Thailand is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Asia. The country received over 39 million visitors in 2019 and won the title of “Most Popular City Destination” in the Mastercard Global Destination Cities Index in 2017.
With so many foreigners flocking to this beautiful Southeast Asian destination, it’s no surprise that there is a growing demand for visa services. And for good reason, because a good visa can make living in Thailand a lot easier.
The Thailand Elite Visa has quickly become one of the most popular visa options for people looking to live in this beautiful country for a long time, without worrying about the hassles of immigration and passport processing. It offers members access to exclusive perks, including airport service, free limo transfers, and VIP lounges at Suvarnabhumi, Chiang Mai, and Phuket airports.
Basically, the program is a way for expats to get a long-term visa without all of the hassle of dealing with the visa application process, paperwork, and 90-day reports that come with the standard tourist visa. The program also includes optional health insurance, 24/7 customer service assistance, and business networking opportunities.
Elite Visa in Thailand
The first step is to apply for a Thai Elite visa online. Then, you’ll need to provide a soft copy of your passport and a completed application form. After this, the agent will do all the necessary immigration and criminal background checks before processing your visa. The process usually takes about 1 month, but it can take longer if you have to deal with specific visa requirements or if you need to visit an embassy in your home country.
Once you’ve submitted your application, you’ll receive a notification with your Member ID number and a representative from Thailand Elite will reach out to schedule an appointment to have your visa affixed. This is the easiest and most convenient way to get your Elite Visa if you’re traveling to Thailand.
Another option is to have the visa affixed on arrival at Suvarnabhumi, Chiang mai, or Phuket airports (this is where I got mine). If you’re already in Thailand, you can also get your Elite Visa at Chaengwattana immigration office.
There are three different membership packages available for the Thailand Elite Visa. Each membership comes with its own unique set of benefits. The basic package, which costs 500,000 THB, gets you a five-year visa. Alternatively, you can opt for the Superiority Extension package for 1,000,000 THB, which gives you a 20-year visa. Both of these options come with 24 free limo transfers per year, as well as VIP airport service and lounge access.