Updated on July 15, 2024 by Siam Legal International, a Bangkok, Thailand law firm
Securing a Visa on Arrival upon Entering Thailand
The Visa on Arrival program allows passport holders of 31 listed countries and territories to enter Thailand without needing to apply for a Thailand Tourist Visa from a Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate.
To receive a Visa on Arrival, visitors must meet the following requirements:
- Hold citizenship from an approved country
- Provide a completed Visa on Arrival Form (available at immigration)
- Provide a photo sized 4 x 6 cm taken within 6 months
- Hold a passport with at least 30 days of validity remaining
- Pledge to visit Thailand strictly for tourism purposes
- Provide verifiable proof of accommodation in Thailand such as a hotel or an apartment address
- Provide proof of funds to support their stay (minimum 10,000 THB for single travelers and 20,000 THB per family)
- Provide proof of a return ticket for exiting Thailand (open tickets do not qualify, and the ticket’s destination cannot be a neighboring country of Thailand)
Visitors do not need to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination.
Visitors may be asked to show their onward travel ticket upon entering Thailand. If they do not possess a ticket proving their exit from Thailand within the allowed 15 days, they will most likely be refused entry.
Thailand On Arrival Visa Fees
There is a non-refundable entry fee of 2,000 THB that must be paid in cash at the checkpoint. It is advised that visitors acquire this amount in Thai Baht via currency exchange before arriving in Thailand.
Summary
Visitors will be granted permission to enter Thailand if they qualify and complete the process listed above. However, visitors who are not eligible to enter Thailand under the Visa on Arrival program or the Thailand Visa Exemption are required to obtain a visa through a Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate prior to their visit.
List of Countries Eligible for the Visa on Arrival
- Africa: Namibia, Seychelles, Tunisia
- America: Bolivia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Mexico, Paraguay, Venezuela
- Asia: Bhutan, China, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Taiwan, Uzbekistan,
- Europe: Armenia, Belarus, Bulgaria, Georgia, Malta, Romania, Russia, Serbia
- Middle East: Cyprus, Ethiopia, Saudi Arabia
- Oceania: Fiji, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu
List of Thailand Immigration Checkpoints for Visa on Arrival
- Suvarnabhumi Airport
- Don Muang International Airport, Bangkok
- Chiang Mai International Airport
- Phuket International Airport
- Hatyai International Airport, Songkhla
- U Tapao International Airport, Rayong
- Mae Sai Immigration Checkpoint, Chiang Rai
- Chiang Saen Immigration Checkpoint, Chiang Rai
- Betong Immigration Checkpoint, Yala
- Sadao Immigration Checkpoint, Songkhla
- Samui International Airport, Surat Thani
- Sukhothai International Airport
- Tak Immigration Checkpoint
- Bangkok Harbor Immigration Checkpoint
- Sri Racha Immigration Checkpoint, Chonburi
- Maptaphut Immigration Checkpoint, Rayong
- Nong Khai Immigration Checkpoint
- Samui Immigration Checkpoint, Surat Thani
- Phuket Immigration Checkpoint
- Satun Immigration Checkpoint
- Krabi Immigration Checkpoint
- Songkhla Harbor Immigration Checkpoint
- Chiang Rai Airport Immigration Checkpoint
There are currency exchange counters at major airports. If a traveler is entering Thailand by land, it is best to exchange currency for Thai Baht before leaving their home country.
Long-Term Visa Options for Thailand
Thailand Marriage Visa
Persons married to a Thai national can apply for a Thailand Marriage Visa. It allows spouses to reside in Thailand for extended periods, facilitating family reunification and life together in the Kingdom.
Thailand Retirement Visa
Persons 50 years of age or older can apply for the Thailand Retirement Visa. It offers an opportunity for retirees to enjoy extended stays in the country, providing access to various benefits and amenities conducive to a fulfilling retirement lifestyle.
LTR Visa Thailand
By meeting a list of strict criteria, foreigners can obtain a LTR Visa Thailand. Geared towards fostering overseas investment and economic growth, this Thai visa permits holders to reside and work in Thailand for up to a decade. It offers a range of benefits, including access to healthcare, education, and reduced tax burdens. Making it an attractive option for those looking to establish roots in Thailand.
Thailand Elite Visa
Those desiring a long-term stay but cannot meet stringent visa requirements may apply for a Thailand Elite Visa, which comes with a validity ranging from 5 to up to 20 years. Thailand Elite Visa holders enjoy convenient features that streamline living in Thailand, as well as a wealth of luxury perks and benefits, making it an exceptional choice for those seeking seamless residency in Thailand.
Travel Insurance for Visa on Arrival Visitors
With travel restrictions eased, Thailand has removed the need for Visa on Arrival visitors to provide proof of a valid COVID insurance policy. However, it is important to note that foreign visitors are not eligible for free medical care while in Thailand. If a foreigner requires medical attention, they will need to cover any expenses themselves.
Travel insurance is a wise choice for people traveling abroad. It not only covers COVID-related incidents but also:
- Medical emergencies
- Personal injury and accidents
- Missed or delayed flights
- Damage to belongings
- Lost luggage
For the best coverage possible while visiting Thailand and to avoid potential exclusions or conditions, choose travel insurance designed for Thailand.
AXA Thailand: AXA Sawasdee Thailand
AXA Sawasdee Thailand is a well-known and respected insurance company in Thailand that caters to visitors from all around the world. Their policies are straightforward and trusted by Thai authorities and medical institutions.
For the best Travel Insurance for a Visa on Arrival traveler, you can look to AXA Thailand.
