For many of us, one of the first things we consider when planning to travel abroad is whether we need to go through the hassle of applying for a visa. While some nationalities are more fortunate than others and are able to enter some countries without a visa, for others it can be a time-consuming process. If you’re considering traveling to Thailand, you may be wondering whether or not you need a visa.
Luckily, some nationalities are exempt from obtaining a visa, while others can get a visa on arrival, making traveling to Thailand easier and more accessible. However, it’s important to understand the requirements and limitations of a visa on arrival before embarking on your trip.
This blog was written to make that process somewhat easier. We will be covering exactly that, as well as providing a comprehensive list of all the countries that can get a visa on arrival in Thailand. Whether you’re a last-minute traveler or simply looking to avoid the hassle of applying for a visa, knowing the visa requirements for Thailand is essential for a smooth and stress-free trip. So, let’s dive in and see if you’re one of the lucky nationalities that can get a visa on arrival in Thailand.
There are currently 64 countries that are exempt from needing a visa for tourism purposes. As long as you’re from an approved country and strictly visiting for tourism, all you need is a genuine passport with a valid expiry of over 6 months and a valid address in Thailand that can be verified, such as a hotel or apartment.
Additionally, you must have a confirmed return ticket exiting Thailand within 30 days and provide proof of funds of at least 10,000 THB for single travelers or 20,000 THB per family during your stay in Thailand.
It’s important to note that traveling overland by train, bus, or other means to neighboring countries is not accepted as proof of exiting Thailand. With these requirements met, you can enjoy a stress-free visit to Thailand.
1. Andorra |
2. Argentina (90 days) |
3. Australia |
4. Austria |
5. Bahrain |
6. Belgium |
7. Brazil (30 and 90 days) |
8. Brunei |
9. Cambodia (14 days only) |
10. Canada |
11. Chile (90 days) |
12. Czech Republic |
13. Denmark |
14. Estonia |
15. Finland |
16. France |
17. Germany |
18. Greece |
19. Hong Kong |
20. Hungary |
21. Iceland |
22. Indonesia |
23. Ireland |
24. Israel |
25. Italy |
26. Japan |
27. Korea (30 and 90 days) |
28. Kuwait |
29. Laos |
30. Latvia |
31. Liechtenstein |
32. Lithuania |
33. Luxembourg |
34. Macau |
35. Malaysia |
36. Maldives |
37. Mauritius |
38. Myanmar (14 days only) |
39. Monaco |
40. Mongolia |
41. Netherlands |
42. New Zealand |
43. Norway |
44. Oman |
45. Peru (30 and 90 days) |
46. Philippines |
47. Poland |
48. Portugal |
49. Qatar |
50. Russia |
51. San Marino |
52. Singapore |
53. Slovak Republic |
54. Slovenia |
55. South Africa |
56. Spain |
57. Sweden |
58. Switzerland |
59. Turkey |
60. Ukraine |
61. United Arab Emirates |
62. United Kingdom |
63. United States |
64. Vietnam |
One of the easiest ways to enter Thailand as a tourist is through a Visa on Arrival. A Thailand Tourist Visa on Arrival is a type of visa that allows citizens of certain countries to enter Thailand for tourism purposes without having to apply for a visa in advance. This means that travelers can get their visa upon arrival at any of the designated entry points in Thailand.
When you arrive at the airport or any other entry point, you will need to fill out a visa application form and provide the required documents. The visa fee is 2,000 Baht (about $65 USD) and must be paid in cash. After you have submitted your application and paid the fee, you will receive a visa sticker that will be placed in your passport. The Thailand Tourist Visa on Arrival is valid for up to 15 days and can be extended for an additional 15 days (currently extended to 30 days for those traveling into Thailand before the 31st March 2023). If you plan to stay in Thailand for longer than 30 days, you will need to apply for a tourist visa in advance at a Thai embassy or consulate.
If you’ve fallen in love with Thailand and want to make this country your home for work, retirement, wellness, studies, or just for a change of lifestyle. Please make sure you have the right visa for your purpose of stay. A word of advice, it’s best to figure this out at least two months before your current visa expires. And if possible, consider using a reputable visa service provider to make the process less stressful and time-consuming, even if it may cost a bit more. Trust us, it’s worth it in the end!