For travelers planning to spend a short time exploring Thailand, the Single-Entry Tourist Visa for Thailand provides a straightforward entry process, along with ample time to experience most of what the country has to offer.
On this page, we will guide you through the essentials of obtaining and using the Thailand Single-Entry Tourist Visa, as well as provide long-term Thai visa alternatives if you have plans of staying in Thailand long-term.
Do You Need a Thai Tourist Visa to Enter Thailand?
Yes, you are required to obtain one to enter Thailand for tourism purposes. However, if eligible, you might find the Thai Visa Exemption Scheme a simpler option for entering Thailand than the tourist visa. It also allows a stay of up to 60 days with the option to extend for an additional 30 days, but does not require you to apply for a visa before arriving in Thailand.
On the other hand, if your nationality does not qualify for visa exemption and your trip will be no longer than 15 days, the Thai Visa on Arrival may just be perfect for you. But it is important to note that, like the Visa Exemption Scheme, you will need to hold a passport from one of the eligible countries to be able to enter Thailand through the Visa on Arrival program.
What is the Thailand Single-Entry Tourist Visa?
The Thailand Single-Entry Tourist Visa allows you one entry into Thailand for tourism, leisure, or medical purposes. Travelers can stay up to 60 days in Thailand, with a one-time extension of 30 days available at any Thai immigration office afterward.
You must apply for this visa outside of Thailand before leaving, and activities unrelated to tourism such as paid work are forbidden. As a “single entry” visa, this kind of tourist visa is canceled as soon as you leave Thailand, regardless of how much time is left on your stay.
How To Apply For A Thailand Single-Entry Tourist Visa
Many nationalities can apply for a Single-Entry Tourist Visa online through the Thailand E-Visa system. However, if you are not eligible for this, you can still apply at the nearest Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate. Whether you apply in person or online, you will still need to provide the following:
- A completed visa application form
- A passport or travel document with no less than 6 months validity remaining with at least 2 blank pages
- A passport photograph
- Onward or return travel tickets (paid in full)
- Proof of financial assets such as a bank statement (10,000 THB per person or 20,000 THB per family)
- Proof of hotel or private accommodation booking
It is recommended that you print copies of these documents. Entry approval is at the discretion of immigration officers and presenting hard copies of these documents will expedite your processing through Passport Control and help ease congestion at the airport.
Also, when you arrive in Thailand, a permit to stay stamp will be placed on your passport for 60 days, so you can arrive on the last day of the validity’s time frame and still receive the full 60-day permit to stay.
Long-Term Visa Options for Thailand
For travelers looking to stay in Thailand for longer than a few months, hoping to travel to and from the Kingdom frequently, or planning a semi-permanent stay, Thailand offers a range of long-term visas suited to different lifestyles and needs.
Thailand Multiple-Entry Tourist Visa
While not strictly a long-term visa, the Thailand Multiple-Entry Tourist Visa provides a practical option for tourists intending to make multiple visits within a 6-month period. It offers the freedom to enter and exit Thailand as often as desired without the need to apply for a re-entry permit each time, with each visit allowing a stay of up to 60 days. Travelers who plan to explore Thailand extensively over several months and make side trips to neighboring countries often find the Thailand Multiple-Entry Tourist Visa to be the most convenient and economical option.
Thailand Elite Visa
The Thailand Elite Visa is a high-end type of multiple-entry tourist visa that allows members to stay in Thailand for 5 to 20 years through four available membership packages. It’s tailored for those seeking a premium experience, with benefits like expedited immigration processing, access to VIP lounges, and discounts on luxury services. Members can also enjoy free perks including spa treatments, health check-ups, hotel stays, and other luxury benefits, making it an excellent choice for frequent travelers and long-term residents who value comfort and convenience.
LTR Visa Thailand (Long-Term Resident Visa)
The LTR Visa Thailand is a 10-year visa with a renewable 5-year entry permit. It is ideal for retirees, investors, remote workers, and skilled professionals. This visa offers significant benefits, such as reduced income tax rates for certain categories, fast-tracked airport processing, and annual immigration reporting instead of the standard 90-day check-ins. The LTR Visa is suitable for people who plan to establish a home in Thailand or work within the country for extended periods.
Destination Thailand Visa (DTV)
Also informally known as the “digital nomad visa,” this 5-year visa caters to remote workers and digital nomads who need the flexibility of working on the go. The DTV Visa Thailand allows up to 180 days per entry, making it suitable for those who want to stay for several months at a time without the need for frequent visa renewals.
Professional Assistance in Getting Your Thai Visa
For more details on this visa, take a look at Siam Legal’s Thailand Tourist Visa page. If you’re ready to apply for this or any other Thai visa, reach out to Siam Legal today to schedule a consultation! As a full-service law firm and visa consultancy in Thailand, our knowledgeable immigration team is here to make the application process easier, ensuring that your experience in securing the right Thai visa is as quick and seamless as possible so your travel plans aren’t interrupted by immigration issues.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Single-Entry Tourist Visa for Thailand
What’s the cost of a Thailand Single-Entry Tourist Visa?
The visa fee for the Thailand Single-Entry Tourist Visa will vary depending on where you apply from and when, but it typically ranges from 30 to 50 USD. If you’re applying online, the E-Visa system will handle payment directly.
Can I leave and return to Thailand with the Thailand Single-Entry Tourist Visa?
No, the Single-Entry Tourist Visa allows only one entry. As soon as you leave Thailand, it is canceled regardless of the remaining duration, and you will need to acquire another visa to re-enter Thailand. If you plan to enter and exit Thailand frequently, consider applying for the Thailand Multiple-Entry Tourist Visa, which allows unlimited entries for 6 months and costs 150 to 250 USD.
What are the penalties for overstaying on a Thailand Single-Entry Tourist Visa?
Overstaying on a Thailand Single-Entry Tourist Visa incurs a daily fee of 500 THB. Longer overstays can result in a ban from re-entering Thailand.
Can I extend my Thailand Single-Entry Tourist Visa while in Thailand?
Yes, you can extend your Thailand Single-Entry Tourist Visa by 30 days at any Thai Immigration Office for a fee of 1,900 THB.
Can I work or earn income in Thailand with a Thailand Tourist Visa?
No, the Thailand Single-Entry Tourist Visa is strictly for tourism, leisure, or medical purposes. Working, volunteering, or conducting business on this visa is not permitted.
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