Thailand offers a variety of visas for travelers who wish to visit or stay in the country for different purposes. Each type of visa has its own eligibility requirements, validity period, and permitted activities.

The most common type of visa for tourists is the tourist visa (TR), which allows visitors to enter Thailand for tourism purposes, including sightseeing, visiting friends and relatives, or attending cultural events. This type of visa is valid for up to 60 days and can be extended for an additional 30 days. It's important to note that travelers entering Thailand on a tourist visa are not permitted to engage in any work or business activities.

For travelers who need to transit through Thailand to reach their final destination, there is the transit visa (TS), which is valid for up to 30 days. This type of visa is suitable for travelers who have a connecting flight in Thailand and do not plan to stay in the country for an extended period of time.

For those who need to visit Thailand for business purposes, there is the business visa (B), which allows travelers to engage in business-related activities such as attending meetings, conferences, or trade shows. This type of visa is valid for up to 90 days and can be extended for an additional 90 days.

For individuals who plan to work or study in Thailand, there are specific visas that must be obtained. The work permit and non-immigrant B visa are required for individuals who plan to work in Thailand, while the non-immigrant ED visa is required for individuals who plan to study in Thailand.

Other types of visas for specific purposes include the retirement visa (O-A), which is designed for individuals over the age of 50 who wish to retire in Thailand, and the marriage visa (O), which is designed for individuals who are married to a Thai national and wish to reside in Thailand.

It's important to understand the different types of visas available for travel to Thailand, their eligibility requirements, and permitted activities. It's recommended to carefully review the specific requirements for the visa category you are applying for and ensure that all required documents are provided as part of your application.

Visa Types & Categories to Apply for Thailand

There are several types and categories of visas that can be applied for to enter Thailand. The type of visa required will depend on the purpose of your visit and the length of your stay in the country. Here are some of the most common visa types and categories for entering Thailand:-

• Tourist Visa(Tourism, short visit or medical)
• Business & Investor Visa(Conducting business or working)
  • Non-Immigrant B
  • Non-Immigrant IB
• Non-Immigrant ED(Visit to study)
• Non-Immigrant O(Visiting friends and family)
• Transit Visa(Transit, sports activities or crew)
• Long Stay (Long-stay visa to Thailand)
  • Non-Immigrant O-A
  • Non-Immigrant O-X (10 years)
• Smart Visa(Executives, entrepreneurs or investor)
• Non-Immigrant F(Government or diplomatic mission)
• Diplomatic Visa/Official Visa(UN Laissez Passer or official passport)
  • Diplomatic Visa
  • Official Visa
• Long -Term Resident Visa (LTR)
  • Wealthy Global Citizen
  • Wealthy Pensioner
  • Work - From - Thailand Professional
  • Highly - Skilled Professional
  • Spouses and dependents of LTR visa holders will also qualify for the same visas.

Thailand Tourist Visa

Thailand is a popular tourist destination known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife, and rich cultural heritage. To enter Thailand for tourism purposes, travelers are required to obtain a tourist visa. A tourist visa is a type of visa that allows visitors to enter Thailand for a limited period of time for the purpose of tourism, sightseeing, or visiting friends and family.

The tourist visa can be obtained through the Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate in your home country or through the Thailand eVisa system, which allows travelers to apply for a visa online. The tourist visa is valid for a period of 60 days and can be extended for an additional 30 days at an immigration office in Thailand. It's important to note that travelers entering Thailand on a tourist visa are not permitted to engage in any work or business activities.

To apply for a tourist visa, you will need to provide a valid passport, a completed visa application form, a passport-sized photo, and proof of sufficient funds for your stay in Thailand. You may also be required to provide proof of onward travel and accommodation arrangements.

It's important to plan your trip carefully and apply for your tourist visa well in advance of your planned travel dates. It's also important to ensure that you have all the necessary documents and meet the eligibility requirements before submitting your visa application.

Thailand Business & Investor Visa

Thailand offers various visas for foreign individuals who want to engage in business or investment activities in the country. The two main types of visas for this purpose are the Business Visa (B Visa) and the Investment Visa (IB Visa).

The B Visa is designed for individuals who plan to conduct business in Thailand, such as attending meetings, conferences, or trade shows. It is valid for up to 90 days and can be extended for another 90 days. Applicants must provide a valid passport, a completed visa application form, a passport-sized photo, and proof of sufficient funds for their stay in Thailand. Holders of the B Visa are not allowed to work in Thailand.

Non-Immigrant B

The Non-Immigrant B visa in Thailand is a type of visa that allows foreign nationals to enter and stay in the country for the purposes of conducting business activities. This visa is issued to individuals who plan to engage in business activities such as attending meetings, conferences, or seminars, conducting market research, exploring business opportunities, or investing in a business venture in Thailand.

To apply for a Non-Immigrant B visa in Thailand, you will need to provide the following documents:

• A valid passport with at least six months of remaining validity and a blank visa page.
• A completed visa application form.
• A recent passport-sized photograph.
• A letter from your employer or business partner in Thailand, stating the purpose of your visit and confirming your business activities.
• A copy of your flight itinerary or confirmed booking.
• Proof of financial means to support yourself during your stay in Thailand.
• Any additional documents requested.

The processing time for a Non-Immigrant B visa in Thailand varies depending on the embassy or consulate where you apply. Once issued, the visa is usually valid for 90 days and can be extended for up to one year, depending on your business activities in Thailand.

Non-Immigrant IB

However, there is a visa category called Non-Immigrant IB which is similar to the Non-Immigrant B visa category, but with additional requirements for investors who want to invest in a business in Thailand.

The Non-Immigrant IB visa is designed for foreign investors who plan to invest in Thailand and wish to stay in the country to oversee their business operations. To be eligible for this visa, the applicant must meet the following requirements:

• The applicant must invest a minimum of 10 million Thai Baht in a business in Thailand.
• The business must be in a category that is open to foreign investment.
• The applicant must provide evidence of the investment, such as bank statements or investment certificates.
• The applicant must provide a business plan for the proposed business in Thailand.

The applicant must provide a police clearance certificate from their country of origin.

Once the Non-Immigrant IB visa is granted, the investor can stay in Thailand for up to one year. After one year, the investor can apply for a renewal of the visa for an additional year, as long as the investment is still active and meets the visa requirements. The investor can also apply for a work permit to legally work in their business in Thailand.

Thailand Non-Immigrant ED

The Non-Immigrant ED visa in Thailand is a type of visa that allows foreign nationals to enter and stay in Thailand for educational purposes. This visa is issued to individuals who wish to study or undertake research activities in Thailand.

The Non-Immigrant ED visa is suitable for those who want to attend a Thai language course, a vocational school, a university or other educational institution in Thailand. To apply for this visa, the applicant must provide the following documents:

• An acceptance letter from the educational institution in Thailand stating the duration and purpose of your course.
• Proof of financial means to support yourself during your stay in Thailand.

Once the Non-Immigrant ED visa is granted, the applicant can stay in Thailand for the duration of their course or program, which is usually up to one year. The visa can be extended for another year if the applicant continues to study or research in Thailand. It is important to note that the Non-Immigrant ED visa does not allow the holder to work in Thailand.

Thailand Non-Immigrant O

The Non-Immigrant O visa in Thailand is a type of visa that allows foreign nationals to enter and stay in the country for various purposes, including visiting family, volunteering, and retirement.

Non-Immigrant O (Single Entry): This visa is issued to individuals who wish to visit their Thai family members, volunteer or participate in short-term projects, or engage in religious activities. The visa is valid for 90 days from the date of entry and can be extended for up to one year.

To apply for a Non-Immigrant O visa, the applicant must provide the following documents:

• Supporting documents to prove the purpose of the visit, such as an invitation letter from a family member or a retirement plan.
• Proof of financial means to support yourself during your stay in Thailand.

Thailand Transit Visa

A Transit visa is issued to applicants who enter Thailand for the purpose of transiting through airports in Thailand for a period not exceeding 12 hours before traveling to a third destination country or returning to their country of origin. This means that if you are traveling to another country and have a layover in Thailand that is longer than 12 hours, you may need to apply for a Transit visa to enter the country.

To apply for a Transit visa, you will need to provide the Thai embassy or consulate with certain documents, such as a valid passport, a confirmed onward ticket to a third destination country, and proof of sufficient funds to cover your expenses during your stay in Thailand.It's essential to note that visa requirements can vary based on your nationality

Thailand Long Stay

Thailand offers a Long Stay visa for foreigners who wish to stay in the country for an extended period. The Long Stay visa is suitable for retirees, digital nomads, and other individuals who wish to stay in Thailand for an extended period to enjoy its culture, beaches, and affordable lifestyle.

To apply for a Long Stay visa, you must meet certain requirements, such as having a valid passport with at least six months of validity remaining, being of good health and character, and having proof of sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay.

The Long Stay visa allows you to stay in Thailand for up to one year, and it can be extended for an additional year. You will need to apply for an extension at least 30 days before your current visa expires.

• To be eligible for a Long Stay visa, you will need to demonstrate that you meet one of the following criteria:
• You are 50 years old or above and have a minimum of THB 1.8 million (approximately USD 60,000) in a Thai bank account or a monthly income of THB 65,000 (approximately USD 2,200).
• You are married to a Thai citizen, and you have a minimum of THB 400,000 (approximately USD 13,000) in a Thai bank account or a monthly income of THB 40,000 (approximately USD 1,300).
• You have a work permit and a valid employment contract in Thailand.
• You are a foreigner with a child who is studying in Thailand.

Non-Immigrant O-A

This visa is issued to individuals who are 50 years old or older and wish to retire in Thailand. The visa is valid for one year and can be renewed annually. To be eligible for this visa, the applicant must provide proof of retirement or a monthly income of at least 65,000 Thai Baht, or a combination of both.

Non-Immigrant O-X (10 years)

This visa is issued to individuals who are 50 years old or older and wish to retire in Thailand with higher income or investment. The visa is valid for five years and can be renewed as long as the applicant continues to meet the eligibility requirements. To be eligible for this visa, the applicant must provide proof of a monthly income of at least 100,000 Thai Baht, or a combination of a monthly income and a bank deposit or investment in Thailand.

Thailand Smart Visa

Thailand Smart Visa is a special type of visa for foreign professionals who wish to work, invest, or start a business in Thailand's targeted industries. The visa aims to attract high-skilled professionals and entrepreneurs to the country, support the development of key industries, and drive the country's economic growth.

To be eligible for a Smart Visa, you must meet the following criteria:

• You must be a foreigner with expertise in one of the targeted industries, such as digital technology, aviation, biochemistry, robotics, and more.
• You must have a job offer from a company registered in Thailand or intend to start a business in one of the targeted industries.
• You must have a minimum salary of THB 200,000 (approximately USD 6,600) per month.
• You must hold a valid passport and have no criminal record.

The Smart Visa allows you to stay in Thailand for up to four years, and it can be extended as long as you continue to meet the eligibility criteria. The visa also allows your spouse and children to accompany you to Thailand and work or study in the country.

Thailand Non-Immigrant F

Applicants who intend to visit Thailand for the following purposes can apply for the Non-Immigrant F visa:

• To work with the government, diplomatic mission, or an international organization in Thailand, including immediate family members.
• To attend a meeting with a Thai agency or participate in an event organized by the Thai government.
• Family or dependents of diplomatic officers/officials based in Thailand.

To apply for a Non-Immigrant F visa, you will need to meet certain requirements, such as having a valid passport, a letter of invitation from a host organization in Thailand, and proof of financial support.

In addition to these requirements, you may also need to provide other documents, such as a criminal background check, a medical certificate, and a certificate of educational qualification.

The Non-Immigrant F visa is typically issued for a period of up to 90 days, and it can be extended at the discretion of the Thai immigration authorities. If you plan to stay in Thailand for longer than 90 days, you will need to apply for an extension at the nearest immigration office before your current visa expires.

It's important to note that the requirements for the Non-Immigrant F visa can vary depending on the type of non-profit or volunteer activity you will be engaging in. Therefore, it's always best to check with the Thai embassy or consulate in your country for the latest visa regulations and application procedures.

Thailand Diplomatic Visa/Official Visa

Thailand issues diplomatic visas and official visas to foreign nationals who are traveling to Thailand on official business on behalf of their government or international organization.

Diplomatic visas are issued to foreign diplomats, high-ranking government officials, and their family members who are traveling to Thailand on official business. These visas are typically issued free of charge and are valid for multiple entries. Diplomatic visa holders are also exempt from certain immigration requirements, such as the requirement to obtain a work permit.

Official visas are issued to foreign government officials, employees of international organizations, and other individuals who are traveling to Thailand on official business. These visas are also typically issued free of charge and are valid for multiple entries. Official visa holders may be required to obtain a work permit if they will be working in Thailand during their stay.

To apply for a diplomatic or official visa, applicants must submit their application and supporting documents to the Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate in their home country. The processing time and requirements may vary depending on the country and the specific circumstances of the applicant's trip.

Diplomatic Visa

Diplomatic visas are specifically for diplomatic passport holders and red UN Laissez-Passer holders who are visiting Thailand for official purposes or will be posted in Thailand.

Diplomatic Visa "F" is issued to individuals who are visiting Thailand on official business or activities on behalf of their national government or international organization. This type of visa is usually issued free of charge and is valid for multiple entries.

Diplomatic Visa "D" is issued to individuals who will be posted in Thailand as a diplomat or official representative of their government or international organization. This type of visa is also usually issued free of charge and is valid for multiple entries.

It's important to note that the requirements and application process for diplomatic visas may vary depending on the specific circumstances of the applicant's trip and the country of origin.

Official Visa

The types of visas issued by Thailand for official passport holders and blue UN Laissez-Passer holders.

Official visas are specifically for individuals who hold an official passport or blue UN Laissez-Passer and are visiting Thailand for official duties or will be posted in Thailand. This type of visa is issued to foreign government officials, employees of international organizations, and other individuals who are traveling to Thailand on official business.

Similar to diplomatic visas, official visas may also be issued free of charge and are usually valid for multiple entries. However, official visa holders may be required to obtain a work permit if they will be working in Thailand during their stay.

As with diplomatic visas, the requirements and application process for official visas may vary depending on the specific circumstances of the applicant's trip and the country of origin. It's recommended that applicants contact the Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate in their home country for more information on the application process and requirements.

Thailand Long -Term Resident Visa (LTR)

Thailand has announced plans to launch a new visa program called the "Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visa". This program is aimed at attracting high-potential individuals to live and do business in Thailand by providing them with a range of tax and non-tax benefits.

Thailand is already home to multinational corporations from all over the world and is considered as one of the most important tourist destinations in Asia. With the new LTR Visa program, Thailand aims to position itself as an attractive location for "work from anywhere" professionals and entrepreneurs.

The LTR Visa program is expected to attract new foreign residents, technologies, and talents to Thailand, which in turn will contribute to domestic spending and investment and support economic growth. The Thai government has set an ambitious target of attracting one million wealthy or talented foreign residents to the country over the next five years, and the LTR Visa program is seen as a key strategy to achieve this goal.

Wealthy Global Citizen

Thailand is planning to introduce a new visa program called the "Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visa" that aims to attract high-potential individuals, including wealthy global citizens, to live and do business in the country.

This program will provide a range of tax and non-tax benefits to eligible applicants, such as favorable tax rates, visa-free travel to certain countries, and streamlined immigration procedures. The LTR Visa program is part of Thailand's broader efforts to position itself as an attractive location for "work from anywhere" professionals and entrepreneurs.

Wealthy global citizens may be particularly interested in the LTR Visa program as it offers the opportunity to enjoy Thailand's attractive lifestyle options, favorable business and investment environment, and tropical climate. With the LTR Visa program, they can also establish a long-term residency in Thailand, which can provide stability and security in a new country.

Overall, the LTR Visa program is expected to contribute to Thailand's economic growth by attracting new foreign residents, technologies, and talents to the country, including wealthy global citizens who can bring new investments and expertise to the Thai economy.

Wealthy Pensioner

The new Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visa program in Thailand is expected to attract not only wealthy global citizens but also wealthy pensioners who are looking to retire in a warm and welcoming environment.

The LTR Visa program provides a range of tax and non-tax benefits that make it an attractive option for eligible applicants. Wealthy pensioners who hold a certain amount of savings or pension income can apply for the LTR Visa and enjoy a comfortable retirement in Thailand.

Thailand's beautiful beaches, rich culture, and low cost of living are among the reasons why it is a popular destination for retirees. With the LTR Visa program, wealthy pensioners can establish a long-term residency in Thailand, which can provide them with stability, security, and access to world-class healthcare.

Work - From - Thailand Professional

The term "work-from-Thailand professional" refers to individuals who work remotely for companies based in other countries while living in Thailand. This type of work arrangement has become increasingly popular in recent years, as advances in technology have made it easier for people to work from anywhere in the world.

Thailand is an attractive location for work-from-anywhere professionals due to its favorable business environment, low cost of living, and high quality of life. With the introduction of the Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visa program, Thailand is hoping to attract more work-from-Thailand professionals to live and work in the country.

The LTR Visa program provides a range of tax and non-tax benefits to eligible applicants, including streamlined immigration procedures, visa-free travel to certain countries, and access to world-class healthcare. This makes it easier for work-from-Thailand professionals to establish a long-term residency in Thailand and enjoy the benefits of living and working in the country.

Moreover, work-from-Thailand professionals can also contribute to the Thai economy by spending money on local goods and services, supporting local businesses, and potentially even starting their own businesses in Thailand. Overall, the LTR Visa program is expected to boost Thailand's economy by attracting new foreign residents, including work-from-Thailand professionals, to the country.

Highly - Skilled Professional

A highly skilled professional is an individual with specialized knowledge, skills, and experience in a particular field. They are often in high demand and may have advanced degrees or certifications in their area of expertise.

Thailand's Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visa program is designed to attract highly skilled professionals to the country. The program provides a range of tax and non-tax benefits, including streamlined immigration procedures and access to world-class healthcare, to eligible applicants.

Thailand is already home to many multinational corporations from all over the world, and the LTR Visa program is expected to attract even more highly skilled professionals to work in the country. These professionals can help to drive innovation and growth in key sectors such as technology, finance, and healthcare.

In addition to contributing to the Thai economy through their work, highly skilled professionals can also benefit from Thailand's high quality of life and favorable living conditions. Thailand offers a unique blend of modern infrastructure, rich culture, and natural beauty that can make it an attractive destination for those seeking a better quality of life.

Overall, the LTR Visa program is expected to be beneficial for both Thailand and highly skilled professionals seeking to establish a long-term residency in the country. It can help to boost the economy, promote innovation and growth, and provide a welcoming environment for those with specialized knowledge and skills.

Spouses and dependents of LTR visa holders will also qualify for the same visas.

Spouses and dependents of Long-Term Resident (LTR) visa holders in Thailand are eligible to apply for the same type of visa. This means that if the primary visa holder is approved for an LTR visa, their spouse and dependent children can also apply for LTR visas and enjoy the same benefits.

The Thai government recognizes the importance of family unity and aims to provide a supportive environment for families of foreign residents in the country. By allowing spouses and dependents to also apply for LTR visas, Thailand hopes to encourage more families to establish long-term residencies in the country and contribute to the economy and society.

To apply for an LTR visa as a dependent, the applicant will need to provide the necessary documentation to prove their relationship to the primary visa holder, such as marriage or birth certificates. They will also need to meet the same eligibility requirements as the primary visa holder, including having sufficient funds to support themselves and not posing a security risk to Thailand.

Overall, allowing spouses and dependents to also apply for LTR visas is a way to make the visa application process more family-friendly and encourage more foreign residents to make Thailand their long-term home.

Frequently asked questions