Thailand Visa FAQs - Answers to Common Visa Questions

It depends on your nationality. Citizens of certain countries may be eligible for visa-free entry or visa exemption, allowing them to stay in Thailand for a specified period without a visa. Other nationalities typically require a visa for entry.

The visa application process varies depending on the type of visa you are applying for. In general, you need to submit an application form, passport, photographs, supporting documents (such as flight tickets, accommodation details, or invitation letters), and pay the applicable visa fee. Applications can be submitted at Thai embassies or consulates in your home country or online for certain visa types.

Tourist visas typically allow for a stay of up to 60 days. Some nationalities may have the option to extend their stay by an additional 30 days at a local immigration office within Thailand.

No, a tourist visa does not permit employment or working in Thailand. If you intend to work, you would need to obtain an appropriate work visa or work permit.

Visa processing times can vary depending on the type of visa, embassy/consulate workload, and other factors. It is advisable to apply well in advance, as processing times can range from a few days to a few weeks.

In some cases, it is possible to convert certain types of visas, such as a tourist visa, to a long-term visa within Thailand. However, it is important to consult with Thai immigration authorities or seek professional advice to understand the specific requirements and procedures for such conversions.

Overstaying your visa in Thailand is not recommended. Overstaying can result in fines, detention, deportation, and difficulties in future travel to Thailand. It is best to comply with the visa regulations and apply for an extension if needed.

Yes, Thailand provides a Visa on Arrival option for tourists visiting the country. You can get this visa upon arrival if your purpose of visit is tourism. It is typically valid for a stay of up to 2 weeks. Just make sure that your passport is valid for at least 6 months before you travel.

It can take up to 7 days to process a Thailand Visa.

Yes, you have to pay an extra fee when you are apply for an E-Visa.

When applying for a Visa on Arrival in Thailand, there is no specific fee to be paid. However, you will need to demonstrate that you have sufficient funds in your bank account. This is to show that you can financially support yourself during your stay in Thailand. It is important to have an adequate bank balance to meet the requirements set by Thai immigration authorities.

Yes, you need a visa to enter Thailand.

E-VOA is available for 17 nationals

Bulgaria
Bhutan
China
Cyprus
Ethiopia
Fiji
Georgia
India
Kazakhstan
Malta
Mexico
Nauru
Papua New Guinea
Romania
Taiwan
Uzbekistan
Vanuatu

Applying online saves you from waiting in long queues at the normal immigration lane. You can submit all required documents and information, as well as pay the visa fees, from the comfort of your home or office. If your E-VOA application is approved, we will send the pre-approval code to your registered email address.

At present E-VOA is available at 4 airports in Thailand as listed below:
Suvarnabhumi International Airport
Don Mueang International Airport
Chiang Mai International Airport
Phuket International Airport

• The E-VOA is processed electronically, while the regular VOA requires you to wait in the normal immigration lane and get your visa stamped on your passport by providing your information and documents.
• You can conveniently apply for the E-VOA using your desktop, laptop, or mobile phone.
• The validity of the E-VOA starts from the entry date specified in your online application.
• Please note that the E-VOA is only available for Short Stay/Travel visas. For other travel purposes, you need to apply for the regular consular visa, which has various subcategories depending on your purpose of travel.
• With the E-VOA, your stay in Thailand is limited to a maximum of 15 days per trip.
• It's important to remember that the E-VOA is not an emergency visa. In case of an emergency, you should visit the nearest Embassy of Thailand for appropriate assistance.

The approval of entry visas for Thailand is solely determined by the Thai immigration officer and is subject to their discretion. VFS Global cannot guarantee the approval of your E-VOA application. Even if your visa is pre-approved, it does not guarantee entry into Thailand. The final decision lies with the immigration officers at the point of entry.

Yes, the E-VOA application can be accessed and completed using Internet Explorer 11, Google Chrome 72, Firefox 65, and Safari 12 web browsers. These browsers are compatible with the E-VOA online application system.

If you provide an incorrect email address during the application process, you will not receive the login link. As a result, your data will not be properly recorded, and you will need to reapply with the correct email address to ensure your information is accurately captured. It's important to double-check and provide the correct email address to avoid any inconvenience or need for reapplication.

If you are not receiving e-mails properly, you can contact one of our staff by clicking here.

While it is possible to apply as a family for the E-VOA, each individual application is assessed independently. If your E-VOA application is rejected, you have the option to reapply for the E-VOA or apply for the Regular Visa. However, please note that the rest of your family members can still travel using the E-VOA, even if your application is not approved.

Yes, if your E-VOA application is rejected, you can reapply using the online service. However, it is important to ensure that you submit all the required documents as specified by the Immigration Bureau of Thailand. Providing complete and accurate documentation will increase your chances of a successful application.

All E-VOA notifications are sent via email to the email address provided during registration. Additionally, once you log in to the Thailand eVisa website, you will have the option to download the E-VOA in PDF format. This allows you to have a digital copy of your E-VOA for reference and printing if needed.

For all visitors, it is mandatory to have a passport with a validity of at least 30 days from the date of arrival in Thailand. If your passport does not meet this requirement, you will need to renew your passport or apply for a new one before you can apply for the E-VOA. Additionally, your passport should have at least one blank page available for stamping by the Thai Immigration Officer upon entry.

If your passport contains only a single name without a surname or only a surname without a name, the applicant should mention that name or surname in both the name and surname fields when filling out the application. For example, if your passport only has the name "Mahesh" without a surname, you would enter "Mahesh" in both the name and surname fields in the application. This ensures that the information is accurately reflected in the E-VOA application form.

In cases where the date of birth is incomplete or partially obscured in the passport, it is important to mention the details exactly as shown in the passport on the application form. For example, if the passport shows the date of birth as XX XX 1974, you should enter XX XX 1974 as the date of birth in the application form. This ensures that the information provided in the application matches the details in the passport accurately.

If your E-VOA was issued with incorrect information, contact our staff via email

Usually, an E-VOA is valid for Single Entry only

Only regular passport holders from the 17 eligible countries are eligible to apply for the E-VOA. Holders of diplomatic, service, official, temporary passports, or travel documents are not eligible unless they present a regular passport. Applications received from non-regular passport holders may be rejected, and the visa fees will not be refunded. It is important to ensure that you meet the eligibility requirements and have a regular passport before applying for the E-VOA.

Yes, it is required for all applicants, including children and infants, to have a valid visa to enter Thailand. If you have any additional questions or need further clarification, please feel free to contact us for assistance. We are here to help address any concerns you may have regarding the visa application process.

Provided that all the required documents are submitted correctly, pre-approval for the E-VOA is typically received within 24 to 72 hours from the time of application payment. The exact timeframe may vary depending on the type of service you choose during the application process.

If you hold Thai citizenship, you do not need to apply for an E-VOA regardless of any other nationality you may have. As a Thai citizen, you must use your Thai passport to enter Thailand.

However, if you have dual or multiple citizenship and none of them is Thai, you need to select one of your nationalities and use the corresponding passport to apply for the E-VOA. It is important to ensure that the chosen nationality is eligible for the E-VOA. Additionally, when traveling to Thailand, you must use the same passport that was used to apply for the E-VOA for entry into the country.

If you lose your E-VOA, you can reprint it by accessing it from your e-mail.

In the event of a rejected eVOA application, the Immigration Bureau of Thailand authorities reserves the rights not to explain the reasons.

Thailand eVOA approval is valid for the airport mentioned on the eVOA approval letter and cannot be availed at any other airport. In case, of change in the airport please apply for fresh eVOA approval.

Thailand eVOA is valid for the same arrival date, and airport. In case the flight date is changed or reschedule for another date, please apply for fresh eVOA.

To apply for a Thai E-VOA, please follow these steps:

Ensure that you have a valid passport from one of the 17 eligible countries.
Access the website: https://thailandevoa.vfsevisa.com/v1/login and click on "Apply Now".
Register using your email ID.
Fill out the Visa Application form with the required information.
Answer the set of questions asked during the visa application process.
Upload the mandatory documents, including:
Cover page of your passport.
Passport information or bio page.
Confirmed hotel booking or invitation letter (along with house registration and Thai ID card of Thai nationals or passport copy for Non-Thai nationals if applicable).
Confirmed return flight ticket.
A photograph of size 4x6 cm with a light-colored background.
Make the required online payment for the visa application.
Once your application is complete, you will receive an email within 24 to 72 hours (depending on the service chosen) with the results of your visa application.

All visa applicants must submit scan colored copies of the following documents:

Passport cover page (refer to specifications)
Passport bio page (refer to specifications)
Departure and return airline tickets
Full trip accommodation details
Photograph size 4x6 cm (refer to specifications)
For more detailed information on document requirements, please click here.

If you are having trouble to submit additional documents, you have to contact our staff by clicking here

No, the E-VOA will be sent to you via email in PDF format. It is important to keep a copy of your E-VOA for reference purposes until your travel to Thailand.

No, only your application will be put on hold until the additional documents are received. However, the applications for your family members will continue to be processed.

If you are unable to submit the additional documents within the specified time period, please inform us via email. The Immigration Bureau will then make a decision based on the documents already submitted.

Regular Visa fee: 2000 THB*
Regular Service fee: 500 THB
Express-Visa Service: You can also apply for an express service, to get your E-VOA decision within 24 hours.
Express Visa fee: 2000 THB*
Express Service fee: 2500 THB

It is not mandatory for the Credit/Debit card, WeChat, or Alipay used for payment to be in the name of the person who is applying for the visa.

Yes, the E-VOA fee is the same for infants, minors or adults.

The visa fees and service fees charged to applicants are non-refundable under any circumstances.

The visa fees and service fees charged to applicants are non-refundable under any circumstances, including duplicate applications. However, if we have received duplicate payment for a single transaction, a refund may be considered.

There are several possible reasons for not receiving a payment confirmation:

The payment was not successful: Please check your bank statement to confirm if the payment was successfully processed.

Internet connection issues: If your internet connection was lost during the transaction, it may have caused the payment to fail. You can try making the payment again using a stable internet connection.

Card not 3D secure: Some cards require 3D secure authentication for online transactions. If your card is not 3D secure, you may encounter issues during the payment process.

We recommend checking your bank statement to verify the payment status. If the payment was successful, please contact us and provide a scanned copy of your bank statement as proof. If the payment was unsuccessful, you can try making the payment again using a different browser or a different card.

To track the status of your visa application, you can click on the provided link. We will send you an email notification once your application has been pre-approved or rejected, or if any additional information is required from you. You can also log in to your account on the Thailand E-VOA website to check for status notifications.

If your visa application has been processing for more than 72 hours, you can contact our staff for assistance by clicking on the provided link.

To request the issuance of Emergency Travel Documents (Emergency Certificate - EC), you can contact the Department of Visas and Aliens Travel Documents. They are located on the 3rd floor of the Department of Consular Affairs in Chaengwattana.

To apply for a spouse visa (Non-O) in Thailand, you must be married to a Thai national and possess a marriage registration certificate. You can apply for the visa at a Thai embassy or consulate abroad. The visa allows for a period of residence in Thailand, with each stay not exceeding 90 days. It is recommended to extend your stay by 30 days before the expiration of your current stay at the Immigration Office (Mor Chana).

Preliminary documents are required as follows.
1. A copy of the applicant's passport
2. Proof of travel
3. Financial evidence of the applicant showing monthly income of at least 65,000 baht or having a deposit in the account of at least 800,000 baht (if requesting from the embassy, an account in the country requested or an account in Thailand If currently living in Thailand Account must be used in Thailand only)
4. Personal profile information
5. Background check result book
6. Medical certificate stating that there is no forbidden disease and age over 50 years old

It is recommended that the airport check with the embassy of that country. And let the traveler contact the Thai embassy in that country. for further help

For travelers holding travel documents for foreigners (TD) who wish to travel outside of Thailand, it is necessary to apply for a visa to enter the destination country. This visa can be obtained by applying at the embassy or consulate of the respective country in Thailand. Additionally, before leaving Thailand, it is mandatory to notify the entry-exit (re-entry) at the Immigration Office (T.M.). This process needs to be completed for every trip taken outside the country.

If you contact our staff before noon on business days, we will be able to assist you within the same day of your application. However, if you contact us after noon, you can expect to receive the documents on the next business day.

The request for a travel document for a foreigner (TD) and its renewal must be submitted by the applicant themselves and cannot be done by another person on their behalf. However, if the documents have already been submitted and processed, they can be collected by another authorized person on behalf of the applicant.

The type of visa an applicant receives at the embassy depends on the specific documents and requirements for the application. If the applicant does not receive any specific compensation, it is usually a Non-Immigrant Visa Type O. However, if the applicant is sponsored by a foundation or organization, it may be categorized as Non-Immigrant Visa Type O/Single. The specific visa type will vary based on the circumstances and supporting documentation provided during the application process.

-Waiting in the airport for no more than 12 hours (not going anywhere), no transit visa required
-If over 12 hours, must apply from Thailand cannot be requested at the airport

Each type of visa has its own specific requirements, eligibility criteria, supporting documentation, fees, and validity periods. The purpose of travel determines the appropriate visa category. Some common visa types include tourist visas, student visas, work visas, business visas, and spouse visas, among others. It's important to carefully review the specific requirements and guidelines for the desired visa type before applying to ensure compliance and a successful application.

traveling abroad All that is needed is
1. Passport
2. Visa to enter the country on the passport
3. Air ticket
4. Money to spend Is the local currency or the main currency in that country
Visa is asking for permission to enter another country. Thai people must have a visa before traveling to different countries.

The Department of Consular Affairs in Thailand does not certify marriage certificates issued by churches. In order to obtain certification, spouses must first register their marriage at the Amphur (District Office) in Thailand. Once the marriage is registered at the Amphur, the spouses can then obtain the necessary certification from the Department of Consular Affairs, which is usually required for various legal purposes. It's important to follow the proper procedure and obtain the necessary documentation to ensure the validity and recognition of the marriage.

Association certificate from the Department of Business Development or other provinces can attest but must have original documents

A copy of ID card is required every time.

It is to certify the signature of the FDA official (whose signature has already been sent to the division). Note: Also ask about what GMP is about because GMP documents will only be issued from the FDA.

You can contact the Division of Nationality and Legalization for a copy. It takes 2-3 months. The division will send the documents to the embassy that issued the birth certificate for copying. then sent to the Nationality and Legal Affairs Division
Documents that must be prepared are as follows:
1. Father's ID card Mother's original with a copy (both come)
2. Father's house registration Mother's original with a copy.
3. Passport of the child's original with a copy.
4. If there is a copy of the lost birth certificate, bring it with you for speedy copying to the embassy.
5. If the child is named in the household registration. Bring a copy of the house registration.

If you have specific documents that you need to have checked or verified, it is advisable to contact the Nationality and Legal Affairs Division directly. They will be able to provide you with the necessary guidance and assistance regarding the documents you have and the specific requirements or processes involved. It's best to reach out to them directly to ensure accurate and up-to-date information for your particular situation.

If the bank account book is not already certified, the account holder should contact the bank and request a certificate of the bank account in English. Once the certificate is obtained, it should be brought to the Nationality and Legal Affairs Division for certification. This process ensures that the certification is properly conducted and recognized by the division.

Must be married, registered marriage only If you get married after the child is born, you can apply for Thai nationality for your child.

Bring the birth certificate to the Nationality and Legalization Division, Department of Consular Affairs for certifying as a Thai birth certificate. which in the birth certificate already states that it is not a Thai nationality

C/O documents, Invoice must be certified by the Thai Chamber of Commerce before being brought to the Division of Nationality to certify documents with supporting documents to apply for legal certification as follows:
1. A power of attorney from a company director affixed with duty stamps of 10 baht.
2. A copy of the company's affidavit not older than 6 months with the company's seal stamped and certified true copy by the director of the company.

When Thai people naturalize as foreigners, they will lose their Thai nationality. However, this loss of nationality will only become effective once it is officially published in the Government Gazette. To facilitate this process, the Interior Ministry has requested that Thai embassies provide them with the names and addresses of Thai nationals who have naturalized as foreigners. This information will be used to announce the loss of nationality in the Government Gazette.

To certify the signature of the company director on a document, the Nationality Division requires the director to sign the document in the presence of their staff. The director must also provide supporting documents, including a copy of a company affidavit that is not older than 6 months, as well as an original ID card or passport (with a copy) for Thai nationals or a passport (with a copy) for foreigners. These measures ensure the authenticity and verification of the director's signature on the document.

The process of certifying the signatures of authorized persons to sign documents in various agencies involves several steps. Firstly, the document issuing agency notifies the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand about the list of authorized persons and provides a sample of their signature. The Nationality Division scans and stores the sample signature image in the document legalization system and keeps a record of it.

When individuals bring documents from the agency for legal certification, the officer in charge will verify the signature on the document by comparing it with the scanned signature preview image stored in the system. They can search for the person's name or the name of the agency to retrieve the stored signature. If the signature matches, the system will certify the document's legality. This process ensures the authenticity and integrity of the certified documents.

Fees for certain services may be eligible for a refund, but the request for a refund must be submitted within a specified timeframe. The exact timeframe for requesting a refund varies depending on the specific service or situation. It is important to submit the refund request by the designated deadline to be eligible for a refund. Failure to meet the deadline may result in the forfeiture of the fee.

Sponsorship requirements vary depending on the type of visa. Some visas, such as the non-immigrant visa, may require a Thai sponsor or employer.

Yes, Thailand offers various long-term visas for purposes such as retirement, work, study, or family reunification. Each has specific requirements.

A return ticket or proof of onward travel is generally required for a Thai visa application, as it demonstrates your intention to leave the country after your visit.

No, a single-entry visa allows for one entry into Thailand. If you plan to leave and re-enter the country, you'll need a multiple-entry visa.

Overstaying your visa can result in fines and penalties. It is advisable to contact Thai immigration authorities immediately if you've overstayed to resolve the situation.

Some visas can be applied for while in Thailand, while others may require applying from your home country. Check the specific visa requirements for more information.

In most cases, you cannot convert a tourist visa to a work visa while in Thailand. You'll need to exit the country and apply for a work visa from a Thai embassy or consulate abroad.

Certain visa types, such as long-term visas, may require a medical examination or health insurance coverage. Check the specific visa requirements for more information.

Visa-on-arrival is available for citizens of eligible countries at designated Thai airports. Ensure you meet the requirements and have the necessary documents.

Your Thai visa does not automatically grant you entry to other countries. Check the visa requirements of the countries you plan to visit from Thailand.

Thai immigration authorities may consider extending your visa in exceptional cases such as emergencies or unforeseen situations. Contact the nearest immigration office for assistance.

Having a criminal record may affect your visa application. It is advisable to consult with the Thai embassy or consulate for specific guidance.

Having a pre-existing medical condition typically does not affect your visa application. However, certain long-term visas may require health insurance coverage.

Pregnancy does not usually affect your eligibility for a Thai visa. Ensure you have proper medical insurance coverage for the duration of your stay.

Volunteering on a tourist visa is generally not allowed. For volunteering purposes, you may need to apply for a specific visa, such as a non-immigrant O or non-immigrant B visa.

No, a tourist visa is not appropriate for studying in Thailand. You'll need to apply for a student visa (non-immigrant ED) through the educational institution.

Yes, self-employed individuals can apply for various Thai visas. You may need to provide proof of self-employment, financial stability, and purpose of travel.

Yes, Thailand offers a retirement visa (non-immigrant O-A) for individuals aged 50 and above who meet the financial and other requirements.

Yes, as the spouse of a Thai national, you may be eligible for a Thai non-immigrant O visa. Consult with the Thai embassy or consulate for specific requirements.

Freelancers and digital nomads can explore various visa options in Thailand, such as the non-immigrant O, non-immigrant B, or SMART visa. Requirements may vary.

If you are a student planning to study in Thailand, you'll need to apply for a non-immigrant ED visa through your educational institution.

As a parent of a Thai child, you may be eligible for a Thai non-immigrant O visa. Consult with the Thai embassy or consulate for specific requirements.

Business owners can explore various Thai visa options, such as the non-immigrant B visa or investment-based visas like the Thai Investment Visa or Thai Elite Visa.

Journalists and media professionals may need to apply for a specific visa, such as a non-immigrant M visa or media visa, for work-related activities in Thailand.

Religious workers and missionaries may need to apply for a non-immigrant R visa for engaging in religious activities in Thailand. Consult with the Thai embassy or consulate for specific requirements.

Researchers and academics may need to apply for a non-immigrant B visa or a specific visa category, such as a research visa, depending on their activities in Thailand.

Journalists and media professionals may need to apply for a specific visa, such as a non-immigrant M visa or media visa, for work-related activities in Thailand.

Religious workers and missionaries may need to apply for a non-immigrant R visa for engaging in religious activities in Thailand. Consult with the Thai embassy or consulate for specific requirements.

Researchers and academics may need to apply for a non-immigrant B visa or a specific visa category, such as a research visa, depending on their activities in Thailand.

Journalists and media professionals may need to apply for a specific visa, such as a non-immigrant M visa or media visa, for work-related activities in Thailand.

Religious workers and missionaries may need to apply for a non-immigrant R visa for engaging in religious activities in Thailand. Consult with the Thai embassy or consulate for specific requirements.