Thailand Visa on Arrival
The Thailand Visa on Arrival makes travel easier by allowing eligible travellers to complete the visa process upon arrival. With formalities handled at appointed immigration checkpoints, it becomes a practical option for those planning a short visit to the country.
Eligibility for a Thailand Visa on Arrival
Thailand Visa on Arrival is available only to approved nationalities travelling for tourism.
- Asia: Bhutan, China, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Saudi Arabia, Taiwan, Uzbekistan
- Europe: Armenia, Belarus, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Georgia, Malta, Romania, Russia, Serbia
- Africa: Ethiopia, Namibia, Seychelles, Tunisia
- Americas: Bolivia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, México, Paraguay, Venezuela
- Oceania: Fiji, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu
Note: Some nationalities may also qualify for visa-free entry under Thailand’s visa exemption scheme.
Required Documents for Thailand Visa on Arrival
When you arrive in Thailand, you may be asked to present the following:
- Your passport: It should be issued by an eligible country and remain valid for at least 30 days from your arrival date.
- Visa on Arrival form: A completed form, which you can get and fill in at the immigration area.
- Recent photograph: A 4 × 6 cm passport-style photo taken within the last 6 months.
- Accommodation details: The address of where you will stay, such as a hotel booking or residence information.
- Proof of funds: You may need to show that you have enough money for your stay (at least 10,000 THB per person or 20,000 THB per family).
- Return or onward ticket: A confirmed ticket showing you will leave Thailand; open tickets are not accepted, and the destination should not be a neighbouring country.
Entry Points for Thailand Visa on Arrival
International Airports
- Suvarnabhumi Airport, Bangkok
- Don Mueang International Airport, Bangkok
- Chiang Mai International Airport
- Chiang Rai International Airport
- Phuket International Airport
- Hat Yai International Airport, Songkhla
- U-Tapao International Airport, Rayong
- Samui International Airport, Surat Thani
- Sukhothai International Airport
Land and Sea Checkpoints
- Mae Sai Immigration Checkpoint, Chiang Rai
- Chiang Saen Immigration Checkpoint, Chiang Rai
- Betong Immigration Checkpoint, Yala
- Sadao Immigration Checkpoint, Songkhla
- Tak Immigration Checkpoint
- Nong Khai Immigration Checkpoint
- Bangkok Harbour Immigration Checkpoint
- Sri Racha Immigration Checkpoint, Chonburi
- Maptaphut Immigration Checkpoint, Rayong
- Samui Immigration Checkpoint, Surat Thani
- Phuket Immigration Checkpoint
- Satun Immigration Checkpoint
- Krabi Immigration Checkpoint
- Songkhla Harbour Immigration Checkpoint
Note: Entry through other checkpoints may not be eligible for a Visa on Arrival. Travellers should use only the approved entry points listed above.
How Can You Apply for a Thailand Visa on Arrival
After arriving at a designated airport, follow these steps:
- Collect and fill out the Visa on Arrival form.
- Keep your passport and documents ready.
- Submit your application at the VOA counter.
- Pay the visa fee in Thai Baht.
- Wait for the application to be processed.
- Receive your visa stamp and proceed.
Thailand Visa on Arrival Fee and Processing Time
The Visa on Arrival fee is 2,000 THB per person, payable in Thai Baht at the immigration checkpoint. Travellers should carry the exact amount to avoid delays at the point of payment.
Processing is usually completed at the airport itself. The time may vary with the number of arrivals, but it generally takes between 15 and 60 minutes once the application is submitted.
Entry Type and Stay Duration
The Thailand Visa on Arrival allows you to stay in the country for up to 15 days from the date you enter.
This visa is issued for a single entry, which means you can use it only once. If you leave Thailand during your trip, you will need to apply for a new visa to enter again.
Thailand eVisa as an Alternative Option
If you are eligible, you may consider applying for a Thailand eVisa instead of using the Visa on Arrival. This option is suitable for travellers who prefer to complete the process in advance and receive approval before departure.
The Thailand eVisa for tourism gives you the option to choose between a single or multiple entry visa, depending on how you plan your trip. It is a suitable choice if you expect to stay longer, with a maximum stay of 60 days.
Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC)
Thailand now uses a Digital Arrival Card instead of the old paper form that travellers used to complete on arrival. This online form isrequired for all visitors entering the country, whether they are travelling on a Visa on Arrival, visa exemption, or any other visa type, and applies across air, land, and sea entry points.
The TDAC is separate from your visa and does not grant entry on its own. It is an additional step where you provide your travel and personal details before arrival.
Important: Travellers should complete it within 3 days before arrival to help make the process smoother and reduce waiting time at immigration.