Everything You Need To Know About How To Get A Visa For Thailand
Everyone knows how lovely Thailand is but many find the whole visa process quite daunting and some may even be put off by it. For those wishing to visit, live or work in Thailand, figuring out which Thai visa they need and what the Thai visa requirements are can seem very complicated. Especially since the Covid lockdown when there were so many changes were made in a short space of time. That’s one of the reasons we’ve decided to wrap up 2022 with a look at which visa you’ll be needing when you travel to Thailand. We want to untangle some of the red tape for you so we’ll be answering a few of the most commonly asked questions. Do I need a visa? How to get a visa in Thailand? What kind of Thai visa do I need? How much would it cost me? And of course, how to apply for a Thai visa?
Do I Need A Visa To Go To Thailand?
Most people who arrive in Thailand do so as a tourist. The visa requirements for this situation are very straightforward. If you’re lucky enough to come from one of the 64 countries with a visa waiver, you don’t need to do anything. Your passport will be stamped when you arrive and that’s that. If you’re arriving by air, you’ll get 45 days currently, this goes back down to 30 days from the end of march 2023. You can also apply for a 60 visa at The Thai Embassy in your home country. There are also a number of countries with a bilateral agreement with Thailand and they get a 15-day visa waiver. Land crossings are a little different, offering 15 days to those mentioned above. Those from other countries will need to get a visa before they arrive, this can be done at the Thai Embassy in your home country.
If you’re looking to stay in Thailand for longer or work here, you’ll need a Non-Immigration visa, there are several different types and you’ll need to visit the Thai Embassy in your country before you arrive, or in some instances, you can apply online.
TIP: MAKE SURE YOUR PASSPORT IS NOT EXPIRING IN 6 MONTHS OR LESS
Regardless of which visa you require, you’ll need to have a passport which is valid for at least six months after the date of your arrival. For those needing an actual visa not just a stamp, you’ll need at least two clear pages in your passport too. You may also be asked to provide evidence of your return flight and that you have the funds to support yourself while you’re here. Most of these visas are extendable in Thailand for an extra 30 days.
How Much Does A Thai Visa Cost?
Visa-Free Entry & Tourist Visas on Arrival
Anyone receiving a visa waiver on arrival doesn’t have to pay anything. It’s a free service. If you’re applying for a visa before you come here, there’s a fee. For a single-entry visa, the fee is around $30-$50 and for a multi-entry visa, the fee is around $150-$250. The fluctuations are due to local currencies and Embassies. A 30-day extension done at a Thai Immigration office within Thailand will cost 1,900 baht. These amounts are approximate and do not include any travel agent or lawyer fees.
What Are the Types of Thai Visas?
As with any other country, Thailand has many different visas suitable for different requirements, most of which are pretty self-explanatory. As an example, an Education visa is for those travelling here to study, or for children attending school. Let’s have a look at which visa suits which situation.
- Education Visa – For those travelling to Thailand to study or for school-age children of foreigners living in the Kingdom.
- Retirement Visa – For those over 50 looking to retire in Thailand.
- Thai Elite Visa – For business operators and entrepreneurs.
- Guardian Visa – For those with children of school age attending school here.
- Dependent Visa – Non-O Thai Visa – For the spouse of a Thai citizen or for those with a Thai child.
- Working Visa – Non B Thai Visa – For those with employment in the Kingdom.
- Thai Volunteer Visa – For those looking to volunteer with a registered charitable organisation.
- Thai ‘Golden Visa’ – For the wealthy business owner, digital nomad, retiree, or highly skilled professionals.
How To Get A Visa For Thailand?
If you’re applying for a visa before you arrive, the first thing you need to do is contact your local Thai Embassy, or if there isn’t one where you live, in the closest neighbouring country. Some visas are now available to be applied for online, so check the Thai Embassy website before you start.
How To Apply For A Thai Visa
Once you’ve been in touch, you’ll know if you can apply online or if you need to make an appointment to attend the Embassy. They should also let you know what documentation you’ll be needing but here’s a rundown of what will be required.
- Your passport, valid for six after your arrival date with two clear pages
- A completed application form
- Two recent passport photos adhering to the usual stipulations
- Proof of a return ticket for certain visas
- Proof of funds for certain visas
- The receipt of payment of the visa fee.
If you are looking for a reliable visa service provider, TMT Visa Services is a leading visa agent in Phuket, Thailand. We have been on the market for over a decade, and we help people from various countries with visa issues. Contact us today for more information.
I want to do a mauy Thai visa but don’t know how it works. Does the school have to be able to do the visa? What does the gym need? Otherwise I’d be willing to learn Thai for the education visa.