Visa in Thailand
Thailand offers several types of visas depending on the purpose of your visit. Below is an overview of the most common types of visas for Thailand:
1. Tourist Visa
- Purpose: Tourism and leisure.
- Duration:
- Single Entry: 60 days (extendable for 30 days).
- Multiple Entry: 6 months with a maximum stay of 60 days per entry.
- Requirements:
- Passport valid for at least 6 months.
- Completed visa application form.
- Passport-sized photos.
- Proof of onward travel (e.g., flight ticket).
- Proof of sufficient funds.
2. Visa on Arrival (VOA)
- Purpose: Short-term tourism.
- Duration: Up to 15 days.
- Eligible Nationalities: Citizens of select countries (e.g., China, India).
- Requirements:
- Passport valid for at least 30 days.
- Proof of onward travel.
- Proof of accommodation in Thailand.
- Visa fee (typically 2,000 THB).
3. Non-Immigrant Visa
- Purpose: Business, work, education, retirement, or long-term stay.
- Categories:
- Business Visa (Non-B): For work or business purposes.
- Education Visa (Non-ED): For studying in Thailand.
- Marriage/Family Visa (Non-O): For family visits or spouses of Thai citizens.
- Retirement Visa (Non-OA): For individuals aged 50+ seeking to retire in Thailand.
- Duration: 90 days initially (can be extended up to one year).
- Requirements: Vary depending on category but usually include proof of purpose (e.g., work permit, school acceptance letter).
4. Thailand Elite Visa
- Purpose: Long-term stay with VIP services.
- Duration: 5 to 20 years (depending on the package).
- Requirements: Membership fee ranging from 600,000 THB to 2 million THB.
5. Special Tourist Visa (STV)
- Purpose: Extended tourism stays (introduced during COVID-19, status subject to updates).
- Duration: Up to 270 days (90 days per entry, renewable twice).
- Requirements:
Proof of long-term accommodation.
Health insurance covering COVID-19.
6. Border Runs and Visa Extensions
- Visa Extensions: Tourist visas can typically be extended at Thai immigration offices for 30 days.
- Border Runs: Traveling to a neighboring country and re-entering Thailand to reset your visa. Be cautious as frequent runs might raise concerns with immigration authorities.