Can I apply for a Thai visa on arrival?

Visa on arrival exists for 19 specific countries only and gives just 15 days. Most travelers should apply for the proper tourist visa beforehand or check if they qualify for visa-free entry.

What if my application gets rejected?

Common reasons include insufficient bank balance, missing documents, or unclear travel plans. You can reapply after fixing the issues, but you'll pay the fee again. Make sure all documents are clear and complete before submitting.

Do I need onward travel booked?

Yes, you must show a flight leaving Thailand within 60 days. A bus ticket to a neighboring country counts as onward travel. Some airlines won't let you board without this proof.

Can I extend my tourist visa once in Thailand?

Yes, you can extend once for 30 additional days at any immigration office in Thailand for 1,900 baht ($50-55 USD). Bring your passport, a passport photo, and the fee in cash.

How to Apply for a Thai Tourist Visa from Abroad

Most travelers can apply for a Thai tourist visa online through the e-Visa system at thaievisa.go.th, which takes 3-15 business days and costs $30-40 USD. You'll need your passport, photo, bank statements, and flight/accommodation bookings. Some nationalities get visa-free entry for 30-60 days instead.

Check if you need a visa. Citizens of 64 countries get 30-day visa-free entry (60 days for some). Check the official list at your nearest Thai consulate website. If you need longer than the visa-free period or want certainty before traveling, apply for a tourist visa.
Choose your application method. Apply online through thaievisa.go.th (available in most countries) or visit a Thai consulate in person. Online is faster and more convenient. In-person applications take 3-5 business days versus 3-15 days online.
Gather required documents. You need: valid passport (6+ months remaining), recent passport photo, bank statement showing $700+ balance from last 3 months, flight booking showing departure within 60 days, accommodation booking for first few nights, and completed application form.
Submit your online application. Create an account at thaievisa.go.th, upload all documents as PDFs or JPEGs under 2MB each, pay the fee ($30-40 depending on your country), and submit. You'll get a reference number to track your application.
Wait for approval. Processing takes 3-15 business days. Check your application status online with your reference number. You'll receive an email when it's approved or if additional documents are needed.
Download and print your visa. Once approved, download the e-Visa PDF from your account. Print it in color and bring the physical copy to Thailand. Immigration officers may not accept digital versions on your phone.

Can I apply for a Thai visa on arrival?: Visa on arrival exists for 19 specific countries only and gives just 15 days. Most travelers should apply for the proper tourist visa beforehand or check if they qualify for visa-free entry.
What if my application gets rejected?: Common reasons include insufficient bank balance, missing documents, or unclear travel plans. You can reapply after fixing the issues, but you'll pay the fee again. Make sure all documents are clear and complete before submitting.
Do I need onward travel booked?: Yes, you must show a flight leaving Thailand within 60 days. A bus ticket to a neighboring country counts as onward travel. Some airlines won't let you board without this proof.
Can I extend my tourist visa once in Thailand?: Yes, you can extend once for 30 additional days at any immigration office in Thailand for 1,900 baht ($50-55 USD). Bring your passport, a passport photo, and the fee in cash.