Visa Options for Foreigners coming to Thailand

Thinking about a trip to Thailand? Whether you’re planning to soak up the sun on its stunning beaches, explore bustling Bangkok, or savor the delicious street food, you’ll need to know a bit about Thai visas. Don’t worry—it’s not as complicated as it sounds. In this guide, we'll break down the essentials so you can focus on what really matters: having an unforgettable adventure in the Land of Smiles!

In this post, we will give a brief overview of the different types of visas currently available for travelers to Thailand.

Disclaimer: Visa regulations can be complex and are subject to change. While we've done our best to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we highly recommend double-checking all details with official sources or a Thai consulate before making any travel plans.

Visa on Arrival & Visa Exemption

If you are coming to Thailand for a holiday, or just a quick trip, you may not have to apply for a visa before you come. Some countries are exempt and their passport holders can receive up to 90 days visa free without the need to apply for a visa prior to coming. Check if you are entitiled to this privledge on our interactive visa on arrival map. If you are required to apply for a visa prior to arrival, you can check with your nearest Thai embassy using our embassy locator tool. 

While some countries are able to stay for up to 90 days, the majority of the countries entitled to a visa exemption are able to stay for 30 days, however, this can be extended for an additional 30 days as we will show in a later post. 

Tourist Visa

Tourist visas to Thailand, come to a few flavours, the first is the single entry tourist visa, and then second is a double entry. Note that all tourist visas need to be applied for at a Thai embassy, find your nearest Thai embassy here. Each entry of a tourist visa entitles the holder to stay a maximum of 3 months in the Kingdom, 2 months upon entry with the ability to extend for another 1 month within Thailand at your nearest immigration center. 

A double entry tourist visa can allow the holder a total of 6 months in Thailand, although at or before the 3 month point since entering the Kingdom, it will be required to leave the country and come back in. It is possible to do this on the same day i.e. get a bus to the border and then come back on the same day. There are many agencies in Thailand that provide this as a service for foreigners in this situation for those that don't want the hassle of doing it all alone. 

Business Visa

The Non-Immigrant B (Business) visa, commonly known as the Non-B visa, is essential for those planning to work in Thailand for a company based in the country. This visa is specifically designed for individuals who have secured employment in Thailand and need legal permission to stay and work. It allows foreign employees to reside in Thailand for an extended period while working for a Thai company.

Although naturally a Non-B is more complex than a tourist visa, it is almost certain that if you secure employment with a company in Thailand, there will be a dedicated legal team to help you with the documents and walk you through the process in general. 

Other

The Non-Immigrant O (Other) visa, commonly known as the Non-O visa, is a versatile visa category in Thailand, catering to a variety of needs beyond just tourism or business. This visa is typically used for purposes such as staying with Thai family members, retirement, volunteering, or undergoing medical treatment. It's an essential option for those who wish to stay in Thailand for extended periods under these circumstances. Whether you're joining your spouse, enjoying your retirement years, contributing to a charitable organization, or seeking medical care, the Non-O visa provides a legal pathway to make your stay in Thailand possible.

Digital Nomad Visa

Thailand's new digital nomad visa is designed to attract remote workers who want to experience the country's culture, affordable living, and modern infrastructure while working remotely. This visa allows digital nomads to legally live and work in Thailand for an extended period, providing them with access to the country's amenities and coworking spaces. With the introduction of this visa, Thailand aims to become a top destination for digital professionals seeking a blend of work and leisure. It should be noted that this visa is vey new as of Jun 7th 2024, and the requirements are subject to change. We advise those seeking this type of visa to contact both a legal professional and your local Thai embassy. 

Elite Visa

Thailand's Elite Visa is a premium long-term visa program tailored for those who wish to enjoy an extended stay in Thailand with added luxury and convenience. This exclusive visa offers various membership packages that grant holders privileges such as expedited immigration services, access to VIP airport lounges, and assistance with governmental procedures. Ideal for high-net-worth individuals, retirees, and frequent travelers, the Elite Visa provides a hassle-free experience, allowing members to live within Thailand for up to 20 years. With the Elite Visa, Thailand aims to attract discerning visitors seeking a seamless and enhanced lifestyle in the Land of Smiles. Although the Elite visa isn't a cheap option, it may be a valid method for those who will be staying long term and don't mind paying a large sum upfront to take your mind off visa issues for your entire stay.