How to Apply For Thailand Visa

Introduction to Thailand’s Visa System

With its stunning beaches, rich cultural heritage, and world-renowned cuisine, Thailand has become one of the most popular destinations for global travelers, digital nomads, and retirees alike. Understanding Thailand visa system is essential for anyone planning to visit this Southeast Asian kingdom, whether for a short vacation or long-term stay. Recent updates to Thailand’s immigration policies, including the implementation of a digital arrival card and new visa categories, have made it more important than ever to have current information before planning your trip.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through every aspect of Thailand’s visa process – from the various types of visas available to their specific requirements, application procedures, and fees in both US dollars and Indian rupees. We’ll explore options ranging from short-term tourist visas to long-term residency solutions, providing you with the knowledge needed to choose the right visa for your specific situation and ensure a smooth, hassle-free entry into the Land of Smiles.

Short-Stay Visa Options

Visa Exemption Scheme

Thailand’s Visa Exemption Scheme allows passport holders from eligible countries to enter without obtaining a visa beforehand. This program currently permits a stay of up to 60 days for tourism and short-term business engagements. However, it’s important to note that the Thai government has announced plans to reduce this initial period to 30 days later in 2025. Travelers can extend their stay for an additional 30 days by visiting a local Thai immigration office before their initial permission period expires, providing a potential total stay of up to 90 days without a formal visa.

To utilize this scheme, you must have a valid passport (with at least six months validity), proof of onward travel (return ticket or ticket to another destination), and sometimes evidence of sufficient funds for your stay (typically 10,000 THB per person or 20,000 THB per family). It’s crucial to verify your specific country’s eligibility, as the list of eligible countries periodically changes. Some nationalities that currently qualify include the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, and many European countries.

Visa on Arrival (VOA)

For nationals of 18 designated countries who aren’t eligible for visa exemption but plan a shorter visit, Thailand offers a Visa on Arrival (VOA) . This option is available at select international airports and land border checkpoints, granting a stay of 15 days for tourism purposes only. The VOA requires applicants to join a dedicated queue upon arrival, complete an application form, and provide the necessary documentation.

Requirements for Visa on Arrival include:

• Valid passport with at least 30 days validity
• Recent passport-sized photograph (4×6 cm)
• Completed application form
• Confirmed return ticket within 15 days
• Proof of accommodation in Thailand
• Evidence of sufficient funds (at least 10,000 THB per person or 20,000 THB per family)
• Visa fee of 1,000 Thai Baht (payable in local currency only

Major airports offering VOA include Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports, Phuket International Airport, Chiang Mai International Airport, and several others. During peak travel seasons, wait times can be significant, so patience is advised.

Tourist Visa Details

Single-Entry Tourist Visa (TR)

The Single-Entry Tourist Visa (TR) is ideal for travelers planning an extended stay in Thailand without leaving the country during their visit. This visa permits a stay of up to 60 days from the date of entry, which can be extended for an additional 30 days at a local immigration office in Thailand, allowing for a potential total stay of 90 days. The visa itself is valid for 3 months from the date of issuance, meaning you must enter Thailand within this 3-month window.

Key requirements for Single-Entry Tourist Visa:

• Passport with minimum 6 months validity
• Completed visa application form
• Recent passport-sized photograph
• Proof of financial means (at least 10,000 THB per person/20,000 THB per family)
• Confirmed flight itinerary
• Proof of accommodation in Thailand
• Visa fee of $40 USD or ₹2,500 INR

This visa is appropriate for standard tourism activities, family visits, short medical treatments, and recreational learning courses such as scuba diving, Thai boxing, or cooking classes.

Multiple-Entry Tourist Visa (METV)

For frequent visitors to Thailand, the Multiple-Entry Tourist Visa (METV) offers greater flexibility. This visa allows unlimited entries to Thailand over a 6-month period, with each stay limited to 60 days (extendable by 30 days at local immigration offices). This means you could potentially stay nearly 9 months in Thailand by making a border run just before the 6-month validity expires and extending the final entry.

The METV has stricter financial requirements than the single-entry option, typically requiring proof of more substantial financial stability. The application process is similar to the single-entry visa but with additional documentation to demonstrate your need for multiple entries.

METV fees: $200 USD or ₹12,500 INR

This visa is particularly useful for those who need to make side trips to neighboring countries while using Thailand as a base, or for frequent business travelers who combine work with tourism activities.

Special Tourist Visa Options

Destination Thailand Visa (DTV)

Introduced to attract long-term visitors with specific interests, the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) caters to digital nomads, remote workers, freelancers, and participants in Thai cultural activities . This innovative visa offers a 5-year validity with multiple entries, with each entry permitting a stay of 180 days that can be extended for an additional 180 days at Thai immigration offices.

Eligibility categories for DTV:

• Digital nomads and remote workers
• Participants in Thai cultural activities (Muay Thai, Thai cooking, meditation, etc.)
• Those seeking medical treatment in Thailand
• Spouses and children under 20 of DTV holders

DTV fees: $400 USD or ₹25,000 INR

The DTV eliminates the need for frequent “visa runs” that were previously common among long-term visitors, providing a more stable immigration solution for those wishing to base themselves in Thailand for extended periods.

Thailand Privilege Visa

Formerly known as the Thailand Elite Visa, the Thailand Privilege Visa offers a premium, hassle-free long-term stay experience with exclusive benefits . Administered by Thailand Privilege Card Co., Ltd., this program provides multiple-entry visas valid from 5 to 20 years, depending on the membership tier selected.

Membership Tiers and Costs:

Membership Type	Validity	Cost (USD)	Cost (THB)
Bronze	5 Years	$19,000	650,000
Gold	5 Years	$24,760	900,000
Platinum	10 Years	$41,265	1,500,000
Diamond	15 Years	$68,776	2,500,000
Reserve	20 Years	$137,552	5,000,000

Exclusive benefits include:

• Fast-track immigration processing at major airports
• Access to premium airport lounges
• Personal assistant services
• Annual health checkups
• Golf and spa privileges
• Discounts at luxury establishments
• 24/7 member suppor

The Thailand Privilege Visa requires no financial proof beyond the membership fee and has minimal documentation requirements, making it one of the most straightforward long-term stay options, albeit at a premium price point.

Non-Immigrant Visas

Business Visa (Category B)

The Non-Immigrant Category B Visa is designed for those engaging in business activities, employment, or internships in Thailand. This visa initially permits a 90-day stay and can be converted to a one-year extension once the applicant obtains a work permit.

Common purposes for Business Visa:

• Business meetings and conferences
• Employment with a Thai company
• Internships (non-curricular)
• Investigating business opportunities
• Attending exhibitions and trade fairs

Requirements for Business Visa:

• Passport with at least 6 months validity
• Completed application form
• Letter from employer or inviting company in Thailand
• Business registration documents of inviting company
• Educational certificates and professional resume
• Proof of financial means (at least 20,000 THB if applying alone)
• Visa fee: $80 USD (single entry) or $200 USD (multiple entries

For Indian nationals, the Business Visa costs ₹5,000 INR for single entry or ₹12,500 INR for multiple entries. The multiple-entry option provides validity for one year, with each stay limited to 90 days.

Education Visa (Category ED)

The Non-Immigrant ED Visa is for individuals wishing to study, attend training, or participate in educational programs in Thailand. This visa category covers a wide range of educational activities from formal degree programs to short-term courses.

Eligible activities for ED Visa:

• Muay Thai training programs
• Degree programs at Thai universities
• Language courses (Thai or English)
• Vocational training programs
• Buddhist studies (for monks/nuns)
• Seminar and workshop participation

Requirements for ED Visa:

• Passport with minimum 6 months validity
• Acceptance letter from approved educational institution
• Documentation of course curriculum and schedule
• Proof of financial means (varies by course duration)
• Educational certificates (for degree programs)
• Visa fee: $80 USD or ₹5,000 INR for single entry

The ED Visa typically allows a 90-day stay initially, which can be extended every 90 days at local immigration offices for the duration of the study program, provided the educational institution supplies the necessary documentation.

Retirement Visa (Category O-A)

The Non-Immigrant O-A Visa offers retirees aged 50 and above the opportunity to stay in Thailand long-term. This visa provides one year of stay upon entry and can be renewed annually, provided the applicant continues to meet the requirements.

Financial requirements for Retirement Visa:

• Combination of savings and annual income totaling 800,000 THB
• Bank deposit of 800,000 THB in a Thai account for at least two months before application, OR
• Monthly income of 65,000 THB, OR

Additional requirements:

• Passport with minimum 12 months validity
• Medical certificate confirming absence of specific prohibited diseases
• Police clearance certificate from home country
• Health insurance with at least 40,000 THB outpatient coverage and 400,000 THB inpatient coverage
• Visa fee: $200 USD for one-year multiple entry visa

For Indian applicants, the retirement visa costs ₹12,500 INR . It’s important to note that those entering Thailand on a tourist visa or visa exemption cannot convert to a retirement visa without first leaving the country and applying at a Thai embassy or consulate abroad.

Other Non-Immigrant Visa Categories

Thailand offers several other specialized non-immigrant visa categories for specific purposes:

Category O (Other):

• Visiting or staying with Thai family members
• Long-term medical treatment (exceeding 60 days)
• Volunteer work with NGOs (without salary)
• Retirement (for those already in Thailand)
• Fees: $80 USD (single) or $200 USD (multiple)

Category IB (Investment):

• For investors in BOI-registered companies
• Requires investment approval from Thailand’s Board of Investment
• Fees: $80 USD (single) or $200 USD (multiple)

Category M (Media):

• For journalists, film crews, and media professionals
• Requires prior approval from relevant Thai authorities
• Fees: $80 USD (single) or $200 USD (multiple)

Category R (Religious):

• For missionaries and religious workers
• Requires approval from Thailand’s National Office of Buddhism or relevant authority
• Fee: $80 USD (single entry)

Long-Term Stay Options

Long-Term Resident Visa (LTR)

Thailand’s Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visa aims to attract “high-potential” individuals to strengthen the country’s economy and competitiveness as a regional hub. This visa offers a 10-year validity with multiple entries, subject to a $1,600 USD application fee.

LTR Visa Categories:

1. Wealthy Global Citizen: Individuals with at least $1 million in assets, minimum $80,000 annual income, and investment of $500,000 in Thai assets.
2. Wealthy Pensioner: Retirees aged 50+ with annual pension/income of at least $80,000 (or $40,000 with $250,000 investment in Thailand).
3. Work-From-Thailand Professional: Remote workers for established overseas companies with minimum $80,000 annual income (or $40,000 with Master’s degree or intellectual property).
4. Highly-Skilled Professional: Experts in targeted industries with minimum $80,000 annual income (no minimum for Thai government employees).
5. Dependents: Spouses and children under 20 of LTR visa holders

All LTR applicants must have health insurance with at least $50,000 coverage or $100,000 in deposits. For Indian nationals, the LTR visa costs ₹125,000 INR.

SMART Visa

The SMART Visa targets highly skilled professionals, investors, executives, and startup entrepreneurs in targeted industries. This visa offers maximum 4-year permission to stay, exemption from work permit requirements, and additional privileges.

SMART Visa Categories:

• S – Startup entrepreneurs
• M – Highly-skilled professionals
• A – Executives of targeted industries
• R – Investors
• T – Academics and researchers

SMART Visa Fees (for Indian nationals):

• 4 years: ₹100,000 INR
• 1 year: ₹25,000 INR
• 2 years: ₹50,000 INR
• 3 years: ₹75,000 INR

In USD, the SMART Visa costs $400 per year. Application approval must be obtained from Thailand’s Board of Investment before visa issuance.

Comparison of Long-Term Visa Options

Visa Type	Validity	Financial Requirement	Key Features
Thailand Privilege	5-20 years	$19,000-$137,552 membership fee	Premium benefits, no financial proof, multiple entries
LTR Visa	10 years	$80,000 annual income or $1M assets	Work rights, tax benefits, for “high-potential” individuals
SMART Visa	1-4 years	Varies by category	No work permit needed, for professionals in targeted industries
Retirement Visa	1 year (renewable)	800,000 THB in bank or 65,000 THB monthly income	For retirees aged 50+, annually renewable

Table: Comparison of Thailand’s long-term visa options

Visa Application Process

Step-by-Step Application Procedure

Applying for a Thailand visa involves a systematic process that varies slightly depending on your country of application and visa type. The following steps outline the general procedure:

1. Determine the Correct Visa Type: Based on your purpose of visit, select the appropriate visa category that matches your planned activities in Thailand.
2. Gather Required Documentation: Collect all necessary documents according to the specific requirements of your chosen visa category. This typically includes:
   • Passport with sufficient validity (usually 6+ months)
   • Completed visa application form
   • Recent passport-sized photographs
   • Proof of financial means
   • Supporting documents specific to visa type
   • Flight itinerary and accommodation details
3. Submit Application: Depending on your location and the visa type, you can submit through:
   • E-Visa Portal: Available in many countries including India.
   • Thai Embassy/Consulate: In-person or by mail submission
   • Authorized Visa Centers: Such as VFS Global in some countries
4. Pay Visa Fee: Fees must be paid using approved methods, typically credit card for e-visa applications.
5. Application Processing: Wait for processing, which can take up to 15 business days for some visa types.
6. Receive Visa Approval: For e-visa applications, you’ll receive an approval letter to present upon arrival. For sticker visas, your passport will be returned with the visa affixed.

Thailand E-Visa System

Thailand has implemented an E-Visa system in many countries, including India since January 2025. This digital platform allows applicants to complete the entire process online without visiting an embassy or consulate in person.

Key features of the E-Visa system:

• Online application and document submission
• Digital payment of visa fees
• Online tracking of application status
• Electronic visa approval (no physical passport stamp)
• Stickerless system – visa status linked electronically to your passport

The E-Visa system has significantly streamlined the application process, reducing processing times and eliminating the need to submit physical documents or passports in many cases.

Important Application Tips

• Apply at the Right Time: Visa validity typically begins from the date of issuance, so apply approximately 1 month before your planned travel date. Most visas have 90-day validity, meaning you must enter Thailand within this period.
• Ensure Document Accuracy: Double-check all information before submission, as visa fees are non-refundable if applications are rejected due to errors.
• Use Recent Photographs: Photos must be taken within the last 6 months with a plain white background.
• Apply Within Jurisdiction: You must apply to the Thai embassy or consulate with jurisdiction over your place of residence.
• Consider Processing Time: Allow sufficient time for processing (up to 15 business days for some visas) and potential requests for additional documentation.

Additional Important Information

Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC)

Effective May 1, 2025, Thailand replaced the physical TM6 arrival/departure card with the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC). All travelers must complete this digital form before entering Thailand, regardless of visa type or method of entry (air, land, or sea).

Key facts about TDAC:

• Must be submitted up to 3 days before arrival in Thailand
• Requires personal information, passport details, flight information, and Thai accommodation address
• Failure to complete may result in delays or denied entry
• Available through the official website: https://tdac.immigration.go.th

The implementation of TDAC is part of Thailand’s efforts to enhance border security, streamline immigration processing, and digitally manage traveler information.

Visa Fees and Currency

Visa fees must be paid in the local currency accepted by the embassy or consulate where you apply. For e-visa applications, payment is typically made by credit card only. The following table summarizes visa fees in both USD and INR:

Thailand Visa Fees Comparison:

Visa Type	USD Fee	INR Fee
Tourist Visa (Single)	$40	₹2,500
Tourist Visa (Multiple)	$200	₹12,500
Transit Visa	$35	₹2,000
Non-Immigrant Visa (Single)	$80	₹5,000
Non-Immigrant Visa (Multiple)	$200	₹12,500
Non-Immigrant B (3 years)	$400	₹25,000
Destination Thailand Visa (DTV)	$400	₹25,000
LTR Visa	$1,600	₹125,000
SMART Visa (per year)	$400	₹25,000

Entry Requirements and Regulations

Regardless of visa type, all travelers to Thailand must meet certain entry requirements:

• Passport Validity: Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond arrival date for most nationalities.
• Proof of Onward Travel: Immigration officials may request evidence of return or onward travel.
• Sufficient Funds: Must demonstrate adequate financial means for the duration of stay.
• Vaccination Requirements: Generally no COVID-19 vaccination requirements, except for travelers from yellow-fever endemic countries.

It’s crucial to comply with visa conditions and avoid overstaying, as penalties include fines (500 THB per day), arrest, detention, deportation at your own expense, and possible bans from re-entering Thailand.

Health Insurance Requirements

While not mandatory for all visitors, health insurance is required for certain visa types:

• Retirement Visa (O-A): Minimum 40,000 THB outpatient and 400,000 THB inpatient coverage.
• LTR Visa: Minimum $50,000 coverage or $100,000 in deposits.
• SMART Visa: Health insurance is typically required.

Even when not mandatory, comprehensive travel insurance with medical coverage is highly recommended for all travelers to protect against unexpected medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other travel-related issues.

Conclusion

Navigating Thailand visa system may seem complex initially, but with the right information and preparation, you can secure the appropriate visa for your needs. From short-term tourist visits to long-term residency options, Thailand offers a range of visa solutions to accommodate diverse travel purposes.

Remember that immigration regulations can change, so it’s always wise to check for updates from official sources such as the Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate websites before applying. With this comprehensive guide, you’re now equipped with the knowledge to make informed decisions about your Thailand visa options and embark on your journey with confidence.

Whether you’re planning a brief tropical getaway, seeking to establish a business presence, or looking to retire in paradise, Thailand’s visa system has options to help you realize your goals in the Land of Smiles.

How to Apply for Belgium Visas