Many travellers zip in and out of Thailand on multi-destination trips around Southeast Asia. To do so, you’ll need a passport that’s valid for the entire trip and has lots of spare blank pages.
It’s also a good idea to have proof of onward travel and sufficient funds — cash or travellers cheques. Immigration officers may request it on a case-by-case basis.
Visa-exempt countries
Most tourists traveling to Thailand need a visa unless they are from a visa-exempt country. However, they can still enjoy a hassle-free travel experience by applying for an eVisa online before their trip. The eVisa process is simpler than the traditional visa application, and it can be completed in just a few easy steps. Applicants must submit personal and travel information, pay the required fee, and provide supporting documents to complete their application.
Tourist visas on arrival are available to citizens of Andorra, Belgium, Bulgaria, China, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Mongolia, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom. This visa allows visitors to stay in Thailand for 30 days.
Visitors may be asked to present a flight ticket that shows they are departing Thailand within 30 days of their entry. However, this is not a rule and does not always happen.
Visa-on-arrival
The visa-on-arrival option is a great choice for travellers who want to save time and avoid the hassle of applying at a Thai embassy or consulate before travelling. However, it’s important to remember that being granted admission to Thailand is a privilege and not a right. If you want to avoid any problems, you should dress appropriately and be polite.
You should also bring a flight ticket for your return trip to demonstrate that you’ll be leaving the country within 15 days. iVisa is an authorized partner of the Immigration Bureau to make this process easier for eligible nationalities by enabling them to submit their applications online, provide required information digitally and pay the application fee ahead of time.
Currently, citizens of 19 countries can use this service at all major entry points. These include international airports in Bangkok, Suvarnabhumi, and Chiang Mai, as well as select land crossings. If you’re eligible, it’s best to apply for your visa before departure.
Single-entry visas
Citizens from a small group of countries, including Malaysia, Singapore, and Tunisia, can get a single-entry visa at a Thai embassy or consulate. This visa allows you to stay for up to 30 days. However, you must have a valid passport and proof of accommodation. Moreover, you must also show that you have a return ticket and sufficient funds to support your trip.
If you want to visit Thailand on a budget, a single-entry visa is your best bet. However, you should be aware of the terms and conditions of this visa. For example, if you leave the country before the expiration date, you cannot re-enter for the duration of your visa.
If you plan to work or retire in Thailand, you will need a non-immigrant visa. The most common options for this type of visa are the marriage visa and retirement visa programs. These visas allow you to live and work in Thailand for a year or more.
Multiple-entry visas
Many people come to Thailand to take a break from their busy lives. The country is famous for its welcoming locals, exotic food, and beautiful beaches. After staying a few months, they will return home to work and family. But they will miss their new friends and the great culture of the land. This is why multiple-entry visas are popular among foreigners.
These visas are available at Royal Thai embassies and consulates in some countries. They will usually require the following documents: -A valid passport or travel document. It must have at least six months of validity and contain one blank page for the visa. -Photographs that must be taken within the past six months. They must be passport-sized and show a full front view of the person with a light background.
Overstaying a visa is not a problem, but you must leave the country before the expiry date stamped on your passport. If you stay more than 30 days, you will be fined 500 baht per day. You may also be banned from returning to the country.