Can I pay the visa fee with Thai baht or credit card?

No, only $35 USD cash is accepted. ATMs are available at airports if you need to withdraw money, but you'll need to exchange it to USD at currency exchange counters.

What if I don't have a passport photo?

Most major airports have photo booths or photo services that can take visa photos for $5-10. Allow extra time for this. Land borders may not have photo services, so bring photos in advance.

Can I extend a visa on arrival?

No, visa on arrival cannot be extended. You must leave Thailand within 15 days or face overstay penalties of 500 baht per day.

Is visa on arrival available at all Thailand border crossings?

No, it's only available at major airports (Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai) and select land borders. Check the official Thai immigration website for current list of entry points that offer visa on arrival.

How to Get a Thailand Visa on Arrival

Thailand offers visa on arrival for citizens of 19 countries at major airports and land borders. Bring $35 USD cash, a passport photo, onward travel proof, and fill out the form at the immigration counter. Processing takes 15-30 minutes.

Check if you're eligible. Visa on arrival is available for citizens of Andorra, Bulgaria, Bhutan, China, Cyprus, Ethiopia, Fiji, India, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Maldives, Malta, Mauritius, Papua New Guinea, Romania, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Taiwan, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan. All other nationalities need a visa in advance or qualify for visa exemption.
Prepare required documents before travel. You need: passport valid for at least 6 months, one 4x6cm passport photo (white background), proof of onward travel within 15 days (flight ticket or bus booking), proof of accommodation (hotel booking or address), and exactly $35 USD in cash (no other currencies accepted).
Find the visa on arrival counter. At Bangkok airports (Suvarnabhumi or Don Mueang), look for "Visa on Arrival" signs before the immigration booths. At land borders like Poipet (Cambodia) or Nong Khai (Laos), the counter is usually clearly marked near the immigration area.
Fill out the application form. Get form TM.88 at the counter. Fill in your personal details, Thai address (your hotel), purpose of visit (usually tourism), and intended length of stay. Attach your passport photo to the form.
Submit documents and pay fee. Hand over your passport, completed form, proof documents, and $35 USD cash to the officer. They'll review everything and may ask basic questions about your trip. Keep your receipt.
Wait for processing. Processing takes 15-30 minutes depending on queue length. Your name will be called when ready. Check that the visa stamp shows the correct entry and exit dates before leaving the counter.

Can I pay the visa fee with Thai baht or credit card?: No, only $35 USD cash is accepted. ATMs are available at airports if you need to withdraw money, but you'll need to exchange it to USD at currency exchange counters.
What if I don't have a passport photo?: Most major airports have photo booths or photo services that can take visa photos for $5-10. Allow extra time for this. Land borders may not have photo services, so bring photos in advance.
Can I extend a visa on arrival?: No, visa on arrival cannot be extended. You must leave Thailand within 15 days or face overstay penalties of 500 baht per day.
Is visa on arrival available at all Thailand border crossings?: No, it's only available at major airports (Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai) and select land borders. Check the official Thai immigration website for current list of entry points that offer visa on arrival.