & Grenadines, Serbia, Tuvalu, and Vatican City

How long is the Thai visa valid?

The Thailand e-Visa is valid for 60 days after arrival . You can use this tourist visa to visit Thailand only once. It’s not a multiple-entry visa.

What are the Thailand visa requirements and policy?

To begin your Thai tourist visa application, you’ll need the following items:

• Applicant's Photo
• Passport page
• Airline confirmation
• Proof of accommodation
• Proof of Residence
• Bank statement (if applicable)
• All passport pages (if applicable)
• Supporting Document (if applicable)
• Host's ID (if applicable)
• Employment Proof (if applicable)
• Work ID of host (if applicable)

With your Thai Visa, you'll be able to enter Thailand through Suvarnabhumi International Airport, Don Mueang International Airport, Chiang Mai International Airport, or Phuket International Airport.

Upon arrival, you will need to present your tourist visa and your passport at the immigration area.

How do I apply for the Thailand visa online?

Completing the Thai visa application process is very easy. You’ll just need to follow these three steps and you’ll be done in no time.

Step one : Fill out the visa application form. The Thai immigration bureau office requires that you include your personal information (as stated in your valid passport) and some information regarding your stay in Thailand. We recommend that you have the details of your flight and accommodation handy. Once you’re done, you can select how fast you want to receive your Thai visa.

Step two: Double-check that all the information in the visa application form is correct. We want to avoid any issues with your application. All the details need to match your supporting documents. Once you’re sure everything is correct, you can proceed to pay the visa fee.

Step three: Upload all the supporting documents and submit your visa application form. Make sure that the scan is clear and has no smudges.

Visa applicants will receive their valid tourist visa and a receipt by email so make sure you're aware of anything incoming from iVisa. To get your eVisa with us you won’t need to visit a Thai embassy or consulate.

You must save this in a safe place on your electronic device and it is recommended to print it out so you can easily show it on arrival in Thailand.

What are the costs and processing times of the Thai visa?

The iVisa fee for processing your Thai Visa will depend on how fast you want to receive it.

Standard Processing time: USD $101.99 - 22 days

Rush Processing: USD $154.99 - 20 days

Super Rush Processing: USD $217.99 - 18 days

All our visa fees include the Thai government fee of USD $40.00 .

COVID-19 requirements or restrictions

Covid 19 testing.

There are no covid testing requirements.

Vaccine Certificates

COVID vaccines or vaccination certificates are not required to enter the country.

There are no quarantine requirements in Thailand.

Applying with iVisa

We have been in the business of processing visa applications for many years and we have worked hard to improve all our services. We strive to make our processes quick and easy to follow. The idea that getting a visa is cumbersome is a thing of the past. Nowadays, it can be as easy as opening a new email address.

But you don’t have to take our word for it. We recommend that you go over to our reviews section and read what our past customers have said about our services. We’re sure you’ll find them to your liking.

Where can I learn more?

You can always reach out to our outstanding customer support team or you can contact us on WhatsApp . They are available every day of the year, to answer any questions you might have about this or any other travel documents. They are incredibly helpful and experts in processing Thailand Tourist Visas.

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My application couldn’t be completed due to an error. what now, what can i do if my thailand tourist visa application has been canceled or rejected, i understand from what is written on the visa sticker that the visa is valid for three months. does it mean i can stay in thailand for three months with my tourist visa, i came to thailand with a tourist visa and was granted permission to stay for 60 days; however, i wish to stay longer. what should i do, as an australian businessman, i frequently go to thailand on business. is there any facility for frequent business travelers like me, i need to bring some medication with me to thailand. what should i do, visa policy of thailand, how do processing times work, where can i read more.

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• iVisa is NOT affiliated with any government agency. This site does not provide legal advice and we are not a law firm. None of our customer service representatives are lawyers and they also do not provide legal advice. We are a private, internet-based travel and immigration consultancy provider dedicated to helping individuals travel around the world. You may apply by yourself directly on the various government websites. The source of information: https://www.immigration.go.th/

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Thailand Special Tourist Visa

Special Visa to Enter Thailand

The Thailand Special Tourist Visa (STV) is a special visa introduced by the Tourism Authority of Thailand for long-stay tourists who would like to travel to Thailand. It is one of the economic measures by the Thai government to restore the local tourism industry that has been affected heavily by COVID-19.

Update: The Thai Embassies and Consulates are currently issuing the normal 60-day tourist visa (SETV) and the special tourist visa (STV). Kindly contact your local Thai embassy for more information.

Thailand Special Tourist Visa Qualifications

Foreigners applying for a Special Tourist Visa must be:

• Foreigner from a low-risk country according to the Public Health Ministry regulations.
• Accept compliance of preventive measures as prescribed by the government, including submitting to alternative state quarantine (ASQ) in accredited hospitals/hotels for not less than 14 days upon arrival.
• Provide evidence of a place to stay or accommodation during the long stay visit.
• Show proof of payment for hotel accommodation or admittance to hospitals chosen as alternative state quarantine (ASQ) facilities.

At this stage, the definition of ‘low risk’ country remains open for interpretation and will change over time. It is highly recommended for those who are wishing to apply for the STV they must enquire at the Royal Thai Embassy or a consulate in their home country before making any bookings or paying money for agents or other services.

Requirements for Thailand STV

Foreigners applying for the STV will need to provide the following:

• Proof of payment for hotel or accommodation to be used after discharge from quarantine.
• Copy of a condominium title deed owned by the visitor or a family member.
• Evidence of renting accommodation – condominium or house.
• Evidence of payment for the purchase or lease of a condominium-type residence that foreigners can legally buy or lease.
• Proof of medical and travel insurance policy Medical and Travel Insurance with a minimum 100,000 USD coverage for COVID-19 medical treatment and a minimum coverage of 400,000 THB for other medical and accident expenses. The insurance must cover for at least 90 days which is the initial validity of the visa.

NOTE: Some embassies will reject your COE application if you do not have the correct format for Health Insurance.

Foreigners with the evidence needed above will be eligible to apply for an STV from Thai embassies or consulates in selected countries.

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STV Application Process

The interested applicant must get in touch with the Thai Embassy or Consulate or local office of the Tourism Authority of Thailand in their country or an accredited travel agency. An initial application will be submitted to the Bureau of Immigration for a background check.

After receiving the approval from the Immigration Bureau, the applicant or the agency will be requested to submit the visa application form, pay the visa fee, provide proof of ASQ accommodation, proposed chartered flight to Thailand, and copy of the health insurance policy. The application will be submitted to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

After the visa application has been approved by the MFA, the applicant will collect the STV visa and the Certificate of Entry (COE) which will be issued by the Thai Embassy or Consulate in his/her current location. The applicant will also provide the Fit to Fly Medical Certificate which must state that the applicant does not have COVID-19 and this certificate must be issued within 72 hours before the flight departure.

Visa Fee and Validity

Eligible applicants will have to pay a visa fee of 2,000 baht and the visa holder will be allowed to stay in the country for 90 days. After this period expires, immigration officers will be able to renew the holder’s visa twice, each for another 90 days at a time. Foreigners must submit an application and pay a fee in accordance with the rules.

Upon Arrival in Thailand

Upon arriving in Thailand, visitors must undergo health screening from the Ministry of Public Health. The STV holder will be issued a permit to stay for 90 days in Thailand if the tourists pass all screening measures. They will immediately depart the airport to begin the strict state quarantine at their paid ASQ/ALSQ.

Once they are tested negative for Covid-19 after the 14-day quarantine, long-stay tourists will have the freedom to travel as they please around the country with a mobile application that will track their destination.

The Thailand Special Tourist Visa (STV) holders can enter Thailand starting on October 1, 2020 until September 30, 2021.

The images above were taken from the video footage of TAT VTR Special Tourist Visa.

The Thailand Special Tourist Visa or STV cannot be changed or converted into any other type of visa in the duration of your stay in Thailand. If the STV holder is found to be in breach of the conditions for entry into Thailand, the stay permit will be revoked immediately and the visa holder will be banned from returning to Thailand in the future. The STV project is only valid until September 30, 2021.

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586 Comments

Hello. Is it still possible to apply for STV visa?

Dear Donny,

It is no longer possible to apply for STV at any Thai Embassy. Thank you.

Hello, Canadian citizens, resident in Canada wishing to spend 90 days in Thailand for tourism purposes. which visa do we require ?

Hello, Vic Castleton.

You can apply for a Tourist Visa, which will give you 60 days in Thailand, and then extend it for another 30 days. That will give you a total of 90 days in Thailand.

Is Police Clearance required for SVT ?

Dear Brett,

Good day. If you are applying for the STV in the USA, the police clearance is not required.

Where can I apply for an STV Visa, would look to stay in Thailand for 7 months – can someone help me?

Dear Bradley, Good day. At this time, you cannot apply for the STV anymore. You can only apply for the 60-day TR tourist visa at the Thai Embassy in London and apply for the COE after that. Thank you.

Hi Rex, we have a plan for 7 day vacation in Thailand, and are fully vaccinated do we need to undergo into quarantine of 14 days, however we’ll carry our RTPCR report too.

Dear Shanu, If you are a Visa Exemption nationality and you are traveling from the Sandbox eligible countries, you can enter Thailand through Phuket Sandbox and you can stay for 7 nights. After 7 nights, you can exit Thailand through Phuket airport to another country or home country. To learn more about the Phuket Sandbox, please check this page: https://www.thaiembassy.com/travel-to-thailand/no-quarantine-phuket-sandbox-plan Thank you.

I am currently in Thailand, but will resign from my job in the next month. Is there a way to apply for the STV from within the country so that I can legally remain in the country?

Dear Sarah, Good day. The STV or Special Tourist Visa is only issued by a Thai Embassy. Unfortunately there is no Thai Embassy or Consulate inside Thailand. Therefore, you must leave Thailand in order to get that and you must enter Thailand before July 3 to use the STV. The visa you can get inside Thailand after you end your employment is the COVID 19 extension which allows you to stay for 60 days. Thank you.

My Filipino GF wants to come over from the Phillipines. Is it too late to apply? If not, when is the latest I can apply?

Dear Larry, For the STV, it is not too late to apply as long as she enters Thailand before July 3 which I do doubt that she can get into a flight to BKK from Manila since there is only one flight in June right? Thank you.

Good morning, Could you please advise from 1st July foreigner can visit Thailand without quarantine if you are vaccinated, How about kids who do not got vaccine, do they still need to quarantine?

Dear Tukta, Good day. There is NO OFFICIAL guideline just yet. I believe, tourists booked with SHA-accredited tour operators in Phuket will be given priority instead of individual travellers. Again, there is no official guideline so I recommend to wait for a couple of weeks. Thank you.

hi there, once i arrive in thailand with the stv, if i need to leave in the first 90 days, can I do so?

Dear JR, Good day. Yes, you can definitely leave Thailand. However, when you leave Thailand, the STV will be cancelled automatically. It means you cannot return on the same STV or visa. You need to get a new visa or different visa to return to Thailand. Thank you.

Hi, why do you say that the SVT cannot be converted into another Visa while in Thailand. Do you have any official source for that? Thank you

Dear John, Good day. Yes, the STV cannot be changed into a Non immigrant visa inside Thailand. You may contact the Thai Embassy in your current location to get the official publication. Thank you.

Hi my inquiry is this is the stv visa single or multiple entry, Kind regards, Derek.

Dear Derek, Good day. The STV is valid for single entry only and you must use it or enter Thailand before July 1, 2021. Thank you.

Written above: “The STV project is only valid until April 30, 2021.” What happens after April 30? Are we still going to be able to apply for STV ? I want to go to Thailand 1st of July for 90days but I haven’t applied yet for the visa. Also what is the duration of the application? How long will it takes to get the visa? Is there an e-mail address where I can get more information about STV? Thank you.

Dear Kiki, Good day. The STV or Special Tourist Visa is valid until September 30, 2021. Therefore the visa holder must enter Thailand on or before July 3, 20021 so that you can stay for 90 days and still be eligible to get another 90 days extension. After that, this project will be expired and you can just apply for the normal 60-day SETV or single entry tourist visa. Thank you.

Is it possible to apply for the STV whilst being overseas? (Not in your home country)

I’m an Australian citizen currently overseas…

Dear Duncan, Good day. You can apply for the STV at the Thai Embassy or Consulate in the country of permanent residence or country of nationality. Thank you.

Hi Rex, I’m an Australian resident and my nationality is Australian. If I were to return to Australia, I would not be allowed to travel overseas as those are the current government rules.

Dear Duncan, That is the downside of traveling from Australia to Thailand, your country has some restrictions. Wherever you are right now, perhaps you can apply or use 45-day visa exemption to enter Thailand and once you are in Thailand, you can do extensions and you can also change into another visa such as Thai Elite Visa . For the Visa exemption and COE application, you need to book ASQ Hotel , Return flight (that you can cancel later on), COVID 19 insurance and COVID test. Thank you.

Thanks for the information Rex.

Could you please confirm whether I can extend the 45 day Visa on arrival currently and if so for how long?

Dear Duncan, Good day. I can confirm that your 45-day Visa Exemption can be extended inside Thailand. You have an option to extend it for 30 days which is the normal extension or 60 days which is the COVID extension. Thank you.

For the STV, if a person arrives to Thailand right before July 1st…would they still qualify for two STV extensions or would it only be one STV Extension?

Dear Juan, Good day. You will only be able to extend for one time if you arrive on July 1. You can request for the extension before September 30 and that will be your last application for extension. Thank you.

After someone picks STA visa up at the embassy, how long is it valid for? in other words, what is the “window for entry”

Dear Ajeng, Good day. It is usually valid for 90 days and you must enter Thailand Thailand within this period. Thank you.

Thank you very much for your speedy response, it is very helpful. On my application it just says post passport and e-appointment, so I was wondering whether I needed anymore documents to post? Thank you

Dear Bartholomew, Based on experience, I recommend for you to include physical copy of the documents that you have submitted online to the passport and the e-appointment letter when you post these to the embassy. Thank you.

Just a question about the ASQ hotel, how do we know what are the ASQ hotels? Do you have a website we could check for the accredited quarantine hotels?

Dear John, Good day. For the list of accredited ASQ Hotel and the recommended hotels, please check this page: https://www.thaiembassy.com/travel-to-thailand/alternative-state-quarantine-asq-in-thailand Thank you.

Dear Rex, I have submitted my visa application via the official website https://thaievisa.go.th/ . However, having completed the online submission and payment, I was only given the option to choose an appointment to give my passport and supporting documents to the embassy at a time that had already passed (9.30-10.30 20th March), when I submitted the application at 19.00 on the 20th March. As well as this, it is unclear whether the embassy in London is open, as I went on Friday at the given opening times and a note on the door said it was closed and everything must be done online. In this way, I was wondering if I could be given a different appointment time, as well as be told to what address I must send my passport and supporting documents? Can the London embassy do that? Thank you very much. Bertie

Dear Bartholomew, Good day. The submission of your passport and other documents to the embassy in done by post. It does not matter if the date of your e-appointment had past already since you are not going to the embassy in person. For application by post, you do not get to choose the appointment date and time. The date and time indicated in your e-appointment is the same date and time when you made the online payment. Thank you.

Dear friend, I have just purchased flights for a tourist trip by myself to Thailand BKK from uk 17th August and returning 17th February (6months). I am planning to apply for STV. 1) is this my best option 2) as the visa is initially only 90 days will my return flight work against me. 3) after my quarantine how long will I need to pre book accommodation for? I was planning on moving around Thailand and not stay in one place. Thankyou Dan 👍x

Dear Dan, Thank you for your message. The STV has limited validity. For STV visa holders, you must ENTER Thailand before July 1, 2021. Have a good day.

Hi I’m in Thailand at the moment quarantining just wondering if I can reapply for stv visa for my family me my husband and 3 daughters as I didn’t realise when applying I could do this thankyou Chantel

Dear Chantel, The STV can only be issued by a Thai Embassy abroad, so it is not not possible to apply for it inside Thailand. Also, I do not think it is a good idea for you to return to your home country after you are done with quarantine just to apply for the STV. Thank you.

Hello. Concerning the SETV 60 day special tourist visa – does this include the quarantine period or is it 60 days plus the quarantine period?

Dear Scott, The STV is for 90 days and the TRV is for 60 days. Unfortunately, the 15-day quarantine is included in that 60 days. It is not the same with the visa exemption where it is 30 days + 15 days. Thank you.

Hello, I’m an Australian citizen, currently in Sri Lanka on a tourist visa, trying to get to Thailand. The Thai embassy in Colombo started issuing STVs recently. The problem is, they said the STV is available only to Sri Lankan citizens and residents, as a tourist here I’m not able to apply for it. Is this correct? It doesn’t make much sense my lack of Sri Lankan residency to disqualify me for a visa to Thailand? What can I do? Can I apply to another embassy?

Dear Pavel, Yes, that is correct. The STV is available to citizens or in other countries, it is also available to permanent residents of that country. Your best option is to apply in Canberra. Thank you.

Hi. I am from Uzbekistan. Can I get a STV now? I am in Vietnam now. If the STV visa open for my country also, should I take it from Uzbekistan or can I apply it In Vietnam also? Thank you for responding

Dear Nancy, Please contact the Thai Embassy in Hanoi if they issue STV to non-Vietnamese. Thank you.

Hi Nancy. I’m a UK citizen working in mauritius. I have a residency permit. Can I apply for a STV. And I would like to go to Thailand for up to six months touring

Dear Humprey, The STV is now available at Thai Embassy in London. I am not sure if the Thai embassy in Mauritius can issue the same visa. Thank you.

I am a Canadian citizen, currently in Thailand on a TR visa.

Is it possible to apply for a STV while in Thailand? I would really like to stay more than 60 + 30 days.

Dear Thierry, Good day. The STV or Special Tourist Visa can only be issued by a Thai Embassy or Consulate abroad. It cannot be issued in Thailand. Thank you.

Hello 🙂 I am an Albanian citizen, living in Albania. Am I eligible and how can I apply?

Dear Livia, All nationalities are eligible to apply for the STV as long as the Thai embassy in that country is open for issuing visas. Thank you.

As you mentioned, I can cancel the Non immigrant B visa in Thailand and request for 60-day COVID 19 Extension. I have some questions a. Can I only ask for a covid 60-day Extention once? b. Where should I issue the application? c. What kind of material I should prepare for the application?

Thanks for your reply

Dear Robert, Good day. The COVID 19 extension is possible until March 30, 2021. I am not sure if the government will extend this privilege. The application may be submitted at your local immigration office. Please fill out TM7 and COVID 19 extension Request forms. The fee is 1900 THB. Thank you.

Can you transfer to a STV? For instance, if I leave a job in BKK, move from a work permit to STV?

Dear Larry, The STV or Special Tourist Visa can only be issued by a Thai Embassy or Consulate. Obviously, there is no Thai embassy inside Thailand, so you must travel abroad to get the STV. One option for you is the 60-day COVID 19 extension which is available until March 30, 2021. Thank you.

Good morning!

My name is May. I have a US passport, currently residing in the US. I would love to visit my friend and travel in Thailand for about 1 month in May 2021, including ASQ time. Is this possible?

Thank you, May

Dear May, Yes, it is possible. You can go to https://coethailand.mfa.go.th/ and apply for Medium Term Visit- Visa Exemption. This COE will allow you to stay for 45 days in Thailand. Thank you.

Is it true that if we’re not married yet we can’t stay in one hotel room for the first 15 days ?

Dear Mel, Good day. Yes, that is correct. Only legally married couples are allowed to stay in one room. Thank you.

Do you still have to quarantine upon arrival to Thailand if you had covid less then 3 months ago?

Dear Di, All foreigners and all Thais who are coming to Thailand will be required to do a quarantine. Whether you are immune or you have vaccination, you must do quarantine. Thank you.

Is this really a serious question ? You must be trolling yes ?

Dear Jumus, It seems like a legitimate question.

Currently, I have a work permit in Thailand, but I consider resign from my company. as I know, I can’t stay in Thailand if my work visa is terminated. So, can I transfer my work visa to a tourist visa in Thailand after resigning from the company?

Dear Robert, Good day. The tourist visa is issued by a Thai embassy abroad. If you are in Thailand right now, you cannot change a non-immigrant B visa into a tourist visa. But you can cancel the Non immigrant B visa and request for an extension. You can request for the 60-day COVID 19 Extension and pay 1900 THB. Thank you.

I am messaging you to hopefully receive some clarity on the traveling restrictions in Thailand. I have scheduled and paid for MANY flights into Thailand and for my ASQ. However, when I tried to board my flight in January, the airline told me that passengers are not allowed into the country until January 31st.

I called the airline on January 28th to confirm that I’d be able to enter after the 31st and they said yes. However, I called the airline yesterday (February 1st) and they told me that I cannot enter the country as a passenger and I’ll need a visa.

All of this is confusing because I’m a US citizen with an American passport, therefore, I am visa exempt. Please help me find some clarity. I’ve been trying to get in contact with the embassy by calling and emailing for over a month now and I have yet to hear back from anyone. I’m desperate and don’t want to lose all of my money.

Dear Alexis, Did you get the COE? You can go to: https://coethailand.mfa.go.th/ and apply for the Medium Term Visitor- Visa Exemption. You can get a COE for this purpose of travel. Thank you.

Hi good day! I am a Filipino citizen and planning to visit Thailand to meet my boyfriend he’s an EU citizen from Denmark to be exact. Do we still need to apply for a tourist visa ?

Dear Mel, Good day. You can avail the 45-day Medium Term Visit- Visa Exemption for Filipinos and Danes. You only need to apply for the COE online. The process for the COE takes 5 to 10 days. Please check this page for more information: https://www.thaiembassy.com/thailand-visa/coe-thailand Thank you.

My husband and I live in Turkey, it’s on medium risk category, can we take advantage of STV scheme?

Dear Joan, The STV application is open to all countries. Please call the Thai Embassy in Turkey if you can apply for it there. Thank you.

Filipino from Philippines can get STV?

Dear Abby, The STV is now open for all Thai Embassies around the world. Please call the Thai Embassy in Manila to learn more about it. Thank you.

I’m trying to download the Special Tourist Visa form. But can not find on the various UK embassy sites . Help please

Dear Terry, Unfortunately you will not be able to find it on UK Embassy sites. You must check the Thai Embassy London website. Thank you.

i want to apply from 60 days tourist visa we required comfirmed hotel and flights reservation or we only need itinerary?

Dear Jaskaran, It is different from one country to another. I recommend for you to have the following: -Bank statement -Flight reservation -ASQ hotel reservation -COVID Insurance Submit these when you apply for the visa and COE. Thank you.

hello, When booking hotel, can I book any hotel or are there criteria for the hotels to book? Thank KG

Dear Karim, Good day. For the first 15 days of your arrival, you must book an ASQ Hotel. After that, you may book a normal hotel room. Thank you.

I would like to know if the USD 100,000 insurance for covid related illness must be exclusively purchased from a Thai Insurance company or may I also purchase it with an affiliated insurance country in my home country.

Kind regards, Jonathan

Dear Jonathan, Good day. It would be better to have an insurance company that can issue the certificate and state the required information that is needed for the visa and COE. You may check the link below for an accredited company that you can use and you may choose 3, 6 or 12 months insurance policy: https://bit.ly/3nPTAU5 Thank you.

I am planing to fly from Taiwan to Thailand in January Is it possible for me to get the Tourist visa instead of Special tourist visa ?

Dear En Ci, Yes, the normal 60-day tourist visa is now available from the Thai Embassy or consulate. You just need to contact them directly to know the process for the tourist visa and COE. Thank you.

Hi i am currently in Aruba.i am from Ireland. As there are no embassies here as it is a small caribbean island and i would like to fly directly from here in a few weeks. Can i apply for 60day visa online?

Dear Annie, It is not possible for you to travel from Aruba to Thailand if you do not have COE. I suggest that you use the the free visa exemption as your visa category and apply for the COE using this page: https://coethailand.mfa.go.th/regis/step?language=en Thank you.

I live in Canada is STV visa available for Canadians

Dear Fernando, Good day. Yes, the STV is now open to most countries. I recommend for you to contact the Thai Embassy in Ottawa for the list of requirements and to know the process on how to apply by mail. Thank you.

I am an Indian national on a long term tourist visa in the UK visiting my boyfriend and his family for the holidays. Can we apply for the visa from here or do I need to go back to India to do so?

Dear Kavana, Good day. If you are applying for the STV for Thailand, you need to have an indefinite leave to remain in the UK. Thank you.

Hi, I am from the Netherlands and I really want to come into Thailand. Is there any possiblity for me at the moment? And how can I apply for the visa?

Dear Marissa, Good day. Yes, you have 2 options: You can apply for the normal 60-day tourist visa or you can apply for the special tourist visa. If you wait for next week, it might be officially announced that visa exemption will be re-instated. But we are not certain about just yet. Thank you.

Hello, I am from Holland(Netherlands) Is it possible to travel to Thailand Right Now ?

Dear Marisa, Good day. Yes, you have 2 options: You can apply for the normal 60-day tourist visa or you can apply for the special tourist visa. If you wait for next week, it might be officially announced that visa exemption will be re-instated. But we are not certain about it just yet. Thank you.

I am from the UK and would like to travel to Thailand on a Thailand Special Tourist Visa (STV). Is this possible for me?

Thanks, Dasha

Dear Dasha, Good day. Yes, the Thai Embassy in London is already issuing the normal tourist vis and the special tourist visa. Thank you.

Im from Philippines. Can i get a normal 60day tourist visa ?

Dear Iderlyn, Good day. Yes, the Thai Embassies and consulate are issuing the normal tourist visa. Please call the Thai Embassy in Manila for more information. Thank you.

Hi i am.from singapore , interested to go thailand for the 60day visa . But i am confuse about the purchase of insurance , is there any insurance package only for the 60day period . Online are only showing for 1 year period costing around 26000-30000baht.

Dear Jack, The requirement for the COVID 19 travel insurance is for the duration of your stay. Since the tourist visa is valid for 60 to 90 days, then you need to have an insurance for 3 months. Thank you and have a good day.

Hi How i can apply this STV online?

Dear GG, The application for the visa is online in UK and USA. If you are in any of these countries, you can apply online. I am not sure where are you located right now so I can only advise you to contact the Thai Embassy wherever you are right now. Thank you and have a good day.

Do we have to purchase the flight and hotel BEFORE we apply for the tourist visa?

Dear Brianna, Good day. If you are from the UK, you do not need to book the flight just yet. If you are in the USA, yes, you must book a flight and ASQ hotel before applying for the visa. So I guess, if you can tell me where you are now, I will be able to advise you on what to do or how to apply for the visa. Thank you.

thethaiger . com today is reporting Thai govt now offering STV to all countries. The D.C. consulate is saying there’s been no official announcement.

Can you verify any of this? And how soon the details/requirements will be available?

Thank you, Chris

Dear Chris, Good day. Yes, it is correct. The proposal was approved by the Cabinet, but there has been no guideline and no official announcement. We may have to wait for a week or so. Thank you.

Hello, I am from U.S. Is it possible to travel to Thailand Right Now ?

Dear Gregg, Good day. The US citizens and residents can apply for the normal 60-day tourist visa since November 12th. Thank you.

I have been trying to get a 60-day from https://thaiembdc.org/2020/11/05/trsingle_entry/

They were initially responding to it but I haven’t heard from them in 15 days.

Please post if you find something out. I will too. This is not easy to figure out.

Dear Herb, Good day. Have you submitted an application online or did you only send them an inquiry? Do you want to make a new or first time application? Thank you.

I have been trying to get the online part finished. I have been to Thailand quite a few times and always have done Visa-on-Arrival. This is my first time trying online. The application is on the Los Angeles website but I suspect the people reviewing it are in BKK because every time they have responded it would be 6-7 in the evening in LA which is 9-10 the morning in Thailand.

Are any of the embassies in America open? If so, is any accepting people coming in to apply?

Dear Herb, Good day. If you are still finishing and you have not completed the online application, you may email me at [email protected] Thank you.

I have submitted an application online. This is a first time application. In the past I have just done a Visa on Arrival. It has been 15 days since the last response and I can’t access my application or submit a new one. Please advise.

Are any embassies open in the US? If so, do they accept in-person applications?

Dear Herb, Good day. In-person application has been suspended. The online application is working. Perhaps some emails of the consulate has been lost. You may contact the Thai consulate in LA by emailbetween 5pm and 7pm California time, they would normally respond back to you immediately. Thank you.

Visa on Arrival for Indian not yet operational

Yes, that is correct. Indians required to apply for the 60-day TR visa and COE to travel to Thailand. Thank you.

I’m a Brazilian citizen, I’ve checked that Brazil is considered low risk at least as per the table above. Can I apply for the STV for me and my wife? How long it takes for the visa to be issued? Thanks.

Dear Mario, Good day. I think right now, it is recommended to just apply for the normal 60-day tourist visa. Thank you.

I’m Brazilian, am I able to apply for that special tourist visa for me and my wife? If yes, how long it takes to issue the visa and is there any website of a consulate or embassy of Thailand in Brazil? Thanks a lot.

Dear Mario, Good day. Right now, the best option is to apply for the 60-day tourist visa and you can extend it for another 30 days in Thailand. Thank you.

I will be traveling to Thailand to get married to a Philippine woman that lives and works in Phuket. I know that I must quarantine , I will contact Thailand embassy in Canada and get all appropriate documents.

I was also wondering if My wife to be can quarantine with me at the hotel in Bangkok. I get tested before I get on the airplane and after so it will be nice to quarantine with her.

Dear Brent, Good day. Yes, you will have to get the tourist visa for 60 days and the COE from the Thai embassy in Ottawa. No, she cannot join you in quarantine. Only married couples are allowed in 1 room. Thank you.

Good day, want to visit our son who works in Thailand, during the December holidays. We are from SA. We only have 14 days to travel to and from. Quarantine @ a hotel is expensive and not possible. Any other way of entering and visiting?

Dear Sanet, Good day. The best thing to do is to wait until next year when the vaccine is available and quarantine is not required. That could happen middle or towards the end of 2021. Thank you.

don’t really understand why STV visa is only available for low risk countries, if you can enter from high case country with standard tourist visa.. Should be a benefit if someone enters trough all the safety procedure and stays 6 months instead 60 days !

Dear Lew, Good day. Yes, I understand. I believe the reason why the TR visa is being issued right now is that the STV was not a success. And that low risk countries were not really attracted to the STV scheme. Therefore the government starting issuing the normal 60 days tourist visa for all low, medium and high risk countries. Thank you.

Hi is possible to get a visa for thialand 3/012/2020 Entery requirements Say not but special visa say yesy I’m lost thanks if you can help

Dear Mark, Good day. If you are in the UK right now, you cannot apply for the STV but you can apply for the normal 60-day tourist visa. Thank you.

Thailand Proposes Schengen-Style Visa to Boost Southeast Asia Tourism

Thailand has spearheaded the proposal for a visa system similar to Schengen to transform travel throughout Southeast Asian countries.

Faith Katunga • Apr 25, 2024

Those dreaming of a more in-depth exploration of Southeast Asia may soon be able to realize their dreams. Thailand has spearheaded the proposal for a visa system similar to Schengen to transform travel throughout Southeast Asian countries. The goal is to boost tourism and economic growth in the area. This initiative, led by Thailand’s Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, seeks to simplify the travel process for tourists. Travelers will be able to roam freely across Thailand , Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, Malaysia, and Myanmar with a single visa.

According to recent reports, the proposed visa scheme could significantly increase tourism, making these countries more accessible from Thailand. In 2023, the six nations collectively attracted approximately 70 million tourists, with Thailand and Malaysia hosting the majority. The plan is a clever way to tap into the tourism industry, which is responsible for over 20% of Thailand’s employment and 12% of the country’s GDP. It is also a reaction to the struggling industrial sector and falling exports.

The Vision Behind the Schengen-style Visa System

The concept of a Southeast Asian Schengen-style visa system is rooted in the desire to attract high-spending tourists from distant countries. The scheme encourages longer stays and increased spending by facilitating easier access across multiple nations, thereby expanding the region’s tourism revenues. 

The envisioned visa system would likely adopt a 90-day visa policy, extending the current stay limits and offering tourists an opportunity to explore each country more thoroughly. This approach contrasts with the current varying visa policies among these nations, which range from 30-day exemptions to 90-day visa-free stays depending on the country and the traveler’s nationality.

Recent Developments and International Visa Agreements

Thailand has already made significant strides in enhancing its international visa agreements. Thai authorities announced plans to eliminate visa requirements with Australia to bolster tourism and strengthen trade deals between the two countries. Additionally, a mutual, permanent visa-free entry system with China was introduced in March, which led to a surge in travel bookings from both nations. 

Still, despite the promising outlook, implementing a regional Schengen-style visa system presents challenges, particularly considering bilateral agreements and political complexities within Southeast Asia. Furthermore, the success of this initiative hinges on the seamless integration of visa policies and cooperation among the participating countries.

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