Thailand is a popular tourist destination in Southeast Asia, with millions of visitors flocking to the country every year to explore its beautiful beaches, rich cultural heritage, and bustling cities. In an effort to make it easier for travelers to visit the country, the Thai government introduced the E-Visa on Arrival program in 2018, which allows eligible travelers to apply for a visa online before they arrive in Thailand.

The Thailand E-Visa on Arrival (E-VOA) is an electronic travel authorization system that allows eligible visitors to obtain a visa online prior to their arrival in Thailand. The program was launched in November 2018 and is aimed at facilitating faster and more convenient entry into the country for tourists and business travelers. The E-VOA program is available to visitors from over 20 countries, including China, India, and the United Kingdom.

Eligibility for the Thailand E-Visa on Arrival program requires applicants to hold a passport from an eligible country and have a valid email address. Applicants must also be able to provide proof of onward travel, such as a return ticket, as well as proof of accommodations in Thailand. It is important to note that the E-VOA is only available to visitors who arrive in Thailand by air at one of the designated international airports, which include Bangkok, Phuket, and Chiang Mai.

The application process for the Thailand E-Visa on Arrival program is simple and straightforward. Eligible travelers can apply for the visa online through the official website of the Thai Immigration Bureau. The application requires applicants to provide basic personal information, as well as details about their travel plans and accommodations in Thailand. Once the application has been submitted, applicants will receive a confirmation email with a reference number. This reference number must be presented upon arrival in Thailand, along with the necessary supporting documents, to receive the E-VOA stamp in their passport.

The Thailand E-Visa on Arrival program offers several benefits for eligible travelers. First and foremost, the program allows visitors to apply for a visa online before they arrive in Thailand, eliminating the need to apply for a visa at a Thai embassy or consulate. This can save travelers time and hassle, as well as reducing the risk of delays or complications in the visa application process. Additionally, the E-VOA program allows eligible visitors to stay in Thailand for up to 15 days, making it an ideal option for short-term visits.

It is important to note that while the Thailand E-Visa on Arrival program offers several benefits, it does have some limitations. For example, the program is only available to visitors from certain eligible countries, and it is only valid for visitors who arrive in Thailand by air at one of the designated international airports. Additionally, the E-VOA is only valid for a single entry, meaning that visitors who plan to leave Thailand and return during their trip will need to apply for a new visa.

Thailand E-Visa on Arrival program is a convenient and efficient way for eligible travelers to obtain a visa for their trip to Thailand. By allowing visitors to apply for a visa online before they arrive in the country, the E-VOA program makes it easier and more convenient for travelers to enter Thailand, while also reducing the risk of delays or complications in the visa application process. While the program does have some limitations, such as being only available to visitors from certain eligible countries and only valid for a single entry, it remains a popular and valuable option for many travelers visiting Thailand.

What is the Thailand E-Visa on Arrival?

The Thailand E-Visa on Arrival program is an online visa application system that allows eligible travelers to obtain a visa before they arrive in Thailand. The visa is valid for a single entry and allows the traveler to stay in Thailand for up to 15 days. The E-Visa on Arrival program is available to citizens of 18 countries, including China, Saudi Arabia, and Uzbekistan, among others.

Countries Eligible for Thailand e-Visa on Arrival

Thailand E-visa on Arrival is an online way to obtain a visa to realize a short-term trip to Thailand. The Thailand E-Visa on Arrival program is available for nationals of 18 countries, including

• Bhutan
• Bulgaria
• Peoples Republic of China
• Cyprus
• Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia
• The Republic of Fiji Island
• Georgia
• Republic of India
• Kazakhstan
• Malta
• Mexico
• Nauru
• Papua New Guinea
• Romania
• Saudi Arabia
• Taiwan
• Uzbekistan
• Vanuatu

It is important to note that the E-VOA program is only available for visitors arriving at select airports and seaports in Thailand. Visitors must also have a passport with at least six months validity remaining and a valid return ticket or onward ticket to a third country. Additionally, visitors must not be prohibited from entering Thailand under Thai immigration laws.

The terms and conditions for the Thailand E-Visa on Arrival program include the following:

• The pre-approved E-VOA is only valid for entry on the indicated arrival date.
• The purpose of the visit must be for short-term travel to Thailand for a duration of no longer than 15 days.
• The passport used for the application must be valid for at least 30 days from the date of arrival in Thailand and must have at least one blank page for the visa stamp.
• The confirmed round-trip air ticket must show travel within 15 days of the arrival date.
• The accommodation address in Thailand provided during the application process should be verifiable.

Eligibility for the Thailand E-Visa on Arrival

To be eligible for the Thailand E-Visa on Arrival program, the traveler must meet the following criteria:

• Nationality: The traveler must be a citizen of one of the eligible countries.
• Purpose of visit: The traveler must be visiting Thailand for tourism purposes only.
• Passport validity: The traveler's passport must be valid for at least 30 days from the date of arrival in Thailand.
• Return ticket: The traveler must have a confirmed return ticket within 15 days from the date of arrival in Thailand.
• Sufficient funds: The traveler must have sufficient funds to support their stay in Thailand.
• E-Visa on Arrival application: The traveler must complete the E-Visa on Arrival application online and pay the visa fee.
• Duration of stay - Visitors must be planning to stay in Thailand for up to 15 days.

Required Documents for Thailand E-Visa on Arrival

To apply for the Thailand E-Visa on Arrival, applicants are required to provide the following documents:

• Passport: A valid passport with a minimum of 30 days validity from the date of arrival in Thailand and at least one blank page for the visa stamp.
• Return Flight Ticket: A confirmed return flight ticket that shows the traveler will leave Thailand within 15 days of arrival.
• Accommodation Details: A verifiable address of the place where the traveler will stay during their visit to Thailand. This could be a hotel booking confirmation, a rental agreement or any other document that proves the address.
• Email Address: A valid email address where the applicant can receive updates and notifications about the visa application.
• Digital Photograph: A recent photograph of the applicant in JPEG or PNG format with a minimum size of 400x600 pixels.
• Credit Card/Debit Card: A credit or debit card to make the payment of the visa fee online.
• Supporting Documents: In some cases, additional supporting documents may be required, such as a letter of invitation from a Thai company, a business registration certificate, or evidence of financial support.

It is important to note that all documents must be provided in English or Thai language. Any documents in other languages must be translated into English or Thai and certified by a professional translator. Additionally, all documents must be clear, legible, and in high-resolution. Any incomplete or unclear documents may result in the rejection of the visa application.

How to apply for the Thailand E-Visa on Arrival

The process of applying for the Thailand E-Visa on Arrival is straightforward and can be completed in a few simple steps:

• Visit the official E-Visa on Arrival website: The traveler must visit the official E-Visa on Arrival website and complete the online application form. The form requires the traveler to provide their personal information, passport details, travel itinerary, and other relevant details.
• Pay the visa fee: The traveler must pay the visa fee using a credit card or other online payment methods. The fee is currently 2,000 Thai Baht, which is approximately USD 65.
• Receive the visa approval letter: After the application is submitted and the fee is paid, the traveler will receive a visa approval letter via email within 24-72 hours. The approval letter contains the visa reference number, which the traveler must present at the immigration checkpoint upon arrival in Thailand.
• Arrive in Thailand: The traveler must arrive in Thailand within 30 days of the date of approval of their E-Visa on Arrival application. They must present their passport, visa approval letter, and other relevant documents at the immigration checkpoint upon arrival.

Benefits of the Thailand E-Visa on Arrival

The Thailand E-Visa on Arrival program offers several benefits to eligible travelers, including:

• Convenience: The E-Visa on Arrival program allows eligible travelers to apply for a visa online from the comfort of their own home, without the need to visit a Thai embassy or consulate.
• Fast processing: The E-Visa on Arrival application is processed within 24-72 hours, which means travelers can receive their visa approval letter quickly and easily.
• No need to carry cash: The visa fee can be paid online using a credit card or other online payment methods, which means travelers do not need to carry cash.
• Lower cost - The E-VOA fee is 2,000 Thai baht per person, which is lower than the fee for a traditional visa on arrival.
• Increased security - The E-VOA system is designed to enhance security and prevent fraud, as all applications are processed electronically and checked against various databases.

Limitations of Thailand E-Visa on Arrival

While the Thailand E-Visa on Arrival program offers several benefits for eligible travelers, there are also some limitations and restrictions to keep in mind:

• Limited Eligibility: The E-Visa on Arrival program is only available for citizens of 18 eligible countries. If you are not from one of these countries, you will need to apply for a visa through a Thai embassy or consulate.
• Short Stay Only: The E-Visa on Arrival is only valid for a maximum stay of 15 days. If you plan to stay in Thailand for a longer period, you will need to apply for a different type of visa.
• Single Entry Only: The E-Visa on Arrival is only valid for a single entry into Thailand. If you plan to leave and re-enter the country during your stay, you will need to apply for a multiple-entry visa.
• Limited Scope: The E-Visa on Arrival is only available for tourism and business purposes. If you plan to work or study in Thailand, you will need to apply for a different type of visa.
• Verification Requirements: To be eligible for the E-Visa on Arrival, you must have verifiable accommodation and travel arrangements for your stay in Thailand.
• System Limitations: The online application system for the E-Visa on Arrival may not always be available or may experience technical difficulties. In such cases, you may need to apply for a visa through a Thai embassy or consulate.
• No Guarantee of Approval: While the E-Visa on Arrival program is designed to streamline the visa application process, there is no guarantee of approval. Each application is evaluated on a case-by-case basis, and applicants may be required to provide additional documentation or information to support their application.

Processing Time for Thailand E-visa on Arrival

The processing time for Thailand E-Visa on Arrival is typically quick and efficient. In most cases, the visa application can be processed and approved within 1-3 working days. However, it is recommended that travelers apply for the e-Visa well in advance of their intended travel date to avoid any potential delays or complications.

It is important to note that the processing time may vary depending on the volume of visa applications received and the time of year. During peak travel seasons, such as major holidays or festivals, the processing time may be longer due to the higher number of visa applications being processed.

To ensure a smooth and stress-free travel experience, it is recommended that travelers apply for the e-Visa on Arrival as soon as they have confirmed their travel plans to Thailand. This will allow for sufficient time for the visa application to be processed and approved, and for any necessary adjustments or corrections to be made if required.

Travelers should also ensure that they have all the required documents and information ready when applying for the e-Visa on Arrival to help expedite the process. This includes a valid passport with at least six months validity remaining, a recent passport-sized photo, and proof of onward travel.

Overall, while the processing time for Thailand E-Visa on Arrival is relatively quick, it is still important for travelers to plan ahead and apply for the visa well in advance of their intended travel date to avoid any unnecessary complications or delays.

Thailand E-visa on Arrival Application Fee

The application fee for Thailand E-visa on Arrival depends on the type of service you opt for. The regular visa processing is free of charge, while the Visa Administrative Center service fee is 600 THB (approximately 20 USD). However, if you require urgent processing, you can choose the Express Visa option, which is also free of charge but incurs a higher Visa Administrative Center service fee of 2500 THB (approximately 85 USD).

Where to Apply for Thailand E-visa on Arrival Application?

To apply for Thailand E-Visa on Arrival online, you can visit the official website and fill out the online application form. The website is user-friendly and easy to navigate, and the application process can be completed in a few simple steps. Once your application is submitted and processed, you will receive an approval letter via email, which you can show to the immigration officer upon arrival in Thailand.

Frequently asked questions