Tourist Visa in Thailand

Tourist Visa in Thailand. Thailand remains one of the world’s most popular short-stay destinations. But since 2024–2025 the country has modernized its entry processes (e-Visa rollout, the Thailand Digital Arrival Card) and adjusted visa-free / visa-on-arrival rules. This guide explains who needs which document, step-by-step application routes, extension options, entry checks (what immigration will ask for), recent policy changes to watch, and practical tips to avoid delays — all with official sources so you can verify the rules for your nationality.

Overview — the three common ways visitors enter for tourism

Visa-exemption (visa-free) scheme — Many nationalities can enter Thailand without applying for a visa and are typically permitted to stay up to 60 days per entry under the expanded program introduced in recent years. Always confirm whether your passport country is eligible before travelling.
Thailand e-Visa (online) — Thailand’s official e-Visa portal allows applicants worldwide to apply for tourist visas (single or multiple entry) before travel. The e-Visa is now the primary, secure online route in most posts. Use the official site only (www.thaievisa.go.th).
Visa on Arrival (VOA) — Citizens of a defined list of countries may obtain a short-stay VOA at specified checkpoints (usually up to 15 days for the eligible nationalities). VOA eligibility and the list of participating checkpoints are published by Thai consulates and are updated periodically.

Which to pick and why (practical decision rules)

If your country is on the visa-exemption list and you’ll stay ≤60 days, use that route — it’s the fastest.
If you need a longer guaranteed stay, a consular tourist visa or e-Visa (single or multiple entry) gives more certainty.
If you’re from a VOA-eligible country and plan a short trip, VOA works — but check whether your arrival airport/land border supports VOA that day. Always confirm with the issuing Royal Thai Embassy or consulate ahead of travel.

Step-by-step: applying for an e-Visa (official route)

Go to the official e-Visa portal (thaievisa.go.th) and create an account.
Choose visa type (tourist single/multiple entry) and complete the online form.
Upload required documents: passport scan, passport-style photo, proof of onward/return ticket, accommodation details, and bank statement if requested by the post. Processing times vary by post (some embassies quote 10–15 working days).
Pay the fee online and await approval. Print or save the e-Visa approval and present at arrival.

Tip: embassies often require original bank statements or specific local documents — check the issuing post’s checklist (not all posts accept identical documents).

Visa on Arrival (VOA): what immigration usually asks

For VOA applicants you should have, at minimum:

Passport with sufficient validity (check the issuing post but generally at least six months recommended);
Recent passport photo (4 x 6 cm often requested at VOA counters);
Proof of accommodation and onward/return ticket;
Proof of funds — many posts and VOA desks expect evidence (e.g., 10,000 THB per person / 20,000 THB per family is a long-used benchmark though officers exercise discretion); check the VOA checklist before you travel.

Because VOA is processed at the checkpoint, lines can be long; if you value certainty, apply for an e-Visa beforehand.

Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) — mandatory pre-arrival step

Since 2025 Thailand requires most non-Thai nationals to complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) online prior to arrival (usually within 72 hours / 3 days of travel). The TDAC replaces the old paper TM6 and is used by Immigration for faster arrival processing and health/security screening. Complete it at the official TDAC portal and save the confirmation/QR code to show at check-in or on arrival if asked. Do not use unofficial third-party sites.

Extensions while in Thailand — typical options

Tourist extension (in-country): Visitors who entered under visa-exemption, VOA, or a tourist visa can usually apply for a discretionary 30-day extension at a Thai Immigration Office (bringing a possible total of 90 days for many visa-exempt entries). Extensions are granted at the officer’s discretion and require passport, departure card/TDAC confirmation and sometimes proof of funds or a return ticket. Start the process early; don’t wait until the last day.
Multiple-entry or longer visas: If you hold a multiple-entry tourist e-Visa, each entry typically permits a set length (e.g., 60 days) that can likewise be extended — confirm specifics at the issuing embassy or Immigration Bureau.

What immigration will check on arrival (practical list)

Valid passport (six-month validity advised).
TDAC confirmation (screenshot or QR code).
Onward/return ticket and accommodation details.
Ability to show sufficient funds if asked.
For VOA, a passport photo and completed VOA form are commonly required at the desk.

Airlines may deny boarding if you lack required documents (TDAC, visa or onward ticket) — confirm requirements at check-in.

Recent policy developments to watch (2024–2025)

e-Visa expansion: Thailand expanded its e-Visa capability worldwide from 1 January 2025 to streamline pre-travel applications. Use the official portal, which is now accepted by most Thai posts.
TDAC rollout: the TDAC became mandatory in 2025; complete it within the official window (usually 72 hours) to avoid problems at check-in or arrival.
Visa-free length and eligibility: since 2024 the government extended visa-exemption stays to 60 days for many nationalities; these policies are subject to periodic review — verify eligibility close to your travel date.

Common mistakes & how to avoid them

Using unofficial e-Visa/ETA sites (pay only via the official portal).
Missing TDAC — complete it early and keep the confirmation offline (screenshots).
Arriving without proof of onward travel or insufficient funds — carry printed/ PDF evidence of your return ticket and bank statement.
Assuming VOA is always available at every checkpoint — check airport/land-border VOA availability before you depart.

Final practical checklist (printable)

Check whether your nationality is visa-exempt, VOA eligible, or needs an e-Visa.
If needed, apply on the official thaievisa.go.th portal and save approval.
Complete the TDAC within 72 hours of arrival — save the confirmation/QR.
Bring passport (six-month validity), return/onward ticket, accommodation booking, passport-style photo (VOA) and proof of funds.
If you may stay longer, prepare to apply for a 30-day extension at Immigration early.