Thailand Visa Types, Requirements, and Application
Did you know Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, is the most visited city in the world? So what are Thailand Visa types? How to apply for Thailand visa? This article will help you get a good grasp of the topic.
Who needs a visa to enter Thailand?
Visa exemption
Nationals from the following countries do not need a visa when entering Thailand for tourism purposes and will be permitted to stay in Thailand for a period of stay not exceeding 30 days on each visit:
Visa on arrival
Additionally, nationals from the following countries and territories can apply for a visa on arrival to stay in this country up to 15 days:
Thailand visa types
There are some popular types of Thailand visa as follows:
Tourist visa
This type of visa is issued for foreigners who want to visit Thailand for tourism and leisure purposes. You are required to show your travel insurance covering at least 50,000 US dollars.
Marriage visa
This type of visa is applied to the following categories of eligible applicants:
- Spouses of Thai citizens.
- Children (aged under 20) of Thai citizens.
- Volunteers who work for NGOs.
- Foreigners who want medical treatment in hospitals in Thailand.
SMART visa
This type of visa is applied to attract expert workers and investors to Thailand as long as they work in the following fields:
- Next-Generation Automotive
- Smart Electronics
- Advanced Tourism
- Agriculture and Biotechnology
- Sustainable Food Research
- Automation and Robotics
- Aviation and Logistics
- Biofuels and Biochemicals
- Digital Management
- Medical Hub
- Alternative Dispute Resolution
- Science and Technology
- Environment and Renewable Energy
Non-immigrant visa
This visa is issued for foreigners who want to visit Thailand for purposes of the stay except for tourism purposes.
Work visa
The required additional document to submit when you apply for visa on this matter. The list consists of:
- A letter of approval issued by the Ministry of Labour in Thailand.
- Proofs of sufficient mean covering at least 20,000 Thai baht individually.
- Police clearance certificate.
Student visa
This visa is granted for international students wishing to pursue further education in Thailand.
Business visa
You will need to lodge an application when you visit Thailand for business-related purposes such as conducting a business meeting or negotiating trade deals.
Retirement visa
This visa is divided into two categories which are O-A visa and O-X visa.
- O-A visa allows the foreigners to stay in Thailand for a year without intending to work.
- O-X visa allows the foreigners to stay in Thailand for 10 years without intending to work.
Nationals from the following countries are eligible for O-X Visa:
Thailand visa requirements
General visa requirements
These are some general documents you are required to submit when you apply for Thailand visa.
- A duly completed visa application form.
- Two recently taken photos on the white background.
- Biographic documents including birth certificate.
- A valid passport which does not exceed 10 years.
- A return ticket or flights booking proof.
- Documents showing your sufficient finance such as bank statements, payroll or bank balance.
- Confirmed accommodation documents.
- Civil status proofs to justify.
Asides from the given indispensable documents, there are some additional papers you need to submit based on the purpose of the visit.
How to apply for the Thailand visa?
You need to follow these following steps one by one for the Thailand visa application.
Step#1. Be prepared
You need to pick a reasonable time to apply for Thailand visa. You will prepare your visa application, including but not limited to: your duration of visa, your purpose of the stay, your type of visa and choose the nearest destination of the Embassy or Consulate to apply.
Step#2. Fill out visa application form
You will complete the application form with the aforementioned details and gather the necessary documents which are tailored for your type of visa.
Step#3. Pay Thailand visa fee
The fee of visa hinges on the type of visa:
- The fee for a transit visa is 800 baht per entry
- The fee for a tourist visa is 1,000 baht per entry
- The fee for a non-immigrant visa is:
– Single entry 2,000 baht
– Multiple entry 5,000 baht every year
– Multiple entry 5,000 baht every 3 years (applies to nationals of APEC members) - The fee for an immigrant visa is 1,900 baht
- The fee for a non-quota immigrant visa is:
– Single entry 1,900 baht
– Multiple entry 3,800 baht every year
Step#4. Book an appointment
You need to book a visa appointment with your applied Embassy or Consulate.
Step#5. Attend the visa interview
You will hand in your required and supplement documents to your application destination. This will be the step to confirm your purpose and decide whether you will be granted or rejected.
Step#6. Obtain the visa
After processing time, you will be notified by the Embassy and a Thailand visa will be stamped over your passport.