60 day tourist visa thailand

We’re sorry, this site is currently experiencing technical difficulties. Please try again in a few moments. Exception: request blocked

The Thailand Tourist Visa Guide (Single & Multiple Entry)

The majority of foreign nationals are able to enter Thailand on a visa exemption stamp.

This means that when you enter Thailand you are given a stamp at the immigration desk that allows you to stay in the country for 30 days.

Okay, so now you're clear on how long you can stay when you arrive without a visa, what if you want to stay for 6 weeks, or 2 even months?

In this case, you can apply for a Tourist Visa before you travel.

In this FAQ guide, I'll answer all common queries regarding the Thailand Tourist Visa, both single and multiple entry.

1. Where can I get a Tourist Visa?

A Tourist Visa can be obtained from a Thai embassy or consulate in your home country, or a country outside of Thailand, if you live abroad or are already traveling.

You can also apply via the E-Visa online system. Indeed, some embassies may no longer accept applications for Tourist Visas and instead require you to apply online.

The E-Visa is delivered via email. You can then print it out and present it to immigration on arrival.

What different types of tourist visa are there?

A. single entry.

The Single Entry Tourist Visa is valid for 3 months from its date of issue. It allows a single stay of a maximum of 60 days.

B. Multiple entry

The Multiple Entry Tourist Visa is valid for 6 months from its date of issue.

It allows an unlimited number of entries within the 6-month validity of the visa. Each entry allows a maximum stay of 60 days.

For example, if you leave Thailand on the 59th day of your stay and re-enter the country a day later, you will be stamped in for a further 60 days.

What documents do I need to get the Tourist Visa?

The requirements may vary slightly between country, but this is usually what's required from your local embassy.

• A completed visa application form with two recent passport type photos attached. The form can be downloaded from your local Thai embassy website.
• Your passport must have a minimum 6 months remaining validity, and at least two blank pages – this is so your visa can be added to the passport, and for entry/exit stamps when entering and leaving Thailand.
• If you reside in a country but are not a citizen of that country, then you will be required to show a visa or residence card that permits you to stay. You will also be required to show evidence of where you live, by way of utility bill, bank account statement, or driving license.
• Two recent passport size photographs. You can get these done at a photo booth (in a mall or store) or at some print services shops.
• Confirmation of travel (flight tickets).
• Proof of accommodation in Thailand: this can be a copy of your hotel booking or a letter from the family or friend you are staying with.
• Copy of bank statement to show proof of earnings. This requirement will differ between countries, and differs for the single and multiple entry visas. For example, for a Single Entry Tourist Visa from a US Thai embassy, you will need a copy of your bank statement showing $700 per person and $1,500 per family. For a Multiple Entry Tourist Visa, you will need a copy of your bank statement for the last 6 months showing a minimum balance of $7,000 (every month).

Thailand's E-Visa System

If you are applying online through the E-Visa system, you will require the following documentation:

• Passport or travel document with a validity of not less than 6 months.
• Photograph taken within the past six months.
• Evidence of travel to Thailand (air ticket paid in full).
• Evidence of adequate finance (20,000 Baht per person and 40,000 Baht per family).

Please note that you are not required to submit any supporting documents in person at a Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate after completing the E-Visa application. Once approved, a confirmation e-mail will be sent through and you can  print a copy of the confirmation e-mail to present to airline and Thai Immigration officials.

You can apply online here: https://www.thaievisa.go.th

Historically, Thailand's online systems have always fallen way short of expectations, with browser compatibility issues, bugs, broken links, etc., but the new visa system is working pretty well.

For those who deem themselves digitally challenged, there is a comprehensive user manual. This manual is also available as a series of how-to videos, which are very helpful. You can find the manual here.

How much does a Thai Tourist Visa cost?

The cost varies between country, but here is the cost for the US and UK:

• US: Single – $40. Multiple Entry – $200
• UK: Single – £30. Multiple Entry – £150

How long does it take to process a Tourist Visa?

If you attend the Thai embassy in person, the process will take around 5 working days. If you apply by mail, the process will take a minimum of 15 days.

Applying online will take 6-10 working days.

This is a general guideline and will differ between countries, and may be longer or shorter depending on how busy the embassy/consulate is.

I would personally allow 2 weeks if applying in person or online, and 3 weeks if applying by mail. This will ensure you get your visa before your flight date.

When is my Tourist Visa valid from?

The Single Entry Tourist Visa is valid 3 months from date of issue, and the Multiple Entry Tourist Visa is valid for 6 months from date of issue.

When you enter Thailand, you will be stamped in for 60 days.

Note: The expiry date of the visa shows on the visa sticker as ‘ENTER BEFORE'. When you enter Thailand, you will receive a rectangular stamp in your passport stating your date of entry and the ‘ADMITTED UNTIL' date. This date will be exactly 60 days after your date of entry

What happens if I leave Thailand before my 60-day stay is up?

If you leave prior to your 60-day stay ending, the remaining days will be forfeited.

If you think you will want to leave Thailand and re-enter, you should get a Multiple Entry Tourist Visa.

The Multiple Entry Tourist Visa is valid for 6 months from date of issue. You are allowed unlimited entries within the 6-month period of the visa. If you exit Thailand, as long as you re-enter before the visa expires, you will be stamped in for a further 60 days.

Can I extend my visa inside Thailand?

For those who want to extend their stay in Thailand, you can extend the 60-day Single Entry Tourist Visa by 30 days at a local Immigration Office. The fee for the extension is 1,900 Baht.

Under the Multiple Entry Visa, you can extend one of the 60-day stays by a further 30 days. The cost is the same.

Under the Multiple Entry Tourist Visa, by saving the 30-day extension for your final entry, you can accumulate almost 9 month's stay in Thailand.

Can I cancel my visa and get a refund?

No. The visa fee is non-refundable.

Can't I just do border runs instead of getting a Tourist Visa?

Because you are granted 30 days stay on arrival in Thailand, in theory you could just leave over a land border after 30 days and return the same day, activating a further 30 day's stay.

This is known as a border run . People used to stay in Thailand for years just going back and forth over the border.

However, the current rule is that if you enter Thailand over land without a visa, you are allowed a maximum of two 30-day entries within any rolling 12-month period.

With a Multiple Entry Tourist Visa, you can go in an out as many times as you want within the validity of the visa.

Did I miss anything? Got a question? Leave it below.

Tips to Start Planning Your Trip Now:

Book your accommodation.

Best hotel rates are found at Agoda and Hotels.com .

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance

Travel insurance protects you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. I never travel without it. I’ve been using SafetyWing for years. You should too.

Thinking about a backpack?

Check out this guide for the best options.

GET MY NEWSLETTER

Join thousands of others who receive my monthly roundup of content & insider tips on how to survive & thrive in Thailand.

Last Updated on January 17, 2024

Comments Sort by : newest | oldest

February 29, 2024 at 5:05 am

Feb 29, 2024 at 5:05 am

TheThailandLife says

February 29, 2024 at 6:30 pm

Feb 29, 2024 at 6:30 pm

March 1, 2024 at 2:34 am

Mar 01, 2024 at 2:34 am

March 1, 2024 at 6:32 pm

Mar 01, 2024 at 6:32 pm

September 4, 2023 at 6:36 pm

Sep 04, 2023 at 6:36 pm

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  Notify me when new comments are added.

Visa Traveler

Exploring the world one country at a time

Thailand tourist visa: Requirements and application procedure

Updated: April 6, 2023

Thailand has a liberal visa policy offering Visa EXEMPTION and Visa ON ARRIVAL to many nationalities in the world. For those who REQUIRE a visa, Thailand tourist visa is the easiest to obtain if you understand and follow the visa requirements properly.

There 5 ways you can enter Thailand as a tourist.

• Visa Exemption
• Visa on Arrival (VOA)
• Pre-approved visa from Thai embassy

A Thailand tourist visa is only for visiting Thailand for the purpose of tourism for a short period of time. If you plan to stay longer, look into Thai ED Visa , which allows you to study and live in Thailand for up to one year.

Without further delay, let’s dive into Thailand visa requirements, eligibility, application procedure and entry-exit formalities at the airport.

Table of Contents

Thailand tourist visa requirements by nationality.

Minimum passport validity required to enter Thailand as a tourist

For visa EXEMPT and visa REQUIRED nationalities, the passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day of arrival in Thailand.

For visa ON ARRIVAL eligible nationalities, the passport must be valid for at least 30 days from the day of arrival in Thailand. 

VISA EXEMPT nationalities

90-day entry.

• South Korea

30-day entry

• Czech Republic
• Liechtenstein
• Myanmar (* only if entering by air)
• Netherlands
• New Zealand
• Philippines
• South Africa
• Switzerland
• United Arab Emirates
• United Kingdom
• United States

Visa ON ARRIVAL or e-VOA eligible nationalities

15-day entry.

• Papua New Guinea
• Saudi Arabia

E-VISA eligible nationalities

60-day entry.

• Citizens or permanent residents of the following countries are eligible for E-Visa.
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Congo, Rep. of
• Congo, Dem. Rep. of
• Dominican Republic
• North Korea
• Trinidad and Tobago
• Vatican City

Visa REQUIRED nationalities

• Afghanistan
• Antigua and Barbuda
• Burkina Faso
• Cayman Islands
• Central African Republic
• Cote d’Ivoire
• El Salvador
• Equatorial Guinea
• Guinea-Bissau
• Marshall Islands
• North Macedonia
• Saint Kitts and Nevis
• Saint Lucia
• Saint Vincent And The Grenadines
• Sao Tome and Principe
• Sierra Leone
• Sint Maarten
• Solomon Islands
• South Sudan
• Timor-Leste
• Turkmenistan

THAILAND VISA EXEMPTION

Currently, Thailand offers visa exemption to 64 countries. Most countries in that list get a 30-day entry. Just a handful of countries in South America and South Korea get 90-day entry.

How long can you stay in Thailand with visa exemption

Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Peru and South Korea nationals can stay up to 90 days in Thailand. All other visa-exempt nationalities can stay up to 30 days in Thailand. 

Except for G7 countries (Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, United Kingdom, and the United States), all other nationalities will be granted only a 30-day entry if entering by land.

Malaysia passport holders are granted 30-day entry when entering by land from Malaysia.

How many times can you enter Thailand with visa exemption

There are no restrictions on entering Thailand by air. But you can only enter 2 times in a given year by land.

Passport validity required for visa exemption

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day of arrival in Thailand.

Documents to carry for visa exemption

• Original passport
• Proof of onward ticket
• Proof of funds (20,000 THB for individuals and 40,000 THB for families)

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day of arrival in Thailand. 

Your proof of onward ticket can be a print or a copy on your phone. This cannot be a bus or train ticket. This must a flight ticket. If you are traveling on a one-way ticket or planning to take a bus or train to Laos or Cambodia, get a dummy proof of an onward flight ticket .

Proof of funds can be cash, ATM cards or credit cards. There were incidents where tourists were forced to show proof of funds in the form of cash. To avoid unnecessary trouble, I suggest carrying a bit of cash on you in Thai Baht or any major currency.

THAILAND VISA ON ARRIVAL (VOA)

Thailand is a popular tourist destination in South East Asia, partly due to its liberal visa-exemption and Visa on Arrival policies. Currently, 18 nationalities can obtain Thailand Visa on Arrival at all international airports and land checkpoints with minimal documentation.

How long can you stay in Thailand with Visa on Arrival (VOA)

You can stay up to 15 days on Visa on Arrival (VOA). No visa extensions are allowed.

How many times can you obtain Visa on Arrival (VOA)

If you are traveling to many countries in South East Asia, you may have to enter Thailand multiple times. You can obtain Visa on Arrival multiple times on your trip without any problems. 

PERSONAL EXPERIENCE I obtained Visa on Arrival (VOA) at the airport and later at a land border in Thailand on my South East Asia trip and I was fine.

Passport validity required for Visa on Arrival (VOA)

Your passport must be valid for at least 30 days from the day of arrival in Thailand.

Documents required for Visa on Arrival (VOA)

The following documents are required for Visa on Arrival (VOA).

• Completed Thailand Visa on Arrival application form
• One passport-size photo (4×6 cm)
• Return/onward flight ticket (must be within 15 days of arrival in Thailand)
• Hotel booking confirmation (minimum 5 nights)
• Proof of funds (10,000 THB for individuals and 20,000 THB for families)

Print and complete your Thailand Visa on Arrival application form before heading on your trip to Thailand. If you can’t print it, you can always grab one at the airport and fill it out.

A return/onward flight ticket is mandatory and it must be within 15 days of arrival in Thailand. If your return ticket is over 15 days, you will be forced to rebook another flight ticket by the Visa on Arrival staff. You will end up spending a lot on rebooking so make sure your flight ticket is within 15 days.

Your return or onward ticket must be a flight ticket. Bus or train tickets are not acceptable. If you plan to travel to a neighboring country by land, you must still provide a flight ticket as proof of onward travel .

If you plan on traveling to a neighboring country by bus or train, get a dummy onward flight ticket for your Visa on Arrival. 

Hotel booking is mandatory. A minimum of 5 nights or more is required. Booking a hotel for the first 1 or 2 nights will not work. You will be forced to book the remaining nights by the VOA staff at the airport.

Proof of funds must be a minimum of 10,000 THB for individuals and 20,000 THB for families. You would need to show proof of funds in cash. You can get away by saying that you have your debit and credit cards on you. But, I strongly suggest you have at least 5,000 THB on your and for the remaining, you can show your debit card, credit card and bank statements.

Visa on Arrival (VOA) photo size

The photo must be of size 4 x 6 cm. It must have been taken within the last 6 months. You may need 1-2 photos for your visa depending on the checkpoint. Carry at least 2 photos for Visa on Arrival at the land borders.

Visa on Arrival (VOA) fee

Thailand Visa ON ARRIVAL fee is 2,000 THB. This fee must be paid in cash in Thai Baht (THB) only. 

You may be forced to pay an additional 200 THB as an express fee for fast processing of your VOA. Sometimes you will not have a choice but to pay this express fee.

Money exchanges are available near the Visa on Arrival sections in the airports. No ATMs are available, so make sure to carry cash in THB or any major currency.

Visa on Arrival (VOA) processing time

Visa on Arrival process at airports is quick these days. It used to take at least an hour before. Either way, account for an additional one hour for your Visa on Arrival process at the airport just in case.

To save time, you can download and fill out the Visa on Arrival application form prior to your arrival.

RELATED: How to get a 15-day Thailand Visa on Arrival (VOA) in 2023 – A complete guide

THAILAND ONLINE VISA ON ARRIVAL (e-VOA)

Thailand e-VOA speeds up the process of obtaining Visa on Arrival (VOA) at the airport. If you hold an e-VOA, you can skip the regular Visa on Arrival lines at the airports. 

All 18 nationalities that are eligible for Visa on Arrival can obtain e-VOA online. 

There are special counters set up at the airports just for e-VOA holders for obtaining Visa on Arrival. You do not need to carry supporting documents or the visa fee. All you need is your original passport, e-VOA approval and proof of funds.

IMPORTANT e-VOA is NOT eVISA. Even with an e-VOA, you still have to go through the Visa on Arrival process and obtain your VOA stamp at the airport. It ONLY speeds up the process of obtaining Visa on Arrival at the airport since your document check and visa fee payment were already done online.

Hong long can you stay in Thailand with e-VOA

You can stay up to 15 days using e-VOA. No visa extensions are allowed.

Passport validity required for e-VOA

Blank pages needed in the passport for e-voa.

You must have at least 1 blank page in your passport.

Where to enter Thailand with e-VOA

With an approved e-VOA, you can only enter Thailand from the below 4 international airports. 

• Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok (BKK)
• Don Mueang International Airport in Bangkok (DMK)
• Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX)
• Phuket International Airport (HKT)

NOTE If you plan to enter Thailand from an airport other than the above 4 or from a land border, you must opt for the regular Visa on Arrival. You CANNOT use e-VOA.

Thailand e-VOA application procedure

To obtain Thailand e-VOA, you must fill out an online visa application and upload the required documents. Pay the Visa on Arrival fee, service charge and tax. You will receive your e-VOA result in 1-3 working days.

Once your e-VOA is approved, print your e-VOA approval. You must present your passport, e-VOA approval and arrival/departure card at the Visa on Arrival counters at the airport. The 15-day Visa on Arrival will be stamped in your passport.

You can apply for e-VOA from any one of the two authorized visa agents. These are the only 2 agents authorized by Thai immigration.

• eVisa Thailand E-Visa on Arrival | THB 495.33 processing fee plus 7% VAT
• Thailand eVisa on Arrival by VFS Global | THB 500 processing fee

Documents required for e-VOA

The following documents are required for e-VOA.

• Passport cover page
• Passport ID page
• Digital photo (4×6 cm)
• Round trip flight tickets (return flight must be within 15 days of arrival in Thailand)
• Hotel booking confirmations for the entire stay

Thailand e-VOA fee

The fee for e-VOA is 2,000 THB. The visa agent will charge a service fee of 500 THB and tax on top of the visa fee. The visa fee can only be paid in Thai Baht using a credit/debit card. 

The additional THB 500 service fee is non-refundable in case of e-VOA rejection.

e-VOA processing time

The processing time for e-VOA is 1-3 working days. Express processing is also available for an additional fee where the application will be processed within 24 hours.

e-VOA application tracking

Both eVisa Thailand and VFS Global offer visa application status tracking. 

THAILAND E-VISA

Thailand E-Visa is an initiative from Thai immigration to move the Thai visa process online. The idea is to replace the regular pre-approved visa from the embassy with the new E-Visa. The visa validity and entry are exactly the same as the pre-approved visa from the embassy. 

Thailand’s E-Visa portal offers both single and multiple-entry visas. You can apply for either one. But if the officers are not convinced that you need a multiple-entry visa, they may simply issue a single-entry visa. The fee for the multiple-entry visa is not refunded in that case.

Validity of Thailand E-Visa

Thailand E-Visa is valid for 3 months or 6 months depending on the entry type. 

• Single-Entry: Valid for 3 months
• Multiple-Entry: Valid for 6 months

When to apply for E-Visa

You can apply for a Thai E-Visa up to 3 months prior to your trip. The processing takes about 3-10 working days, so it’s recommended to apply at least a month prior to your trip.

How long can stay in Thailand on E-Visa

You can stay up to 60 days in Thailand on your single-entry Thailand E-Visa. 

With a multiple-entry E-Visa, you can stay up to 60 days on each entry. All entries must be made within the validity of your multiple-entry E-Visa. Meaning, even if you enter Thailand on the last day of your E-Visa, you will still receive a 60-day entry.

Both single-entry and multiple-entry E-Visas are extendable for additional 30 days at the local immigration office. 

Passport validity required for E-Visa

At the time of lodging your E-Visa application, your passport must be valid for at least 6 months for a single-entry E-Visa and 1 year for a multiple-entry E-Visa.

E-Visa application procedure

You can apply for your E-Visa on the Thai E-Visa portal . You must fill out the online application, upload the required documents and pay the required visa fee.

The Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs has created a nice step-by-step video guide and a PDF guide on how to apply for your E-Visa using the Thai E-Visa portal.

Documents required

The following documents are required for the Thai E-Visa.

• A scan of your passport ID page
• A digital photo (4×6 cm)
• Fully paid round-trip flight tickets
• Proof of residence (if not a citizen of the country where you are applying from)

All scanned documents must be in JPG format only. Max allowed file size is 3MB.

Photo requirements

The digital photo must meet the following requirements.

• Photo must have been taken in the last 6-months
• Must be 4×6 cm in dimensions
• Must be in JPG format only 
• Max file size allowed is 3MB

The Thailand E-Visa fee is $40 USD for a single-entry tourist visa, paid in the local currency of the Thai consulate you have selected in your E-Visa application. E-Visa fees can only be paid using a credit/debit card. 

Processing time

The processing time for E-Visa is 3-10 working days. 

Application tracking

The application can be tracked within the dashboard of your account in the E-Visa portal.

THAILAND TOURIST VISA FROM THE EMBASSY

The following are eligible to apply for a pre-approved tourist visa. 

• Visa REQUIRED nationality that are not eligible for Thai E-VISA
• Visa ON ARRIVAL eligible nationality that would need to stay longer than 15 days and are not eligible for Thai E-Visa
• Visa EXEMPT nationality that would need to stay longer than 30 days and are not eligible for Thai E-Visa

Validity of Thailand tourist visa

A single-entry Thailand tourist visa is valid for 3 months. You must enter Thailand within the validity of this visa.

A multiple-entry Thailand tourist visa is valid for 6 months. You can enter Thailand unlimited times on this type of visa and all entries must be within the validity of the visa. 

When to apply for Thailand tourist visa

You can apply for a Thailand tourist visa up to 3 months prior to your trip. The processing can take from 3-10 working days so it’s recommended to apply at least one month prior to your trip.

How long can you stay in Thailand on a tourist visa

You can stay up to 60 days on a single-entry Thailand tourist visa. A 30-day extension is possible from the local immigration office.

You can stay up to 60 days for each entry on a multiple-entry tourist visa. A 30-day extension is possible from the local immigration office.

Passport validity required for tourist visa

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months at the time of applying for your tourist visa.

Blank pages needed in the passport for tourist visa

You must have at least two blank pages in your passport for the tourist visa. One page for the visa sticker and one page for entry and exit stamps.

Thailand tourist visa application procedure

You can apply for a Thailand tourist visa in person at your nearest Royal Thai embassy or using an authorized visa agent such as VFS Global.

Here is an informational video made by the Royal Thai consulate in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on how to fill and arrange the documents for your Thailand tourist visa.

IMPORTANT If you are a Visa REQUIRED nationality, you can ONLY apply for a Thailand tourist visa in your country of passport or residence. That means You CANNOT apply for a Thailand tourist visa while traveling.

If you do not have a Thai mission in your country of passport or residence, you must apply at a Thai mission in a neighboring country that is specifically designated for applicants from your country. 

The following documents are required for Thailand tourist visa.

• Completed Thailand tourist visa application form (you can download it from your nearest Royal Thai embassy website)
• Original passport with at least 6 months of validity with 2 blank pages
• Copies of your passport data/ID page and last page (2-3 copies depending on the Thai embassy where you are applying from)
• Passport size photos (1-4 photos depending on the Thai embassy where you are applying from)
• Roundtrip flight tickets (fully paid and confirmed for certain Thai embassies)
• Hotel reservations for the entire trip 
• Full itinerary (full itinerary of your entire stay on a sheet of paper)
• Bank statements (last 6 months showing at least $700 USD per individual or $1,400 USD per family)
• Proof of residence (if applying from a country other than the country of passport)

The passport photo for the visa application must meet the following requirements.

• Must be of size 3.5 x 4.5 cm
• Must be latest taken in the last 3 months
• Must be on a white background without glasses or a hat

You may need 1-4 photos for your visa depending on the nationality. Carry about 4 photos when heading to the embassy.

Thailand tourist visa fee is 1,000 THB ($30 USD) for a single-entry tourist visa and 5,000 THB ($145 USD) for a multiple-entry tourist visa. You have to pay the visa fee in your local currency, so the visa fee may vary a bit due to currency exchange rates. 

Visa agents such as VFS Global charge an additional service fee, courier fee, handling charges, etc. on top of the visa fee.

Thailand tourist visa processing time is 3 to 10 working days. Most applications are processed within 3 working days but if the embassy requires additional documents from you, it can take up to 10 working days.

Thai consulates, embassies, and authorized visa agents provide visa status updates via email. VFS Global provides online visa application tracking for its applicants.

ENTRY AND EXIT PROCEDURE AT THE AIRPORT

Entering Thailand by air

If you are a visa-exempt nationality, hold an E-Visa or a pre-approved Thailand tourist visa, head straight to immigration.

If you need to obtain Visa on Arrival (VOA), head to the Visa on Arrival section first. To speed up the Visa on Arrival process, you can either opt for e-VOA or express lanes at the airport. You can also download and fill out the Visa on Arrival application form before you arrive at the airport. 

If you don’t have a completed Visa on Arrival form with you, grab one at the Visa on Arrival section. There will be examples of completed application forms on the wall to assist you with filling out the application form.

IMPORTANT Visa on Arrival fee can only be paid in THB. There are NO ATMs at the Visa on Arrival sections in any of the Thailand airports. So, make sure to carry enough cash in THB (Thai Baht) or major currency. There are currency exchanges at Visa on Arrival sections. So if you have some major currency on you, you can change it into THB.

After you complete your Visa on Arrival procedure, head to the immigration area.

Leaving Thailand by air

On exiting Thailand, you will have to go through passport control. You must present the following documents

• Your original passport
• Airline boarding pass

If flying out of Bangkok (BKK and DMK), long lines at check-in counters and passport control are common. Arrive at least 2 hours before your departure time.

ENTRY AND EXIT PROCEDURE AT THE LAND BORDER

Entering thailand by land.

If you are a visa-exempt nationality, hold an E-Visa or a pre-approved Thailand visa, head straight to immigration.

If you have to obtain Visa on Arrival (VOA), head to the Visa on Arrival section first. To speed up the Visa on Arrival process, you can download and fill out the Visa on Arrival application form before you arrive at the land border. 

IMPORTANT The Visa on Arrival fee can only be paid in THB. ATMs and currency exchanges are very rare at the land borders. So, make sure to carry enough cash in THB (Thai Baht).

Leaving Thailand by land

On exiting Thailand by land, you must go through passport control. You must present the following documents

• Visa to the next country

If the next country you will be entering requires a visa, you must present the visa of that country. Otherwise, you will not be allowed to leave Thailand. If you will be obtaining Visa on Arrival in the next country, just say that you will obtain Visa on Arrival and you will be fine.

Thailand offers Visa EXEMPTION and Visa ON ARRIVAL to many nationalities. For those who REQUIRE a visa, a Thailand tourist visa is quite easy to obtain. Currently, 18 nationalities are eligible to obtain Visa on Arrival (VOA) and over 50 nationalities can obtain E-Visa. Rest requires a pre-approved visa from the embassy.

WRITTEN BY THIRUMAL MOTATI

Thirumal Motati is an expert in tourist visa matters. He has been traveling the world on tourist visas for more than a decade. With his expertise, he has obtained several tourist visas, including the most strenuous ones such as the US, UK, Canada, and Schengen, some of which were granted multiple times. He has also set foot inside US consulates on numerous occasions. Mr. Motati has uncovered the secrets to successful visa applications. His guidance has enabled countless individuals to obtain their visas and fulfill their travel dreams. His statements have been mentioned in publications like Yahoo, BBC, The Hindu, and Travel Zoo.

PLAN YOUR TRAVEL WITH VISA TRAVELER

I highly recommend using these websites to plan your trip. I use these websites myself to apply for my visas, book my flights and hotels and purchase my travel insurance.

01. Apply for your visa

Get a verifiable flight itinerary for your visa application from DummyTicket247 . DummyTicket247 is a flight search engine to search and book flight itineraries for visas instantly. These flight itineraries are guaranteed to be valid for 2 weeks and work for all visa applications.

02. Book your fight

Find the cheapest flight tickets using Skyscanner . Skyscanner includes all budget airlines and you are guaranteed to find the cheapest flight to your destination.

03. Book your hotel

Book your hotel from Booking.com . Booking.com has pretty much every hotel, hostel and guesthouse from every destination.

04. Get your onward ticket

If traveling on a one-way ticket, use BestOnwardTicket to get proof of onward ticket for just $12, valid for 48 hours.

05. Purchase your insurance

Purchase travel medical insurance for your trip from SafetyWing . Insurance from SafetyWing covers COVID-19 and also comes with a visa letter which you can use for your visas.

Need more? Check out my travel resources page  for the best websites to plan your trip.

LEGAL DISCLAIMER We are not affiliated with immigration, embassies or governments of any country. The content in this article is for educational and general informational purposes only, and shall not be understood or construed as, visa, immigration or legal advice. Your use of information provided in this article is solely at your own risk and you expressly agree not to rely upon any information contained in this article as a substitute for professional visa or immigration advice. Under no circumstance shall be held liable or responsible for any errors or omissions in this article or for any damage you may suffer in respect to any actions taken or not taken based on any or all of the information in this article. Please refer to our full disclaimer for further information.

AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. Please refer to our full disclosure for further information.

MORE VISA GUIDES

UNITED KINGDOM

VIEW ALL VISA GUIDES

• Cookie Policy
• Copyright Notice
• Privacy Policy
• Terms of Use
• Flight Itinerary
• Hotel Reservation
• Travel Insurance
• Onward Ticket
• Testimonials

Search this site

Thailand 60 Day Visa (SETV) and 6 Months Multiple Entry Visa (METV)

Planning a trip to Thailand and considering what’s the best travel visa to obtain? There are a number of options that depend on where you’re from and the length of stay planned.

Thailand tourist visa types covered here include – 60-day single entry (SETV) and 6 month multiple entry visa (METV). There is no longer a double entry. For rules regarding visa exemption (countries that can receive 90, 30, or 15 days without a visa) see this article .

When seeking tourist visa information for Thailand stay as up-to-date as much possible before your trip. Regulations change fast here or regulations become strictly enforced that were not previously.

Applying (update)

Visitors to Thailand can now apply for visas and submit all documents required online (eligible countries). A response from the application is received via e-mail. Do make sure you apply well before the time of travel, and 15 days is advised.

Visa Application: Online application to be made at the official website https://www.thaievisa.go.th/ and here is our online application guide .

Attention (update on the online system): From 26 September 2021, 11.00 PM (UTC), it is no longer required for e-Visa applicant to submit his/her passport and original supporting documents in person at the Royal Thai Embassy/Consulate. After the e-Visa application has been approved, a confirmation e-mail will be sent to applicants. It is kindly requested to print a copy of the confirmation e-mail to present to airline and Thai Immigration officials to carry out checks when travelling to Thailand.

This article will be updated as much as possible in line with the latest application process. However, due to the covid situation, I have held off updating some information until everything is clear. Documents and other requirements are still the same and correct.

Note:  Take note of where I state to go to an Embassy or Thai consulate for now within this article; because the online system is in place for some countries. Many countries are still not eligible to apply online. Will neighboring countries continue to issue visas? I don’t think so, but let’s see, and now, citizens of the neighbouring countries cannot apply online. 

Single Entry Thai Visa (SETV) 60 Days

The SETV is given to various countries that wish to visit Thailand for the purpose of tourism for a period of 60 days. This can be extended for 30 days if required.

This visa type has to be applied for at a Thai Embassy or Consulate outside of Thailand, which could be a neighbouring country (i.e, Laos, Cambodia, Malaysia) if you’re not staying in your home country. Some countries have access to applying online and do not have to go to a Thai Embassy or Consulate.

Requirements Needed At Thai Embassy or Consulate

• Passport with a minimum validity of 6 months and at least 2 pages left within the passport for the visa and border control stamps.
• A completed form that can be downloaded or completed at your chosen Embassy or Consulate.
• Supply two passport pictures.
• Photocopy of your passport main photo page and last stamp and/or visa into the country, although this depends on where you apply. For example, in the UK (UK passport holder) you’ll just take a passport, passport pictures and fee, whereas in Vientiane as a non Loathian resident you will need photocopies, which can be done outside and this is the same for most Thai Consulates neighbouring Thailand.
• The fee. In the UK it’s 35 GBP, Ho Chi Minh 40 USD, Malaysia 150 RM and Laos 1000 THB which gives you an idea of the approximate cost for whichever country you’re applying from.
• Evidence of travel (air/bus ticket to and from Thailand) and finances of (20,000 Baht per person and 40,000 Baht per family). This can be requested and is Thai regulations, however, it has never been requested from me personally.

Validity – When To Apply

From the date of issue, a SETV can be used anytime before the enter before the date shown on the visa, which will be 3 months. You can apply 3 months before travel (maximum) or the day before travelling (minimum). Make sure you enter before the ‘Enter Before’ date shown on the visa.

In my home country and maybe yours, the visa is given on that day of attending the Embassy or Consulate (it was before we started doing the application online, that is). If applying at any of Thailand’s neighbouring countries you’re likely to attend and apply in the morning then collect the visa the next day (check for each Consulate/Embassy).

6 Months Multiple Entry (METV)

The Thailand multiple-entry tourist visa replaces the old triple entry tourist visa. There are more specific and strict requirements, although flexibility is given in terms of being able to enter and leave Thailand as many times as you wish once the visa is activated (entered Thailand).

The METV has to be applied for in your home country unless you have residency within other countries and has to be done in-person to receive it that day, within an hour (UK). Applying via post within the UK requires the passport holder to apply at the London Thai Embassy and not a Consulate. Check with your own Thai Consulate/Embassy for application rules whether applying in person or via post.

You still have to leave Thailand every 60 days or request a 30 day extension at a Thai immigration office, giving you 90 days x 3. Extensions can be done every 60 days allowing a person to spend the good part of 9 months in Thailand if they get the dates correct.

Requirements

• Bank statements showing £5000 or more in the account continuously for 6 months per person. If a joint account with a couple traveling the amount is £10’000.
• A letter from your employer stating how long you’ve worked for them and they know of your land.
• If your self employed, proof of this is required. For UK citizens the proof is a SA100 HMRC tax return for the latest tax year. For other countries, I imagine it’s something similar from your government tax office.
• If you are retired, at any age, and receiving a private pension, a copy of this pension is required.
• If any children are travelling a copy of the child’s birth certificate is required with the parent’s name on the certificate.
• A completed form that can be downloaded or completed at your chosen Embassy or Consulate. Also, supply two passport pictures.
• Confirmation of where you plan to stay when arriving in Thailand. If staying with a friend or family members they state the requirement of a utility bill from the person you’re staying with. Any concerns about this, contact your Consulate.

Requirements and Consulates

It has been known for some time that one consulate can be stricter than another. The best approach if you have concerns is to contact the office you intend to make the application.

The validity of the METV is 6 months from issue which means you must enter before the ‘Enter Before’ date shown. The enter before date is important because the last possible entrance for 60 days has to be used when entering the day before the end before date.

To get the maximum stay out of a METV you need to apply and begin using it as soon as possible. Two of the three 60 day exit stamps could possibly be extended for 30 days at a Thai immigration office although your last entry must be no later than the ‘Enter Before’ date.

Examples Of Getting The Most Out Of Your METV

An example of nearly 9 months. Stamped in with your first 60 days (then exit and return), now another 60 days (exit and return), another 60 days (exit and return before ‘Enter Before’ date) then apply at the Thai immigration office for an extension.

Above you left the country 3 times and extended once at immigration.

Another example of nearly 9 months. Stamped in with your first 60 days (Thai immigration extension 30 days), 90 days used so far (exit and return), now another 60 days (Thai immigration extension 30 days) 180 days used, so it will be very close to your ‘Enter Before’ expiring, you will need to leave before the extension expires, (exit and return) now you have your last 60 days + a possible 30 day Thai immigration extension.

Above you left the country twice and extended 3 times at immigration.

There are many scenarios that a person can make the visa work better for themselves depending on how often they want to leave. Another example of nearly 6 months would be extending the first 60 days at immigration for 30 days, exit after that 30-day extension and come back with 60 days, then extend 30 again, then head home after spending six months in Thailand after only exiting once and extending twice.

Don’t Meet The METV Requirements and or Want To Visit for 5 or 6 Months

Not all tourists need a METV, even if they end up staying for the good part of 6 months. If you apply for a single entry and extend for 3 months, that’s 90 days (approx 3 months). Go and spend some time in neighbouring countries, visit the Thai Consulate there and get another SETV for 60 days and extend for 30.

If staying for 5 months get a SETV + 30 day extension then exit and return via a land or airport border. If you’re one of 19 ‘G7 or bilateral agreement countries’ you will get 30 days visa exemption (see if your country is allowed 30 and not 15 or visa on arrival rules apply) and now you can extend the exemption for 30 days which equals approximately 5 months.

Back to Back Visas

Update: Let’s see how these work out while many are required to apply online. I can’t see back-to-backs being acceptable while applying online.

When I first visited Thailand it was easy to cross the border and come back with 90 and continue doing this. Those days are long gone.

What I am led to believe and have seen the consequences of people I know doing more than this is, 3 seems to be the rule. Not getting the proper visa and crossing the border on visa exemptions for 30 days is the biggest clampdown regarding back-to-backs.

One person I know of got stopped with two many back-to-backs and it was allowed in for 90 days and spent 3 months in Cambodia and the Philippines. Another got stopped at Myanmar airport border, was made to book a flight out of Thailand in 7 days, and had a red ink note stating he must leave in 7 days and return with a NON-O visa.

A visa agency I know in Penang said 2 or 3 SETV’s is the max there.

I will keep this page updated as much as possible and also provide other sources that are also updated regularly.

• Applying for a Thailand Tourist Visa Online Guide
• Thailand Tourist Visa Exemption 90 or 30 Days
• 30 Day Tourist Visa Extension
• Thailand Travel Visa Guides for Tourists

Bangkok Travel

Hua Hin Travel

Nong Khai Travel

Where To Go In Thailand? - Top Places To Visit

Kanchanaburi Travel

Pattaya Travel

Food of Thailand

Transport in Thailand

We've detected unusual activity from your computer network

To continue, please click the box below to let us know you're not a robot.

Why did this happen?

Please make sure your browser supports JavaScript and cookies and that you are not blocking them from loading. For more information you can review our Terms of Service and Cookie Policy .

For inquiries related to this message please contact our support team and provide the reference ID below.

• Southeast Asia
• North America
• Central & South America
• Australia & South Pacific
• Middle-East
• Solo Travel
• Zodiac Travels
• Wellness & Spas
• Family Travel
• The Conscious Traveller
• Accessories
• Points and Miles
• Manushi Chhillar
• Quick Style
• Rajkummar Rao
• Chefs Himanshu Saini & Neha Mishra
• Poorna Jagannathan
• Guru Randhawa
• Edition 2023-24
• Edition 2022-23
• Edition 2021-22
• T+L Experiences
• Web Stories

Schengen-Style Visa For Southeast Asia? Thailand Favours Joint Visa Across Six Nations

Thailand has proposed a groundbreaking joint visa programme for southeast asia to enhance tourism and revenue across six regional countries..

By: Yashita Vashishth Published: Apr 08, 2024 10:09 AM IST

In a move to promote seamless mobility across Southeast Asian countries, Thailand is leading an initiative for a joint visa programme spanning six nations. The proposed single visa would encompass Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, Malaysia, and Myanmar, collectively hosting 70 million tourists last year. Notably, Thailand and Malaysia contributed over half of this figure, clocking in USD 48 billion in tourism revenue.

Thailand’s Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin aims to streamline tourist entry by implementing a single visa for these six nations, thereby boosting tourist arrivals and maximising revenue per traveller. Targeting affluent long-haul holidaymakers, this initiative will enhance Thailand’s appeal as a tourist destination while also fortifying its aviation and logistics sectors. The Thai PM has also discussed this Schengen-like Single Visa with counterparts from Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, Malaysia , and Myanmar in recent months.

Thailand’s Single Visa initiative: Key points

Thailand is steering an initiative for a joint-visa program with countries that together hosted about 70 million tourists last year https://t.co/95FtIIvWzl — Bloomberg (@business) April 6, 2024

The proposed Single Visa seeks to boost tourism in Thailand, a sector accounting for 20 percent of its total employment and contributing 12 percent to its USD 500 billion economy. The initiative aims to lure long-haul vacationers to extend their stays and explore multiple countries by offering a common visa for six regional nations. Marisa Sukosol Nunbhakdi, a former Thai Hotels Association president, suggests extending the visa validity from 30 to 90 days to make the offer more attractive.

Related Stories

Southeast Asia's Hidden Gems That Should Be On Your Bucket List

Yacht Couture: How Southeast Asia Is Redefining Luxury On The High Seas

Thai PM Thavisin aims to welcome 80 million tourists by 2027, with the government actively pursuing initiatives to achieve this goal. Recent efforts include signing reciprocal visa waivers with China and providing temporary visa waivers to passport holders from India, Kazakhstan, and Taiwan . Additionally, the government plans to promote event-based tourism and develop casinos with entertainment complexes as part of its tourism-centric strategies.

While the proposed venture promises to revolutionise tourist travel and the perception of holidays in the region, experts believe that bilateral visa-waiver agreements between individual nations may present fewer challenges in implementation.

(Feature Image Credit: Andrey_Vasiliskov/Shutterstock)

Related:  Consistent Welcome: Explore Visa-Free Countries For Indian Passport Holders

• thailand visa

Yashita Vashishth

Writer by day, reader by night, Yashita has a flair for all things travel, wellness and food. She has previously worked at Condé Nast India and Times Internet. When not working, you can catch her binge-reading the latest thriller on the block, re-watching Friends, trying a new recipe or hosting her friends.

18 Must-Visit Geological Wonders Added To UNESCO's Global Geopark Network

By Priyaja Bakshi

This Beach In Europe Has The Bluest Water In The World, According To Research

By Stacey Leasca

Char Dham Yatra 2024 Registration Opens! Here's Your Complete Guide

By Pyusha Chatterjee

Traverse 14 Cities And 39 Sacred Sites Onboard IRCTC's Ramayan Yatra Train

By Yashita Vashishth

Bengaluru Set To Take Flight As South India's Aviation Hub, Courtesy Air India

Ladakh Gets Closer As New Nimmu-Padam-Darcha Road Cuts Manali To Leh Travel Time

The Scientific Reason Planes Sometimes Look Like They're Frozen Midair

By Stefanie Waldek

Apricot Blossom Festival 2024: Ladakh’s Vibrant Annual Celebration Beckons

Paris Isn't Europe's Leading 'City Of Love' When It Comes To Marriage Proposals

By Travel + Leisure

Subscribe to our newsletter to get the latest on travel, stay & dining.

You’re all set

Thank you for your subscription.

• International

Asean Business

• Global Enterprise

Thailand leads push for 6-nation visa to lure moneyed tourists

THAILAND is steering an initiative for a joint-visa programme with countries that together hosted about 70 million tourists last year as Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin ramps up initiatives to attract more long-haul and high-spending travellers. 

Srettha – who’s pledged to elevate Thailand’s status as a tourism hotspot into an aviation and logistics hub – has discussed the Schengen-type visa idea with his counterparts in Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar and Vietnam in recent months. The facility is meant to ensure seamless mobility for travellers among the six neighbouring countries.

With most leaders positively responding to the single-visa concept, tourism-reliant Thailand aims to generate more revenue per traveller and cushion its economy from headwinds such as sluggish exports and weak global demand that’s hurt its manufacturing industry.

The six South-east Asian nations reported a combined 70 million foreign tourist arrivals in 2023, according to official data. Thailand and Malaysia accounted for more than half of the tally, generating about US$48 billion in tourism revenue.

The single-visa is the most-ambitious among Srettha’s lineup of tourism initiatives but targeted for the long-term. The industry has served the country well, accounting for about 20 per cent of total jobs and making up about 12 per cent of the nation’s US$500 billion economy. Barring the pandemic years, tourism has flourished and provided a cushion against a slump in manufacturing and exports, the traditional bulwarks of the economy.

The tourism industry is upbeat, with Marisa Sukosol Nunbhakdi, a former president of the Thai Hotels Association, saying “a common visa could entice long-haul travellers to make an easier decision”. The visa validity will need to be extended to 90 days from the usual 30-day period to make it attractive, she said. 

A NEWSLETTER FOR YOU

Business insights centering on South-east Asia's fast-growing economies.

Srettha’s administration has set a goal of attracting 80 million tourists by 2027. Since taking power about seven months ago, his government has signed a reciprocal visa waiver deal with China – Thailand’s largest market for tourists – and offered temporary visa waivers for travellers from India, Taiwan and Kazakhstan. It’s also mulling a plan to open casinos inside large entertainment complexes.

If done right, the benefits of visa-free travel won’t be confined to tourism alone as ease of travel would be a boon for business travellers and trade, said Bill Barnett, managing director of hospitality and property consultancy C9 Hotelworks.

But a Schengen-type visa, which allows free travel around the border-free zone within Europe, may be an uphill task given Asean’s poor track record in expediting multilateral policy framework.

“Country by country seems to be the best way to do it,” Barnett said. “Bilateral agreements, where governments are leading the way for this type of thing, make a lot of sense as they are looking outward and not inward.”

For a joint visa scheme, approvals have to be coordinated and the absence of standard immigration criteria among participating nations, unlike the European Union, can pose challenges, according to Thitinan Pongsudhirak, professor at Chulalongkorn University’s political science faculty. Asean, as a grouping, is a divided body with a poor immigration record, he said.

With Srettha being neophyte in politics, he may lack the clout to push through the visa proposal, Thitinan said.

“All the various things he’s been trying to do, I see it as picking low-hanging fruits and picking fruits off the ground,” Thitinan said. “Sometimes fruits on the ground are rotten.” BLOOMBERG

• Thai economy expands slowly in February, helped by tourism: central bank

BT is now on Telegram!

For daily updates on weekdays and specially selected content for the weekend. Subscribe to   t.me/BizTimes

Vietnam’s EV maker VinFast reports narrowing losses even as sales fall

Malaysia airlines looks to lighten plane loads on middle east detour, jailed myanmar leader suu kyi moved to house arrest: source, apple ceo meets indonesia leader to talk investments, vietnam mounts ‘unprecedented’ us$24 billion rescue for bank engulfed in giant fraud, documents show, malaysia to push ahead with long-awaited subsidy cuts in 2024, support south-east asia's leading financial daily.

Get the latest coverage and full access to all BT premium content.

Browse corporate subscription here

• Opinion & Features
• Companies & Markets
• Startups & Tech
• Working Life
• Events & Awards
• Breaking News
• Newsletters
• Food & Drink
• Style & Travel
• Arts & Design
• Health & Wellness
• Paid Press Releases
• advertise with us
• privacy policy
• terms & conditions
• cookie policy
• data protection policy

SPH MEDIA DIGITAL NEWS

MCI (P) 064/10/2023 © 2024 SPH MEDIA LIMITED. REGN NO. 202120748H

This website is managed by Siam Legal International - a law firm in Thailand

Travel to Thailand from Canada

People around the world love meeting Canadians. And jet-setting Canadians love being met! Before Covid-19, you could always pick a Canadian in the crowd by their big smile, constant “Ay”, and occasional apology. Canadians are respected for being polite and having a lot of fun. Thai people always enjoy hanging out with Canadians.

The pandemic put a stop to that. As countries locked down to curb the spread of the virus, traveling abroad was nigh impossible. If a Canadian wanted to visit far shores, they had to jump through hoops to meet entry requirements.

Well, the world is returning to normal and with a bit of planning, Canadians can leave the great white north and return to the tropics.

As of today:

• Canadians do not need to show proof of Covid Insurance.
• All mandatory hotel quarantine has been removed.
• Thailand Pass is no longer required for Canadian travelers entering Thailand.
• Vaccinated travelers do not need to provide proof of vaccination before arriving.
• Unvaccinated travelers (including children traveling with unvaccinated parents) need to complete an RT-PCR or Professional Antigen Test (Pro-ATK) test 72 hours before departing for Thailand. Proof does not need to be uploaded before traveling.
• Airlines and Thai Immigration will do random checks to confirm travelers meet Covid prevention requirements (vaccination certificate or Covid test).
• Wearing masks is no longer compulsory.
• The TM6 arrival card has been temporarily removed when entering Thailand.

With travel almost back to pre-Covid conditions, now is the perfect time to plan a holiday to your favorite destination.

Documents for Travel to Thailand

• Visa (if required)
• Travel Insurance
• Flight Itinerary
• Hotel booking
• Vaccination record (if vaccinated)
• COVID-19 test result (if unvaccinated)

Correct documents will speed up the entry screening to Thailand.

Easy Steps To Enter Thailand from Canada

Apply for a thai visa, canada – a visa exempt country.

Canadian travelers love Thailand. They can visit Thailand without a visa through the Visa Exemption Program . Canadian citizens can stay in the country for up to 30 days as a tourist and can extend their permit to stay for a further 30 days at any local immigration office. This allows a Canadian to enjoy Thailand for up to 60 days.

If you want to stay in Thailand longer than the Visa Exemption allows, or are traveling for a purpose other than tourism, Siam Legal International offers various Thailand Visa services  for travelers from Canada. You may check their services at: https://www.siam-legal.com/legal_services/thailand-visa-services.php

Long Term Visas for Canadians

Tourist visa and special tourist visa (stv).

Canadian citizens can apply for a Tourist Visa from the Thai embassy or consulate. There is a 60-day tourist visa that can be extended for additional 30 days, and the 90-day Special Tourist Visa (STV), which allows two 90-day visa extensions at the local immigration office. There are certain requirements needed for the STV, but it allows a visitor to stay in Thailand for up to 9 months. The STV will be available until September 2022.

Thai Elite Visa

If you wish to make Thailand easily accessible for many years to come or are perhaps thinking of relocating permanently, it is worth having a look at the Thailand Elite Visa .

The Thai Elite Visa allows a Canadian expat to live in Thailand for 5, 10, or even 20 years. Thai Elite members do not need to worry about some of the eligibility criteria needed when applying for other long-term visas.

The Thai Elite visa is exclusive and offers a host of benefits to holders. If you want to enjoy “Thai life” for the long term, you can read more about the Thailand Elite Visa .

Non-Immigrant Visa

Foreigners may also apply for a wide range of non-immigrant visas:

• Non-immigrant B Visa – for conducting business or employment
• Non-immigrant O visa – for visiting Thai spouse and family
• Non-immigrant ED visa – for students of recognized institutions in Thailand and their Parents or Legal guardian
• Non-immigrant O retirement visa – for those who wish to retire in Thailand
• Non-immigrant OA and OX visa – for those who wish to obtain a Thailand retirement visa for a long stay (it differs from type O visa)

Royal Thai Embassy, Ottawa

To apply for a long-term visa, please visit –  Royal Thai Embassy, Ottawa website.

The Thai Embassy is in Ottawa. The address is 180 Island Park Drive, Ottawa, Ontario K1Y 0A2.

Thai consulates can be found in Vancouver, Toronto, and Montreal.

For assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out to [email protected] or 722-4444. 

The above visas can be organized with a local Thai Embassy or Consulate in Canada. The process is simple, but the paperwork can be quite involved. There are companies that can help.

Siam Legal International is a reputable law firm in Thailand that offers visa assistance to Canadians. They are well versed in Thai immigration policies and processes. If you would like to streamline your long-term stay in Thailand, it is worth contacting them.

Vaccination status and entering Thailand

A Thailand Pass application is no longer required. Citizens from Canada can enter the country one of two ways.

• Vaccinated travelers – Vaccinated Canadian travelers do not need to complete any Covid tests before leaving Canada. They need to have a copy of their vaccination certificate when traveling. Children under 18 who are traveling with vaccinated parents do not need to complete any RT-PCR or Pro-ATK test before departing.
• Unvaccinated travelers – Before coming to Thailand, unvaccinated travelers will need to complete an RT-PCR or Professional Antigen (Pro-ATK) test through a clinic or medical professional. The test result must be issued within 72 hours before departing Canada.

An ATK (RAT) home test is not acceptable. Children under 18 who are traveling with unvaccinated parents also need to complete a test.

Airlines and Immigration will conduct random checks of passengers to confirm Covid requirements are met. It is best to have your Vaccination or Covid test Certificate available to show.

Book your Flight to Thailand

Flight lanes are open again. Whether you fly from Toronto or Vancouver, Carriers are taking to the air and offering excellent value to promote international travel after Covid.

Some common carriers for Canada to Thailand are:

• United Airlines
• Thai Airways

You can land at any international airport in Thailand and transit to other areas right away. There are no longer any “sealed” flights, though domestic flights may ask to see a vaccination certificate or test result before boarding. If you are traveling domestically, ATK self-tests are available at airports, pharmacies, and convenience stores.

Most international airlines follow the rules of the arrival country. It is best to check with the airline if you need to complete any tests before boarding.

Book a Hotel

Vaccinated travelers or unvaccinated travelers who complete a 72-hour pre-departure RT-PCR/Pro-ATK test are welcome to book any accommodation. There are no quarantine requirements. SHA+ quarantine packages have been removed from most booking sites.

If you see a “Quarantine Package” listed, you do not need to choose it.

To find and compare the best hotels available in Thailand, visit Agoda . They allow free booking and cancellation, confirm bookings with hotels and their web page is easy to navigate and compare hotels.

travelers have always needed to enter an address when traveling to Thailand. The accommodation can be a hotel, home, or a friend’s address. This would normally be entered on the blue arrival card (TM6), but you will see below that things are changing here too.

Organize your Travel Insurance

If you are a foreigner, purchase Travel Insurance. Though it is no longer an entry requirement, responsible travelers know the benefits of having insurance while traveling abroad.

Travel Insurance is something that is better to have and not need than need and not have. Travel insurance doesn’t just cover Covid. Comprehensive travel insurance will also cover:

• Medical emergencies
• Personal injury & accidents
• Missed or delayed flights
• Damage to belongings
• Loss of luggage

Canada has one of the best health systems in the world. Canadians and visitors alike receive free medical care. This is not the case in Thailand.

It’s important to know that foreign travelers cannot receive free medical care in Thailand. No matter the circumstance, if a Canadian citizen needs medical attention, they will need to pay for it. Depending on the severity, this could amount to thousands of dollars in out-of-pocket expenses.

There are multiple reasons to protect yourself when traveling. Visitors to Thailand often choose AXA Insurance Thailand because it is a trusted company that offers comprehensive insurance to travelers from around the world. Their policies are straightforward with good coverage.

Some advantages to AXA Insurance are:

• Recognized and trusted by Thai authorities and medical facilities.
• Easy to apply online and approved in minutes.
• Competitive pricing and cover.
• Has no 14-day waiting period and covers Covid-related incidents, including asymptomatic cases.
• Provides customers with a convenient 1-Page Certificate of insurance. This certificate contains all relevant information needed by medical professionals or if making a claim.

To see the coverage offered and organize your insurance to Thailand in minutes. Visit AXA Thailand .

Arriving in Thailand – Best Practices

It is easy to get to Thailand now. So what can you expect when landing? Here are a few things that will help you enjoy your trip and show respect to local Thai people.

Wearing Masks

Masks are no longer compulsory but still recommended when in public places. You see many Thai people (and visitors) still wearing masks when out and about. It is best to wear a mask when visiting restaurants or public venues. You will not get in trouble if you don’t, but it is a case of “do as the locals do”. It is about respect and consideration.

TM6 Arrival Cards

The Thai government has temporarily removed the need for visitors to complete the blue arrival card known as TM6. Their aim is to ease congestion at airports and remove another form that holiday makers need to complete. This initiative is in a testing phase, but it is hoped that the removal of TM6 will be successful and the change will become permanent.

Paperwork to Prepare

Though Thailand Pass is removed, and travelers do not need to provide proof before entry, it is best to prepare a few documents before arriving.

• Certificate of Insurance
• Vaccination certificate (vaccinated travelers)
• 72-hour RT-PCR or Pro-ATK test result (unvaccinated)
• Covid-19 recovery certificate (if previously tested positive)

This will speed up your processing time before leaving your country, or if asked to provide vaccination or testing proof in a random check. These documents can be presented in digital form, but airlines, Immigration, and Health Officers will appreciate the extra effort if you print them.

Thailand and Canada are chalk and cheese. Canada has a diverse cultural background and is so large that one side can feel different from the other. But Thailand is in the tropics. Its Asian history, culture, cuisine, and geography are unlike anything you will find at home. Thailand is loved because it offers people a unique experience for a fraction of the cost. With some forethought, the friendliest Westerners can visit Thailand and share a smile, a laugh, and a meal with the friendliest Asians.

Travel Insurance: https://u.axa.co.th/Sawasdee_Siamlegal

Travel to thailand by nationality, related posts.

How to Travel to Thailand in 2024

Best Places to Retire in Thailand for Couples

How to Retire in Thailand for Couples

Thailand Travel Restrictions 2023

Leave a comment cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This form collects your name, email and content so that we can keep track of the comments placed on the website. By submitting this form, you accepted and agreed on our privacy policy and terms .

I am a Canadian and plan on visiting a number of countries in Southeast Asia this spring. I will be travelling from Cambodia to Thailand. Do I need any special document (visa?) as a Canadian entering Thailand from a third country? Thank you for any advice.