Thailand offers visa-free entry to residents of several countries/regions. If your country is on the visa exemption list, you can enter Thailand without a visa as long as you have a passport that is valid for more than six months. If your country has not signed a visa exemption agreement with Thailand, you will need to apply for a visa at the Thai embassy or consulate in your location before you can enter.
- Visa Types
Business Visa: This visa is primarily for individuals entering Thailand for business cooperation, commercial exchanges, exhibitions, and related activities. It is mainly issued to foreign businesspeople who meet Thailand’s requirements.
Work Visa: This visa is primarily issued to foreign nationals working in Thailand, including those recruited by Thai companies and citizens hired by foreign enterprises to work in Thailand.
Tourist Visa: This visa is mainly granted to individuals traveling to Thailand for sightseeing. As of November 13, 2015, it is divided into two categories: the single-entry tourist visa, valid for 3 months with a stay of up to 60 days per entry, and the multiple-entry tourist visa, valid for 6 months with a stay of up to 60 days per entry.
Multiple Entry Visa: This visa is valid for one year, allowing stays of up to 90 days each time. It is primarily issued to foreigners who frequently travel in and out of Thailand.
- Visa on Arrival
Passport holders can apply for a visa on arrival at immigration checkpoints, allowing a stay of up to 15 days. Travelers should head to the Visa on Arrival counter upon arrival at the airport.
Visa on Arrival is available at 32 entry points in Thailand, where travelers can follow the signs to the relevant offices to complete the application process.
- Electronic Visa
The Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs has developed an electronic visa system that allows applicants to apply for a Thai e-visa through the website. However, applicants cannot obtain the e-visa directly online; they must submit original documents to the embassy after applying online. The visa will still be stamped in the passport once approved.
Visa regulations may change due to policy adjustments, so it’s advisable to check the official website of the Thai Embassy or Consulate in your country for the latest information before traveling.
