With its bustling cities, mouthwatering dishes, and breathtaking beaches, Thailand remains one of the world’s best tourist destinations. Notably, in 2024 alone, it welcomed 35 million international visitors. As such, many travelers wonder if they need to secure a Thai tourist visa or a Thai visa upon arrival (VOA).
Both options permit holders entry into the country. However, they have different purposes. Hence, it’s best to know which visa to choose depending on your nationality, length of stay, and travel purpose. In this article, we take you through their respective requirements and application steps. In addition, we share their differences so you can make an informed decision.
About the Thai Tourist Visa
A Thai Tourist Visa is a pre-approved travel permit that Thai embassies and consulates issue. Specifically, it allows foreigners to enter Thailand for tourism purposes. Unlike a Thai Visa on Arrival, you must obtain this visa ahead of your trip.
Eligibility
You should apply for a tourist visa if:
- You plan to stay in Thailand longer than 15 days.
- Your nationality is not eligible for a Visa on Arrival.
- You prefer to have your visa approved before arrival to avoid airport delays.
Validity Period
A standard Thai tourist visa is valid for 60 days from the traveler’s date of entry. Moreover, they can extend it for an additional 30 days at a Thai immigration office, allowing a stay of up to 90 days.
How to Apply
It is always best to plan in advance before applying for a Thai tourist visa. Correspondingly, follow these steps:
1. Check your visa eligibility.
2. Gather the required documents. This generally includes:
- A passport with at least six months of validity.
- Recent passport-sized photos.
- A completed visa application form.
- A confirmed round-trip flight ticket.
- Proof of accommodation, such as a hotel booking.
3. Visit a Thai embassy or consulate in your home country.
- Submit your application and pay the THB 1,900 visa fee.
4. Wait for processing.
5. Receive your visa and prepare for travel. Because of the Thai tourist visa’s flexibility, it’s ideal for travelers planning an extended stay in Thailand.
About the Thai Visa on Arrival
A Thai Visa on Arrival (VOA) is a short-term visa issued at Thai airports and select land borders. In contrast to a tourist visa, travelers must apply for a VOA upon arrival instead of before their departure from their home country. Overall, this option is faster and more convenient for those staying short-term.
Eligibility
A Thai Visa on Arrival is available to passport holders from specific countries, including:
- Armenia,
- Belarus,
- Bhutan,
- Bolivia,
- Bulgaria,
- China,
- Costa Rica,
- Cyprus,
- El Salvador,
- Ethiopia,
- Fiji,
- Georgia,
- India,
- Kazakhstan,
- Kyrgyzstan,
- Malta,
- Mexico,
- Namibia,
- Nauru,
- Papua New Guinea,
- Paraguay,
- Romania,
- Russia,
- Saudi Arabia,
- Serbia,
- Seychelles,
- Taiwan,
- Tunisia,
- Uzbekistan,
- Vanuatu, and
- Venezuela
If your nationality is not on the list, then you must apply for a Thai tourist visa before traveling.
Validity Period
A Thai Visa on Arrival allows visitors to stay in Thailand for 15 days only. In contrast to a tourist visa, you cannot extend this visa. However, it may be possible in special cases (e.g., medical emergencies).
How to Apply
The application process for a Thai visa on arrival is simple and fast. However, travelers must meet specific requirements:
1. Prepare the necessary documents:
- A passport valid for at least 6 months after your arrival date.
- A completed TM6 arrival form (effective May 1, 2025).
- Proof of onward or return travel within 15 days.
- Proof of accommodation, such as a hotel reservation.
- Proof of financial means.
2. Arrive at a Thai airport or land border with a designated Visa on Arrival counter or immigration checkpoint.
3. Fill out the Visa on Arrival application form.
4. Pay the visa fee (2,000 THB, cash only).
5. Receive your Visa on Arrival.
Key Differences
Choosing between a tourist visa and a Visa on Arrival depends on your travel plans. Given these points, here’s a comparison:
Where to get it: Specifically, a Thai tourist visa must be obtained before traveling at a Thai embassy or consulate. Meanwhile, a Thai Visa on Arrival is issued upon arrival at Thai airports and select border checkpoints.
Length of stay: A tourist visa allows travelers to stay in Thailand for 60 days. In addition, it comes with the option to extend for another 30 days, providing a total stay of up to 90 days. In contrast, a Visa on Arrival is valid for only 15 days. Additionally, you cannot extend it under normal circumstances.
Eligibility: A tourist visa is available to most travelers who apply in advance. Meanwhile, a Visa on Arrival is limited to specific nationalities.
Cost: The tourist visa fee depends on the issuing country, usually ranging from USD 30 to USD 8. On the other hand, a Thai Visa on Arrival costs THB 2,000 (USD 60) and travelers must pay it in cash upon arrival.
Visa extensions: A tourist visa can be extended for an additional 30 days at a Thai immigration office. However, travelers cannot extend a Visa on Arrival. Correspondingly, this means visitors must leave Thailand within 15 days.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many travelers make avoidable visa mistakes. As such, here’s how to stay prepared:
- Forgetting required documents: Incomplete requirements may result in visa rejection. As such, always bring a return ticket and proof of funds.
- Assuming a Thai Visa on Arrival is free: Similarly, inability to pay will make it impossible to secure a Thai Visa on Arrival. Specifically, it costs 2,000 THB in cash (no card payments).
- Overstaying your visa: Overstaying results in fines. Specifically, it costs THB 500 per day in fines and possible blacklisting.
- Applying last minute for a tourist visa: Processing a Thai tourist visa takes time. As such, allow at least two weeks for processing.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What happens if I overstay my visa in Thailand?
Specifically, overstaying will result in a THB 500 per day fine, up to a maximum of THB 20,000. Moreover, extended overstays may lead to deportation or a blacklist.
2. Can I get a Thai Visa on Arrival at any border crossing?
No, the Visa on Arrival is only available at designated international airports and some land borders. As such, check the Thai Immigration Bureau for the full list.
3. Do I need a return ticket for both the Thai tourist visa and the Thai Visa on Arrival?
Yes, it is a key requirement when you apply. Hence, you’ll need to present proof of onward travel for both a tourist visa and a Visa on Arrival.
4. Can I apply for a Thai tourist visa online?
Yes. Specifically, some countries can apply for an eVisa through Thailand’s official eVisa system. Otherwise, visit a Thai embassy or consulate.
5. Is a Visa on Arrival guaranteed?
No, entry is not guaranteed. Hence, if you fail to meet the requirements (passport validity, funds, return ticket), then Thai immigration may deny you entry.
6. Does a Filipino need a visa to enter Thailand?
No, Filipinos are exempt from needing to apply for a Thai visa to enter Thailand. Notably, they may visit the country without a visa for no longer than 60 days.
7. Who can enter Thailand without a visa?
Thailand allows citizens from 93 countries to enter without a visa under its Visa Exemption Scheme. Specifically, these countries include:
- Asia: Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, and the Philippines.
- Europe: Albania, Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Georgia, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Kosovo, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Switzerland, Ukraine, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, and Sweden.
- Americas: United States, Canada, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Cuba, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Guatemala, Jamaica, Panama, Peru, Trinidad and Tobago, Uruguay, and Mexico.
- Oceania: Australia and New Zealand.
- Africa: South Africa, Mauritius, and Morocco.
Visitors from these countries can stay in Thailand for up to 60 days without a visa.
