Introduction
Thailand is a popular destination for tourists from all over the world. It offers beautiful beaches, tropical climate, delicious food, and rich cultural heritage. As a tourist, you may need a visa to enter Thailand, depending on your country of origin and the purpose of your visit. However, if you are eligible, you can get a visa on arrival at the airport or the border checkpoint. In this article, we will explain everything you need to know about getting a Thailand visa on arrival as a tourist.
Who is Eligible for Thailand Visa On Arrival?
Not all tourists are eligible for a visa on arrival in Thailand. You must meet the following criteria:
- You hold a passport from one of the eligible countries.
- You are visiting Thailand for tourism purposes only.
- You have a confirmed return ticket within 15 days from the date of entry.
- You have sufficient funds of at least 10,000 Baht per person or 20,000 Baht per family.
- You have a recent passport-size photo (4×6 cm) to attach to the application form.
If you do not meet any of these criteria, you may not be able to get a visa on arrival and may need to apply for a visa in advance at the Thai embassy or consulate in your country.
How to Apply for Thailand Visa On Arrival?
If you are eligible for a visa on arrival, you can apply for it at the airport or the border checkpoint when you arrive in Thailand. Here are the steps:
- Look for the “Visa on Arrival” sign or ask the immigration officer.
- Get the application form and the arrival/departure card.
- Fill out the application form and attach the photo.
- Pay the visa fee of 2,000 Baht in cash (or equivalent in other currencies).
- Wait for your turn to be called by the immigration officer.
- Submit the application form, arrival/departure card, and passport to the officer.
- Wait for the officer to stamp your passport and give you the visa.
The whole process usually takes around 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the number of applicants and the efficiency of the immigration officers.
What Are the Requirements for Thailand Visa On Arrival?
In addition to the eligibility criteria mentioned above, you need to prepare the following documents and information for the visa on arrival application:
- Your original passport with at least 6 months validity from the date of entry.
- Your completed application form with a recent passport-size photo attached.
- Your confirmed return ticket within 15 days from the date of entry.
- Your proof of funds, such as cash, credit card, or traveler’s cheques, of at least 10,000 Baht per person or 20,000 Baht per family.
- Your hotel reservation or address of your accommodation in Thailand.
- Your travel itinerary or plan in Thailand.
If you cannot provide any of these documents or information, you may be refused the visa on arrival. Therefore, it is important to make sure you have everything ready before you arrive in Thailand.
How Much Does Thailand Visa On Arrival Cost?
The visa on arrival fee for Thailand is 2,000 Baht per person, regardless of your nationality or the length of your stay. You can pay the fee in cash (Thai Baht, US Dollar, Euro, Pound Sterling, etc.) or equivalent in other currencies at the immigration checkpoint.
How Long is Thailand Visa On Arrival Valid For?
The visa on arrival for Thailand is valid for 15 days from the date of entry. You can stay in Thailand for up to 15 days as a tourist, and then you must leave the country or apply for an extension if you wish to stay longer.
How to Extend Thailand Visa On Arrival?
If you wish to stay in Thailand for more than 15 days, you can apply for a visa extension at the immigration office or the Thai embassy or consulate in Thailand. Here are the requirements and steps for the visa extension:
- You must apply for the extension before your visa on arrival expires.
- You must have a valid reason for the extension, such as business, education, or medical treatment.
- You must have sufficient funds and a return ticket.
- You need to fill out the application form and pay the fee (1,900 Baht for a 7-day extension or 3,800 Baht for a 30-day extension).
- You need to wait for the processing time, which can take up to 7 working days.
- Once approved, you will receive a new visa sticker in your passport.
It is important to note that the visa extension is not guaranteed and is subject to the discretion of the immigration officer. Therefore, it is advisable to apply for the extension as early as possible and provide all the necessary documents and information to support your application.
Conclusion
Thailand visa on arrival is a convenient and affordable option for tourists who want to visit Thailand for a short period of time. However, you need to make sure you meet the eligibility criteria and prepare all the required documents and information for the application. You also need to be aware of the visa conditions, such as the duration and the possibility of extension. By following the guidelines and tips in this article, you can enjoy your trip to Thailand without any visa-related issues.
