Thailand Visa on Arrival

Thailand’s Visa on Arrival (VOA) program offers a straightforward way for eligible travelers to visit Thailand for short-term stays of up to 15 days. As the name suggests, you can get this visa as soon as you land in Thailand without needing to go through a lengthy visa application process before traveling. Currently, the Thailand Visa on Arrival program allows citizens from 31 approved countries to enter Thailand easily for tourism purposes.

If you're considering using this visa option, this page will cover all you need to know to prepare for a smooth entry into Thailand.

However, if you are planning to stay for longer than 15 days but don’t want to go through the hassle of applying for a Thailand Tourist Visa, you may be eligible for the Thailand Visa Exemption Scheme. This scheme allows you to enter Thailand without needing to apply for a visa beforehand and stay in the country for up to 60 days, with the option to extend for another 30 days. Like the VOA, however, only certain nationalities qualify for this program.

Thailand Visa on Arrival Requirements

To apply for the Thailand Visa On Arrival, you will need to meet certain criteria and present some documentation. Before touching down in Thailand, you must:

• Complete a Visa On Arrival form (available at immigration)
• Hold a passport with at least 30 days of validity remaining
• Be a citizen of one of the approved countries:
  • Africa: Ethiopia, Namibia, Seychelles, Tunisia
  • Americas: Bolivia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Mexico, Paraguay, Venezuela 
  • Asia: Bhutan, China, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Taiwan, Uzbekistan, 
  • Europe: Armenia, Belarus, Bulgaria, Georgia, Malta, Romania, Russia, Serbia 
  • Middle East: Cyprus, Saudi Arabia
  • Oceania: Fiji, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu
• Take a passport photo
• Pledge to enter Thailand strictly for the sole purpose of tourism
• Provide verifiable proof of accommodation in Thailand such as a hotel or apartment address
• Have proof of a return ticket exiting Thailand (open tickets do not qualify and traveling overland to neighboring countries does not count as proof of exiting Thailand)
• Have proof of available funds (10,000 THB for single travelers and 20,000 THB per family)

It is important to note that there is an initial non-refundable entry fee of 2,000 THB, which must be paid in cash, and in Thai currency. Because of this, it is advised to perform a currency exchange in your home country before entering Thailand.

Thailand Visa on Arrival Immigration Checkpoints

Thailand’s Visa on Arrival is processed at various checkpoints, including key airports and border crossings. Approved immigration checkpoints include:

• Suvarnabhumi Airport
• Don Muang International Airport, Bangkok
• Chiang Mai International Airport
• Phuket International Airport
• Hatyai International Airport, Songkhla
• U Tapao International Airport, Rayong
• Mae Sai Immigration Checkpoint, Chiang Rai
• Chiang Saen Immigration Checkpoint, Chiang Rai
• Betong Immigration Checkpoint, Yala
• Sadao Immigration Checkpoint, Songkhla
• Samui International Airport, Surat Thani
• Sukhothai International Airport 
• Tak Immigration Checkpoint
• Bangkok Harbor Immigration Checkpoint
• Sri Racha Immigration Checkpoint, Chonburi
• Maptaphut Immigration Checkpoint, Rayong
• Nong Khai Immigration Checkpoint
• Samui Immigration Checkpoint, Surat Thani
• Phuket Immigration Checkpoint
• Satun Immigration Checkpoint
• Krabi Immigration Checkpoint
• Songkhla Harbor Immigration Checkpoint
• Chiang Rai Airport Immigration Checkpoint

Long-Term Visa Options for Thailand

If you’re looking for options that extend your stay beyond the short period offered by the Visa on Arrival and the Thailand Tourist Visa, Thailand offers a range of long-term visas to suit different needs:

Thailand Marriage Visa

If you’re married to a Thai citizen, the Thailand Marriage Visa lets you stay in Thailand long-term, allowing you and your spouse to live together and build your life in the Kingdom.

Thailand Retirement Visa

If you’re 50 or older, the Thailand Retirement Visa offers you the chance to stay in Thailand for extended periods, giving you access to amenities and benefits designed for a comfortable and enjoyable retirement.

Destination Thailand Visa

The Destination Thailand Visa (DTV Visa Thailand), often called the “digital nomad visa,” is tailored for digital nomads and remote workers looking to explore Thailand while working on the go. This visa is valid for 5 years, and you will be able to stay in Thailand for up to 180 days per entry into the country with the option to extend.

Thailand LTR Visa

By meeting specific criteria, you could qualify for the Long-Term Resident Visa (LTR Visa), which was created to support foreign investment and economic growth in Thailand. With perks like expedited immigration processing at international airports and reduced taxes, this visa lets you live and work in Thailand for up to 10 years, which is perfect if you’re looking to make Thailand your new home. There are also options for retirees and remote workers.

Thailand Elite Visa

If you’re interested in a long-term stay but don’t meet the typical visa requirements, the Thailand Elite Visa is a great option. It provides terms ranging from 5 to 20 years, and offers exclusive benefits as well as a simple and streamlined application process. This is an ideal choice if you want a luxurious and hassle-free experience in Thailand either as a resident or frequent visitor.

Professional Assistance with Your Thai Visa Application

If you’re looking for guidance on applying for a Thai visa or aren’t sure which option is right for you, reach out to Siam Legal International. With over 20 years of experience as a full-service law firm and visa consultancy, we’ve helped clients worldwide swiftly secure visas that match their needs for entering Thailand.

Our Thai immigration team will ensure you have the most suitable visa and provide complete support throughout your application. We’ll walk you through each step, helping to speed up the process and increase your chances of success. This way, you can focus on planning your time in Thailand and enjoying everything the country has to offer.

If you’re ready to get started now and want to get your visa the quick and easy way, don’t hesitate to contact Siam Legal to book a consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Thailand Visa On Arrival

Do I need to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination for a Visa on Arrival in Thailand?

No, visitors entering Thailand on a Visa on Arrival do not need to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination.

Do I need to show proof of health insurance when applying for a Thai Visa on Arrival?

No, it is not necessary. However, having travel health insurance in Thailand is a good idea, as tourists are not generally eligible for free healthcare in the country, even if you get it in your home country.

Is an onward travel ticket required for entry with a Visa on Arrival?

Yes, you may be asked to present an onward travel ticket upon entering Thailand. If you do not have a ticket confirming your exit from Thailand within 15 days, you may be refused entry.

Can I extend my Visa on Arrival in Thailand?

Yes, the Visa on Arrival can be extended for an additional 7 days. To do so, you’ll need to fill out an extension request and pay an extension fee at a Thai immigration office. However, keep in mind that this extension is granted at the immigration officer’s discretion and there is no guarantee of success.

Can I convert my Thai Visa on Arrival to a different visa once I get to Thailand?

Generally, no. You would need to leave the country and apply for a different visa at a Royal Thai Embassy. Converting a short-term Thai visa to a longer one usually starts with getting a 90-Day Non-Immigrant Visa.