Thai Visa

Passport & Visa Requirements for Thailand

Before travelling to Thailand, it is essential to check which visa type you need to apply for. Thailand offers a variety of visa categories that allow foreigners to stay in the Kingdom legally, depending on the purpose and length of stay.

All tourists travelling to Phuket and anywhere in Thailand must hold a passport valid for at least six (6) months beyond their intended stay.
Retirement visa applicants must have a passport valid for at least 18 months.

Thailand has more than 30 international immigration checkpoints. Most visitors arrive via Suvarnabhumi International Airport (Bangkok) or Phuket International Airport.
For a full list of immigration checkpoints and official visa information, travellers are advised to consult the Thailand Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Types of Thai Visas

  • Transit Visa

  • Tourist Visa

  • Non-Immigrant Visa

  • Diplomatic Visa

  • Official Visa

  • Courtesy Visa

TOURIST VISA

1. Requirements

This visa is issued to applicants who wish to enter Thailand for tourism purposes.

2. Documents Required

  • Passport or travel document valid for at least 6 months

  • Completed visa application form

  • Recent passport-sized photograph (4 x 6 cm)

  • Proof of onward or return travel (fully paid air ticket)

  • Proof of sufficient funds:

    • 20,000 THB per person

    • 40,000 THB per family

  • Consular officers reserve the right to request additional documents if required

3. Visa Fee

  • 1,000 THB per entry
    (Fees may change without prior notice)

4. Visa Validity

  • 3 months or 6 months

5. Period of Stay

  • Up to 60 days per entry

6. Extension of Stay

Tourists wishing to extend their stay or change visa type must apply at an Immigration Office in Thailand. Approval is solely at the discretion of the Immigration Officer.

7. Additional Requirements

Nationals of certain countries must apply for a visa only at a Thai Embassy or Consulate in their home or residence country. Travellers should always confirm requirements before departure.

NON-IMMIGRANT VISA

If you are entering Thailand for purposes other than tourism, you must obtain a Non-Immigrant Visa before arrival.

Common Non-Immigrant Visa Categories

  • Category B – Business / Employment

  • Category O – Dependents / Family / Retirement

  • Category O-A – Long-stay Retirement

Other categories include Education (ED), Media (M), Religious (R), Expert (EX), Research (RS), Official (F), Investment (IB / IM), and more.

Recent regulations require stricter documentation checks, including invitation letters, employer documentation, and approvals from relevant Thai authorities.

Important: Foreigners are not permitted to work in Thailand under any visa type unless they are granted a Work Permit.
https://www.thaiembassy.com/thailand/work-permit-requirements

NON-IMMIGRANT VISA – YEARLY EXTENSIONS

Holders of qualifying Non-Immigrant Visas may apply for a one-year extension of stay from the date of entry, subject to Immigration Bureau approval.

Key Financial Requirements

  • Marriage to Thai national:

    • 400,000 THB in a Thai bank or 40,000 THB monthly income

  • Retirement:

    • 800,000 THB in a Thai bank or 65,000 THB monthly income

Extensions are granted at the discretion of Immigration Officers.

ENTRY TYPES FOR NON-IMMIGRANT VISAS

1. Single Entry

  • Valid for 3 months

  • One stay of up to 90 days

  • Can be extended by 30 days inside Thailand

2. Multiple Entry (O & B)

  • Valid for 12 months

  • Multiple stays of up to 90 days per entry

  • Requires exit and re-entry to activate each stay

3. Three-Year Multiple Entry (Business Only)

  • Valid for 36 months

  • Strictly requires supporting business documentation

  • Employment prohibited without a work permit

RETIREMENT VISA (PHUKET)

Applicants aged 50 years or older may apply for a retirement visa if they:

  • Have no criminal record

  • Meet financial requirements

  • Do not engage in employment

Non-Immigrant O-A (Long Stay)

  • Valid for 1 year

  • Employment strictly prohibited

VISA RUNS

If you wish to stay longer than permitted:

  • Apply for a 60-day tourist visa before arrival

  • Extend by 30 days at Immigration (fee applies)

  • Alternatively, exit and re-enter Thailand (visa waiver rules apply)

Visa runs are increasingly monitored and may require proof of onward travel.

IMMIGRATION OFFICES IN PHUKET

Phuket Town Immigration Office
482 Phuket Road, Phuket Town 83000
Tel: +66 (0)76 221 905

Patong Immigration Office
Beach Road, Patong
Tel: +66 (0)76 340 477
Open Mondays and Fridays only

IMPORTANT NOTICE

In accordance with the Immigration Act B.E. 2522

  1. Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC)
    All passengers must complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card prior to arrival.

  2. 90-Day Reporting Requirement
    Foreigners staying in Thailand longer than 90 days must report their current address to the nearest Immigration Office and repeat this process every 90 days.

  3. Work Permit Requirement
    Foreign nationals are strictly prohibited from working in Thailand unless a valid Work Permit has been issued.

  4. Advance Arrival Submission
    Foreigners must submit arrival card information at least 3 days before their arrival date in Thailand.

⚠️ Visa rules and requirements may change without notice. Travellers are strongly advised to consult the nearest Thai Embassy, Consulate, or official government website prior to travel.