If you are planning a holiday in Thailand, you will need a Thai tourist visa to enter the country. This visa comes in two versions: a single-entry tourist visa, which allows a stay of up to 60 days, and a multiple-entry tourist visa, which is valid for six months and allows a stay of up to 60 days per visit.

In this guide, we present the different options for a tourist visa, explain the requirements, and discuss alternative possibilities, such as visa exemption for eligible passport holders seeking a shorter stay of 30 days.

What is a Thai tourist visa?

The Thai tourist visa is a stamp or document issued by the Thai embassy or consulate in your home country that allows entry for tourism or medical purposes. You can also apply for the visa online through the Thai e-visa system. Some embassies use this system exclusively, so an in-person application is not possible. Contact the embassy where you wish to apply for more information.

The Thai tourist visa is different from the visa exemption stamp that is placed in your passport upon your arrival in Thailand. Please note that you are not permitted to work in Thailand with this visa, as it is valid solely for tourism purposes.

Tourist visa for single entry

  • Visa validity period: Valid for 3 months from the date of issue.
  • Length of stay per entry: Up to 60 days
  • Extendable: Yes, for another 30 days at a Thai immigration office.
  • Available from: Thai embassies or consulates abroad and via the e-visa portal
  • Option to include the family: Not available as a package; each family member must apply individually.

    • The single-entry tourist visa is ideal for travelers planning a one-time visit to Thailand. It allows a stay of up to 60 days with the option to extend this by 30 days after arrival. The visa expires upon departure from Thailand, and you will need a new visa for re-entry.

    Tourist visa for multiple entries

  • Visa validity period: Valid for 6 months from the date of issue.
  • Visa type: Multiple entry
  • Extendable: Yes, for another 30 days per entry

    • Visa on arrival

    If you are from one of the 31 approved countries or regions, you can apply for a tourist visa upon arrival at border crossings when entering Thailand. This visa allows you to stay for up to 15 days. To apply, you will need a valid passport, proof of onward travel, and the visa fee, which must be paid in cash in Thai Baht upon arrival.

    Visa exemption

    Nationals of 93 approved countries can stay in Thailand for up to 60 days under the Thai Visa Waiver Program for tourism, business, urgent matters, or short-term work. This stay can be extended by an additional 30 days; however, this decision is at the discretion of the immigration officer. For a longer stay, you must apply for a different visa before the maximum stay of 90 days expires.

    90-day non-immigrant visa

    The 90-day non-immigrant visa is a good option if you plan to stay in Thailand for reasons other than tourism, such as business, education, or retirement. It allows for an initial stay of 90 days and can be extended to one year by the Thai immigration authorities for certain reasons, such as retirement or marriage. You can apply by mail, in person at a Thai embassy or consulate, or through the Thai e-visa portal, offering flexibility in the application process.

    With the multiple-entry tourist visa, you can enter Thailand as often as you like within its six-month validity period; however, each stay is limited to 60 days. If you wish to stay longer, you can extend your stay by 30 days at the Thai immigration office, allowing for greater flexibility in your travel plans. This visa is ideal for those planning multiple trips to Thailand within six months, giving them ample time to explore.

    Long-term tourist visas for Thailand

    If you plan to visit Thailand frequently or stay for an extended period, applying for a Thai tourist visa can often be problematic. Fortunately, there are alternative tourist visas specifically designed for these needs. For example, you might consider two long-term tourist visas for Thailand:

    Thai Elite Visa

  • Visa validity period: Options for 5, 10, 15 or 20 years (depending on the chosen membership package)
  • Length of stay per entry: 1 year
  • Renewable: Automatic renewal within the membership period.
  • Available from: Thailand Elite Visa agents and Thailand Privilege Card Company Limited
  • Option to include family: Yes, there is an additional fee per family member.

    • The Thai Elite Visa allows foreigners to stay long-term without the hassle of frequent extensions. Each entry grants permission to stay for up to one year without needing to re-enter. Elite Visa holders also benefit from expedited immigration, exclusive support, and discounts on services such as airport transfers, healthcare, and leisure activities. Family members can be added to the membership for an additional fee. This makes the Elite Visa a flexible option for anyone who wants to live comfortably and long-term in Thailand.

    DTV Visa Thailand

  • Length of stay per entry: 180 days
  • Renewable: Yes, once per entry
  • Available from: A Thai embassy/consulate or online via Thailand's official e-visa website.
  • Option to include family: Yes

    • With a DTV visa, you can leave and re-enter Thailand as often as you like without needing a re-entry permit, unlike other Thai tourist visas. Each entry entitles you to a stay of 180 days. After that, you can simply leave and re-enter to extend your stay for another 180 days.

    Alternatively, you can extend your stay by 180 days once per entry. This allows you to stay in Thailand for almost a whole year before you have to leave and re-enter.

    However, this visa is not available to everyone, unlike the tourist visa and the Thailand Elite visa. To qualify, you must be a location-independent worker or "digital nomad" with proven employment, or participate in so-called Thai soft power activities.

    What are the requirements for a Thai tourist visa?

    To apply for a tourist visa for Thailand, you will need various documents and must pay a processing fee. However, both the fee and the required documents are subject to change and may vary depending on the country and embassy. We therefore recommend that you contact your local Thai embassy to inquire about the current requirements, the price, and whether you need to apply in person.

    Some countries offer a digital option, the Thai e-Visa, which allows for a faster application process for a tourist visa to Thailand. Inquire at your local Thai embassy about the e-Visa.

    The following documents are required to apply for a Thai tourist visa:

  • A completed application form
  • A passport or travel document valid for at least six months.
  • A passport photo
  • Return/onward tickets (fully paid)
  • Proof of financial stability, e.g. a bank statement (10,000 THB per person or 20,000 THB per family)
  • Proof of hotel booking or private accommodation arrangement

    • Professional services for Thai tourist visas

    If you would like to learn more about the Thai tourist visa, contact Siam Legal for detailed guidance on the application process and requirements. For fast visa application assistance and to ensure your travel plans run smoothly, contact Siam Legal today. Our consultants are happy to help you obtain your Thai tourist visa or any other Thai visa, so that entry problems and delays don't disrupt your trip to Thailand.

    Frequently asked questions about the Thai tourist visa

    How do I obtain a tourist visa for Thailand?

    You can apply online for a 60-day tourist visa, which allows you to stay for 60 days after arrival and can be extended for another 30 days. Alternatively, you can enter Thailand under the Visa Waiver Program. This visa grants you a 60-day stay upon arrival with the option to extend for another 30 days. Applications must be submitted from a country with a Thai embassy, ​​either in person or via the e-visa system.

    How much does a Thai tourist visa cost?

    The cost of a Thai tourist visa depends on the applicant's country of residence and the type of visa (single or multiple entry). It is best to check with the nearest Thai embassy or consulate for current visa fees, as prices and payment methods can vary by location.

    How long does it take to process a Thai tourist visa?

    The processing time for a Thai tourist visa is generally 2 to 10 working days, depending on the consulate or embassy where you apply and whether you submit your application in person or by mail. Online applications or those submitted to larger embassies may be processed more quickly, while others may take a few days longer.

    Can I apply for a Thai tourist visa online?

    Citizens of certain countries can apply for a Thai tourist visa online through the official Thai e-visa portal. This involves filling out forms, uploading documents, and paying fees electronically. After approval, you will receive a confirmation email, which you must present upon arrival in Thailand.

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