During the COVID-19 pandemic, Thailand invested a lot of time and effort in developing its E-Visa Thailand system, ensuring it supports social distancing measures effectively. However, the system grew in popularity due to the convenience it brought to tourists, as they no longer needed to personally visit the Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate to obtain a visa. Because of this, even after the pandemic, Thailand expands E-Visa system’s reach.
On this page, we will cover what the Thailand E-Visa system is, the visas it offers, and how you can apply for a visa through the system to avoid a trip to the embassy.
What is the Thailand E-Visa System?
The Thailand E-Visa system offers foreign nationals a streamlined experience when applying for select visas before arriving in Thailand. The application process is done online and completely removes the need to visit the nearest Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate to apply for a Thai visa.
However, if you are eligible, entering Thailand might be even easier through the Visa on Arrival or Visa Exemption Scheme. The Visa Exemption Scheme allows citizens from specific countries to enter without a visa for up to 60 days, with the option to extend for another 30 days. Alternatively, the Visa on Arrival grants a 15-day stay to eligible travelers from a different list of eligible countries. This visa is issued upon arrival at major Thai airports and select border checkpoints, making it a quick and convenient option for short visits.
Types of Thai Visas Available Through the E-Visa Thailand
The E-Visa Thailand provides services for a variety of visas, including:
Thailand Tourist Visa
The Thailand Tourist Visa is perfect if you’re visiting for leisure or medical treatment. It’s available as a single- or multiple-entry visa and allows a stay of up to 60 days, with an available 30-day extension. However, it’s strictly for tourism, and working on this visa is prohibited.
Thailand Non-Immigrant Visa
If you’re visiting for business, education, or family reasons, the 90-Day Non-Immigrant Visa allows you a 90-day stay. This visa is often used by those conducting business, visiting family, or attending school in Thailand. It’s also the first step in obtaining some long-term Thai visas, such as the Thai Marriage Visa and Thai Retirement Visa.
Thailand SMART Visa
Designed for professionals, investors, and executives, the SMART Visa grants a 4-year stay and aims to attract talent in specific industries like technology and healthcare.
LTR Visa Thailand
The Long-Term Resident Visa (LTR Visa Thailand) grants a 10-year stay and suits digital nomads, investors, retirees, and skilled professionals. This visa includes benefits such as reduced income tax rates, annual immigration reporting (instead of every 90 days), and expedited airport processing.
DTV Visa Thailand
The DTV Visa Thailand, also known as the digital nomad visa, is tailored for remote workers and digital professionals. It offers a 5-year stay in Thailand with multiple entries and a stay of 180 days per entry, with the ability to get an extension.
E-Visa Thailand Restrictions
The only visa that E-Visa Thailand does not provide services for is the Thailand Elite Visa, which is a type of long-term tourist that comes with a membership program and provides options for stays ranging from 5 to 20 years. The Thailand Elite Visa grants its members access to a diverse list of free perks and benefits which includes free spa and medical treatments, airport services, and special gifts and discounts.
To apply for a Thailand Elite Visa, it is recommended that you get in touch with a government-partnered General Sales and Services Agent (GSSA) like Siam Legal. GSSAs will aid you in getting a Thailand Elite Visa free of charge as they help you gather all the correct documents, review your application for any errors, and submit it to the correct government agencies on your behalf. This can be done from inside Thailand or abroad.
Countries Eligible for the Thailand E-Visa System
Now that you know which visas you can apply for, below is a list of the countries that now provide E-Visa services, so you can begin your application:
- Africa: Egypt, South Africa
- America: Brazil, Canada, Chile, USA
- Asia: Cambodia, China, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Timor-Leste, Vietnam
- Europe: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom
- Middle East: Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey
- Oceania: Australia, New Zealand
If you are unsure if you are eligible for a Thailand E-Visa or do not have access to the online application process, you can contact your local Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate and organize an appointment. Immigration requirements can change without notice, and many embassies will not allow walk-ins, so it is best to contact the embassy beforehand when you are ready to apply. They will confirm the costs and paperwork required.
How to Apply for an E-Visa Thailand
Applying for an E-Visa Thailand is simple and straightforward. Below is a general overview of the application process:
- Choose Your Visa Type: Identify the E-Visa that best fits your purpose, whether it’s for tourism, business, or another activity.
- Visit the Thai E-Visa Official Portal: Access the application portal provided by the Royal Thai Embassy.
- Fill in Your Details: Enter your personal and travel information accurately.
- Upload Supporting Documents: Documents vary by visa type but typically include a passport, photo, travel details, and proof of funds.
- Pay the Application Fee: Make the payment directly through the portal.
- Wait for Approval: You’ll receive updates on your application status, and once approved, your E-Visa will be sent to your email for presentation upon entry.
Professional Assistance with Your Thai Visa Application
If you’re unsure about which visa will best suit your needs or want to be sure your application will not get rejected, contact Siam Legal International. As a full-service law firm and visa consultancy with over 20 years of experience in helping clients from around the world enter Thailand on the correct visa, our Thai immigration team is equipped with the skills to ensure that your application process is swift and stress-free.
We will guide you through every step and maximize your chances of approval, so you can focus on enjoying your time here in Thailand.
If you’re ready to apply for a Thailand Visa, whether it be one available through the Thailand E-Visa system or one that’s not like the Thailand Elite Visa, contact Siam Legal now to book a consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Thailand E-Visa System
Can I apply for the Thailand Elite Visa through the Thailand E-Visa system?
No, the Thailand Elite Visa is managed separately and is not part of the Thailand E-Visa system.
Do I need a visa if I qualify for the Thailand Visa Exemption Scheme?
No. If you are planning on entering Thailand only for tourism purposes, then the Thailand Visa Exemption Scheme may just be perfect for you as it removes the hassle of having to apply for a Thailand Tourist Visa, while allowing you to remain just as long as one. However, if you are planning to enter Thailand for reasons other than tourism, you will need to apply for another visa.
Can I work in Thailand with a Tourist E-Visa?
No, working on a Tourist Visa is not allowed. For work purposes, you’ll need to apply for a relevant Non-Immigrant or SMART Visa.
How long does it take for a Thai E-Visa to be approved?
It normally takes between 3 to 10 days for a Thai visa through the Thailand E-Visa system to get approved.
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18 Responses
I am Canadian and my wife is Russian, we going to Thailand for vacation up to 3 weeks so we need visas? Thank you
Hello, Laurent.
Both you and your wife qualify for the visa exemption scheme which will allow you both to stay in Thailand for a total of 30 days, starting from the day you arrive.
Hello I am a Bangladeshi Passport holder residing in Australia and currently employed in Australia.
If I wanted to apply for an e visa from Australia would it be possible?
Hello, Kawser.
Unfortunately, there has been no news of there being e-visa services for applying to Thailand from Australia at the moment.
Hi. I am from Ukraine, but I live in Spain. I plan to visit Thailand for tourist purposes and stay there for 5 weeks. Do I need a visa for it?
Hello, Catherine.
You will need a Tourist Visa if you intend to visit Thailand for longer than 30 days.
Hello, we have a trip to Thailand coming up on 30/03/2024 to 12/04/2024, my question is, we are a family living in UK. Me, my wife and one of the children have Bulgarian passports and our one child has a British passport. Does everyone have to get a visa? Thanks
Hello, Yordan.
You, you wife, and one of your children will need to get a Tourist Visa to come to Thailand, but your one child who is carrying a UK passport will not need a visa, as they can enter Thailand through the Visa Exemption Scheme.
Dear sir, I am from Pakistan. i want to visit thailand. E-visa available for pakistan nationality ?
Hello, Muhammad Ishfaq.
As of this moment, the E-Visa system is not available to citizens of Pakistan. You will need to apply in person at the nearest Thai Embassy or Consulate.
Respect sir,
I’m mr.mahipalsingh Rajpurohit from india, last time I went to Thailand, that was lovely experience. This year again I’m planning to visit Thailand.
Can I stay upto 60 days? By indian passport holder on VOA.
Thank you
Hello, Mahipalsingh Rajpurohit.
You cannot stay in Thailand for 60 days with a Visa on Arrival. To stay in Thailand for 60 days, you should apply for a Tourist Visa.
Hi,
I am from the Bahamas
Can i apply online for a tourist visa?
best regards,
Roylston
Hello, Roylston Mckenzie.
As of this moment, the Thai E-Visa system is not available to citizens of the Bahamas.
Dear respected Sir/Madam
I am Associated Professor Abdulkareem Sh. Mahdi Al-Obaidi, an iraqi nationality.
I am currently working at Taylor’s University in Malaysia and have valid contract.
Long time I love to go and visit your wonderful country but Covid-19 came and delay my plan.
Now. I think I can visit Thailand and my dream comes true.
Can you kindly guide me what should I do to apply for a single entry tourist visa?
Thank you
Abdulkareem
Dear Abdulkareem,
The e-visa application is not available in Malaysia. In order for you to apply for a Thai tourist visa, you need to apply in person. You may call the Thai Embassy in KL for more information.
Thank you.
Hi I have read that you do not need a visa now if you stay under 45 days till March 2023 is this correct am visiting from Australia from 4/12 till 7/1/2023
Regards
Neil
Dear Neil,
Yes, that is correct. Australian passport holder will be given 45 days permit to stay when you arrive in Thailand for tourism purpose.
Thank you.