If you’re planning a holiday in Thailand, you’ll need to take out a Tourist Visa before you can enter the country. There are a number of different types, all of which have their own rules and requirements.
Obtaining a Tourist Visa in Thailand is easy and can be done at your local Thai embassy or consulate, or online using the e-visa system. It’s a quick and easy way to get your paperwork done before leaving home, and it’s an affordable option for most nationalities.
Aside from the usual passport, you’ll need to provide a couple of recent photos and proof of funds to support yourself. You’ll also be asked to show tickets for onward travel, and you’ll need to pay a cash fee of 2000B at the desk (payable in Thai Baht).
Applying for a Tourist Visa at the Thai Embassy or Consulate
A number of countries have a visa-free entry agreement with Thailand. This includes the US, Canada, the UK, Ireland, most of Europe, and other more prosperous nations in Asia and the Middle East.
For more information on the current visa policies in Thailand, check out the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website or contact the nearest embassy or consulate. The e-visa process is especially convenient for citizens of many European countries, who are able to complete their application online and submit the documents digitally.
The e-visa system is also convenient for people who want to stay longer in Thailand and are interested in exploring more of the country’s culture, history, and attractions. For example, many people come to Thailand to do long-term diving courses or meditation studies.
There are a number of ways to extend your tourist visa while in Thailand, including by visiting any immigration office that handles the paperwork; usually there’s a cash fee of 1900B per extra 30 days. These offices are located at airports and land border crossings all over the country, so it’s easy to find one near you.
Alternatively, you can opt for a tourist visa on arrival, which costs only a small fee at the time of entering the country and is valid for up to 15 days. This is a popular option for travelers who are staying with friends or family in Thailand, as it’s a more economical alternative than a longer visa.
Extend Your Stay In Thailand
Aside from the usual passport, you’ll also need to provide a couple of recent photos, and proof of funds to support yourself. You’ll be asked to show tickets for onward travel, or you’ll need to pay a cash price of 2000B at the desk (payable to the government in Thai Baht).
It’s important to note that you can only extend your visa once, and it can only be extended to the expiry date of the original stamp. If you need more time in Thailand, it’s best to apply for a non-immigrant visa or a visa exemption before you leave your home country.