Thailand visa on arrival

Only nationals of the following countries can obtain a visa on arrival for tourist purposes in Thailand:

• 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

Contrary to popular belief, visas on arrival in Thailand are not issued to Germans, Austrians, Swiss and travelers from the following countries:

Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Peru, South Korea, most European Union countries including Germany, France, Italy, Spain, and others; the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand; South African countries such as South Africa; Singapore, Japan, and other countries in Asia and Oceania.

Citizens of these countries can enter Thailand without a visa for up to 30 days (or up to 90 days for citizens of Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Peru, and South Korea), provided they meet the requirements for a visa-free stay. Germans are also allowed to stay in Thailand visa-free for up to 30 days. Citizens of the other countries mentioned above will be granted entry authorization in the form of a stamp in their passport for a tourist trip not exceeding 30 days, whether entering by air, land or sea.

Travelers subject to visa-free entry can go directly through passport control. There is no need to queue at the visa application counter upon arrival. However, foreign visitors are required to familiarize themselves with Thailand's entry regulations before traveling. A passport with at least 6 months validity is required to enter without a visa. In addition, proof of return flight or onward flight must be provided.

An arrival card and departure card must be filled out to obtain entry authorization. These documents are available at the border. When arriving by airplane or ship, passengers usually receive the cards already on board to fill them out with the help of crew personnel. When going through passport control in Thailand, border guards retain the entry card. The departure card is carried by visitors until departure. Care must be taken to ensure that it is not lost.

Visa-free entry to Thailand for most countries is limited to a stay of 30 days, regardless of the mode of entry (air, land or sea). A visa on arrival, available to nationals of some countries, also grants a 30-day stay.

Travelers with a single entry permit are usually granted a one-time extension of stay at the local immigration office for an additional 30 days. At the time of visa extension, questions about travel intentions should be expected and the necessary documents should be provided.

Thai immigration authorities continue to tighten measures against so-called "visa ranning" - the practice of briefly leaving and then returning to Thailand to re-extend one's stay. This practice is discouraged and may result in denial of entry.

For extended stays in Thailand, it is recommended that you apply for the appropriate visa in advance, such as a long-term tourist visa, retirement visa or digital nomad visa, depending on the purpose of your stay.

If you still have any questions about Thailand visas or the visa process, our visa agency will be happy to help you. We offer professional advice and support at all stages of the visa application process.

To stay in Thailand for more than 30 days, a visa must be applied for in advance. Options include tourist visa (up to 60 days), non-immigrant visas for work, study or retirement residence. Our agency will help you choose the best type of visa, prepare the documents and go through the processing. Trust us with visa formalities so you can focus on planning your trip. Contact us for professional assistance with your Thailand visa application.

• Bangkok Harbor Immigration Station
• Betong Immigration Station, Yala
• Chiang Mai International Airport
• Chiang Saen Immigration Station, Chiang Rai
• Don Muang International Airport, Bangkok
• Hatyai International Airport, Songkhla
• Immigration control at Chiang Rai Airport
• Krabi Immigration Checkpoint
• Mae Sai Immigration Station, Chiang Rai
• Maptaphut Immigration Checkpoint, district
• Nong Khai Immigration Checkpoint
• Phuket Immigration Station
• Phuket International Airport
• Sadao Immigration Station, Songkhla
• Samui Immigration Station, Surat Thani
• Samui International Airport, Surat Thani
• Satun Immigration Station
• Songkhla Harbor Immigration Checkpoint
• Sri Racha Immigration Station, Chonburi
• Sukhothai International Airport
• Suvarnabhumi Airport
• Tak Immigration Station
• Tapao International Airport, Rayong

Currency exchange facilities are available at major airports. Travelers arriving in Thailand by land are advised to exchange currency into Thai Baht before leaving their home country