Tourist Visa in Thailand allows foreign nationals to visit Thailand for tourism purposes, typically for a short stay of up to 60 days. Depending on the traveler’s nationality, they may be eligible for a visa exemption or need to apply for a visa before entering Thailand. Extensions are possible, and multiple entry options exist for longer or repeat visits.
1. Types of Tourist Visas
There are several types of tourist visas available for different purposes and durations:
a) Single Entry Tourist Visa
The Single Entry Tourist Visa allows visitors to stay in Thailand for up to 60 days. Once you leave Thailand, the visa expires, and you would need to apply for a new visa to re-enter. The initial 60-day period can be extended for an additional 30 days by visiting an Immigration Office in Thailand, bringing the total stay to 90 days.
b) Multiple Entry Tourist Visa
The Multiple Entry Tourist Visa is valid for six months, allowing the holder to enter and exit Thailand multiple times during this period. Each entry allows a stay of up to 60 days. After leaving and re-entering, the visitor gets another 60 days, which can also be extended by 30 days at the Immigration Office. This option is suitable for travelers who need to visit Thailand several times within six months without needing to reapply for a visa each time.
2. Visa Exemption Scheme
Thailand offers a Visa Exemption Scheme to citizens of certain countries, allowing them to enter without a visa for a short stay. The visa exemption allows stays of 30 days (for most eligible countries) when entering by air and 15 days when entering by land from neighboring countries. This can also be extended by 30 days at an Immigration Office for a total stay of 60 days.
a) Extension
If the traveler wants to stay longer, they can apply for an extension at an Immigration Office in Thailand for an additional 30 days, bringing the total duration to 60 days under the visa exemption.
b) Re-Entry
Travelers under the Visa Exemption Scheme can leave Thailand and re-enter to renew their 30-day period, although this is subject to limitations on the number of entries allowed per year.
3. Eligibility Requirements for Tourist Visa
Applicants for a Thai tourist visa must meet several requirements:
- Valid Passport: Must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry.
- Proof of Funds: Applicants may need to demonstrate proof of sufficient funds for their stay (e.g., THB 20,000 per person).
- Return Ticket: A confirmed return or onward travel ticket to prove the intention to leave Thailand before the visa expires.
- Accommodation: Proof of accommodation, such as a hotel booking or a letter of invitation from a Thai resident.
In addition to these requirements, certain countries may have additional documentation requests or criteria that need to be met.
4. Application Process
a) Visa Application at a Thai Embassy or Consulate
For those applying for a tourist visa outside Thailand, applications must be submitted to a Thai Embassy or Consulate. The application typically requires filling out a visa form, submitting a passport-sized photo, providing a copy of flight bookings, and any supporting documents requested by the embassy. Processing times may vary but usually take three to five business days.
b) On Arrival Visa (VoA)
Citizens of certain countries are eligible for a Visa on Arrival (VoA) at select airports and border checkpoints. The VoA allows for a stay of 15 days and requires the traveler to fill out an application form upon arrival, provide a passport photo, and pay a visa fee of THB 2,000.
5. Extension of Stay
a) Tourist Visa Extension
Tourists can extend their stay by 30 days at any Thai Immigration Office. The extension costs THB 1,900. Tourists must bring their passport, visa application, and necessary documents, including proof of financial stability and address in Thailand.
b) Overstaying Penalties
Overstaying a tourist visa results in fines of THB 500 per day, up to a maximum of THB 20,000. Extended overstays can result in blacklisting, prohibiting future entry into Thailand for a period ranging from 1 to 10 years, depending on the length of the overstay.
6. Special Tourist Visa (STV) during COVID-19
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Thailand introduced a Special Tourist Visa (STV) for long-term travelers. This visa allows a stay of 90 days and can be extended twice for 90 days each, providing a total stay of up to 270 days. The STV was created to attract long-term visitors during the global pandemic with stricter requirements for quarantine and health insurance.
Conclusion
The Thailand Tourist Visa offers flexibility for travelers wishing to visit for tourism purposes. From single-entry visas to multiple-entry visas and visa exemptions, it provides a wide range of options depending on the length of stay and travel plans. While the application process is straightforward, travelers should ensure they comply with visa conditions and remain mindful of the rules regarding extensions and overstays.