Thailand is an amazing destination to visit, but if you’re planning to stay a little longer – maybe you want to relax on the beaches or work from a cozy café for over a month – you’ll need more than the standard 30-day entry stamp.
That’s where the Tourist Visa comes into play. It lets you stay longer, making it a great option if you want to enjoy everything Thailand has to offer for six weeks, two months, or even longer! Here’s everything you need to know before you pack your bags.
Types of Tourist Visas
Visa Exemption (Visa-Free Entry)
Many nationalities can enter Thailand without a visa for a stay of 15 to 60 days, depending on their country of origin. Check with the Thai Embassy or Consulate in your home country for specific eligibility.
Single-Entry Tourist Visa (TR Visa)
Starting with the Single-Entry Tourist Visa (SETV), this option is perfect if you’re planning a one-off trip lasting up to 60 days. The visa itself is valid for 3 months from when it’s issued, but remember, once you enter Thailand, you’ve got a 60-day window for your stay.
- Valid for 60 days from the date of entry.
- Can be extended once for an additional 30 days at a Thai Immigration Office for 1,900 THB.
- Must be obtained before arriving in Thailand.
Multiple-Entry Tourist Visa (METV)
This visa is handy because it’s valid for 6 months and allows unlimited entries. Each time you enter, you can stay for up to 60 days. Plus, if you decide you need a bit more time in Thailand, you can extend your stay by 30 days while you’re there.
- Allows multiple entries over 6 months.
- Each stay is limited to 60 days but can be extended for 30 more days.
- Requires proof of financial stability (e.g., 200,000 THB in a bank account) and onward travel documents.
Visa Requirements
When it comes to paperwork, you’ll need to gather a fair bit of documentation. This includes a completed visa application form and a couple of passport photos. Your passport should have at least six months of validity left and enough blank pages.
If you’re applying from outside your home country, proof of residency is necessary. Also, be prepared to show travel confirmation like flight tickets and proof of where you’ll be staying such as a hotel booking or an invitation letter.
Financial proof is part of the package too. For a SETV, that means showing a balance of at least $700 per person or $1,500 per family in your bank account. If you’re going for the METV, the balance requirement jumps to $7,000 over the past six months. It’s all about ensuring you can support yourself while on the trip.
To apply for a Thai tourist visa, you typically need:
- A passport valid for at least 6 months.
- Visa application form (available online or at embassies).
- Recent passport-sized photos.
- Proof of onward travel (departure flight ticket).
- Proof of accommodation, such as hotel bookings or an invitation letter from a host.
- Sufficient funds (e.g., 20,000 THB per person or 40,000 THB per family).
- Visa fees (varies by country and visa type).
Cost: How much for a Thai Tourist Visa?
Visa fees vary based on where you’re from. For example:
- US: $40 for a Single Entry and $200 for a Multiple Entry
- UK: £30 for a Single Entry and £150 for a Multiple Entry
Where to Apply
You have a couple of choices: you can head to the nearest Thai embassy or consulate in your home or a third country. Some places even offer the convenience of online applications through the E-Visa system. Make sure to check the specific requirements of the embassy you’re dealing with, as some only accept online applications.
- Thai embassies or consulates abroad.
- E-Visa System (available for some nationalities, allowing online applications through official Thai government portals).
Processing times switch depending on how you apply: in-person applications generally take about five working days, while mail options take at least 15 days. The online E-Visa route is a bit quicker, usually wrapping up between six and 10 working days. Applying two to three weeks before you travel is a smart move, giving you plenty of time to sort out any hiccups.
📌 You can apply online here: Thai E-Visa Official Website
Extending Your Stay
- Tourist visas and visa exemptions can be extended once for 30 days at a local Immigration Office for 1,900 THB.
- If you need to stay longer, consider applying for a Non-Immigrant Visa (e.g., Education, Business, or Retirement Visa).
Visa Runs & Border Crossings
In the past, many tourists relied on border runs (exiting Thailand and re-entering to reset their visa). However, Thai immigration has cracked down on excessive visa runs.
- Land border crossings allow only two 30-day visa-exempt entries per calendar year.
- If immigration officers suspect visa abuse, they may deny entry.
Not ready to leave Thailand yet? Learn how a visa run can extend your stay temporarily.
📌 Thailand Visa Run Guide
Overstaying: Fines & Consequences
- Overstaying your visa results in a fine of 500 THB per day, up to a maximum of 20,000 THB.
- Overstays of more than 90 days can lead to bans from re-entering Thailand (ranging from 1 to 10 years).
Converting a Tourist Visa to Another Visa Type
In some cases, you may be able to convert a Tourist Visa into a Non-Immigrant Visa (for long-term stays like business, retirement, or education).
- This must be done before the tourist visa expires.
- Additional documents and proof of eligibility are required.
Staying Updated on Visa Policies
Thai visa regulations can change due to government policies, international agreements, or special circumstances (e.g., COVID-19).
- Always check with official sources such as Thai embassies, consulates, or the Immigration Bureau website for the latest updates.
Final Thoughts
Knowing and understanding your Tourist Visa options can make your stay in Thailand much easier. Whether you’re coming for a short vacation or a longer stay, planning ahead helps you avoid any issues with Thai Immigration.
Getting your visa right isn’t just paperwork – it’s part of getting ready for your trip. Sort it out early, and before you know it, you’ll be enjoying your dream holiday without a worry!