Presentation of the different types of Thai visas, to visit, work, study, settle or retire in Thailand .
Additional information and updates
What you need to know to get your Thai visa in Laos or Cambodia
Important
Since the beginning of 2025, all Thai visa applications (first applications or renewals) must be made via the official portal thaievisa.go.th , including tourist visas (TR) or the new Destination Thailand visa (DTV).
See: Everything you need to know about the new E-VISA for Thailand: simpler, more practical
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Digital arrival card required
Since May 1, 2025, you must apply for a digital arrival card before your trip to Thailand, see our article:
Everything you need to know about the digital arrival card in Thailand (TDAC)
Thailand Visa Summary in Video
A quick recap of visas by Farang in Thailand.
Visa-free entry to Thailand (60 days)
Nationals of 93 countries, including France, Belgium, Switzerland and Canada, are allowed to enter Thailand without a visa for a tourist stay of less than 60 days since July 15, 2024.
See details of the new regulations and the 93 countries concerned in this article:
What you need to know about the new visas in Thailand
Passport validity must be more than six months upon arrival in Thailand.
The entry stamp has doubled from 30 to 60 days and can be extended for an additional 30 days at an immigration office.
Curiously, while each admission still depends on the immigration officer, the number of entries per year is not limited.
"The immigration office has not set a specific number of entries," said one of the main architects of the new visa system.
“You can enter as many times as possible during a calendar year.”
Each entrant must be able to provide proof of at least 20,000 baht (514 euros), but it is not mandatory to present a return or onward ticket.
Generally, the immigration office will not ask for these documents, but you may be randomly checked if the immigration officer detects something suspicious, or even nothing suspicious.
If he wishes to request a return ticket or accommodation, he has the right to do so.
It is possible to obtain an extension of stay, by leaving the territory and returning at the end of the duration of the stay:
- If you re-enter Thailand by land, you will be granted a 60-day stay permit.
- If you return by air, it will also be 60 days.
If you overstay your visa, you will be fined 500 baht per day (with a maximum of 20 days) at the passport control counter at the airport.
Extension of visa on arrival by 60 days
If you entered Thailand without a visa, you can apply for a 30-day extension by applying at a Thai immigration office.
See: Immigration offices in Thailand
Documents required for a 30-day visa extension
You will need to provide your address in Thailand, so don't forget the details of your place of residence (hotel or other).
- The passport;
- A copy of the main page of the passport (where the passport photo is);
- A copy of the page where the 30-day or 60-day visa stamp is located;
- A passport photo;
- The document "Application For Extension Of Temporary Stay In The Kingdom", which you will find in the immigration office, completed.
The cost of this extension is 1900 baht.
Things to know about the return flight ticket
Of all the strange requirements the Thai embassy has for obtaining a visa, the most inconsistent is proof of a return ticket.
They don't care that some travelers may want to stay longer in the country and that they have the right to do so.
Fortunately, you don't need to buy a return flight to prove you're actually leaving the country; you can just show a cheap bus ticket to a neighboring country like Laos or Cambodia.
You can search for one on your visa expiry date on 12go.asia for example.
Tourist visa – TR (S)
Tourist visa is issued for tourism purposes.
The tourist visa is valid for 3 months after the date of application, and it gives the right to a stay of 60 days from the date of arrival in Thailand.
Please note that once you leave Thai territory, your visa is automatically cancelled, even if you only spend one day in Thailand.
The tourist visa can be extended for an additional month at one of the Immigration services for 1900 baht (around €50) without leaving the country.
Attention
The Royal Thai Embassy reserves the right to refuse visa applications for anyone who has stayed more than 90 days in the last 6 months prior to the application date.
For French nationals or holders of refugee travel documents and foreigners (resident in France)
Documents to be provided online
- Passport information page (Passport must still be valid for at least 6 months on the departure date)
- Official color ID photo (Photo booth) less than 6 months old
- Residence permit (only for travel document holders and foreigners who have residence in France) or proof of address for European passports (electricity bill or mobile phone)
- Airline ticket reservation with full flight details (entry and exit ticket from Thai territory within 90 days) on which your first and last name appear.
- Proof of accommodation in Thailand for a minimum of 7 days upon arrival in Thailand, you must attach: either the hotel reservation on which your first and last name appear or proof of your property in Thailand or the invitation letter signed by your host with a copy of his Thai identity card or if your host is a foreigner living in Thailand: a copy of his passport and residence permit mentioning the entirety of your stay and the address of your host.
- Proof of address in France/Monaco: mobile phone bill, landline phone bill, internet bill or EDF bill on which your first and last name appear
- The tourist visa fee (S): 35 euros.
***To merge multiple documents into one PDF file, type “Merge PDF” into Google.***
Source: Royal Thai Embassy
Multiple Entry Tourist Visa – TR (M)
The multiple-entry tourist visa is available to tourists of all nationalities residing and working in France.
The validity of the visa is six (6) months and the duration of stay is sixty (60) days per visit and you must leave the country after 60 days and upon your return you are entitled to an additional 60 days for 6 months.
See: What is a multiple-entry tourist visa for Thailand?
Documents to be provided online
- Passport information page (must still be valid for at least 6 months on your departure date)
- Official color ID photo (Photo booth) less than 6 months old
- For foreigners outside the EU: a photocopy of their residence permit
- Book a flight ticket with details for the first trip, including the departure and arrival airports in Thailand.
Each trip must not exceed 60 days. - Proof of accommodation in Thailand for a minimum of 7 days upon arrival in Thailand, you must attach: either the hotel reservation on which your first and last name appear, or proof of your property in Thailand, or the invitation letter signed by your host with a copy of his identity card or passport, and the residence permit if your host is a foreigner living in Thailand, for the following 7 days or until the end of your stay.
- Proof of address in France: mobile phone, landline or internet bill or EDF bill on which your first and last name appear.
- The tourist visa (M) fee: 175 euros.
The non-immigrant O visa
This type of visa does not allow work and gives the right to stay in Thailand for a stay of 90 days (the visa allows a single entry into Thai territory).
Any exit from the territory results in the cancellation of the visa and requires a new application for issuance to re-enter Thai territory).
The holder of this visa can extend or change the type of visa after entering Thailand at the immigration department.
The Non-immigrant Visa O is intended for people:
1. Participant in a humanitarian/volunteer mission
Documents to provide online:
- Passport (must be valid for at least 6 months on the departure date);
- An official color ID photo (Photomaton) less than 6 months old;
- A professional letter or invitation letter from the host organization in original;
If this is not your first application for this type of visa, you must attach a letter attesting to your previous volunteer work, issued by the Thai ministry that supervises the foundation/organization you worked for; - A photocopy of the identity document of the person authorized to sign the document required in point 4 (see above) with the words “copy true to the original” or “สำเนาถูกต้อง” written by the authorized person, dated and signed;
- A photocopy of the host organization's license;
- A recent bank statement (less than 30 days from the filing date), in the applicant's name, with a minimum credit balance of 6,000 euros (a copy of the bank statement printed on the internet is not acceptable; otherwise, this copy must be signed and stamped by the bank) or the original of a bank certificate justifying the requested credit balance, signed and stamped by the bank;
- Proof of address in France: mobile phone, landline or internet bill or EDF bill on which your first and last name appear.
The cost of the non-immigrant O visa: 70 euros.
2. Having a Thai family
Documents to be provided online
- Passport information page (must be valid for at least 6 months on the departure date);
- Official color ID photo (Photomaton) less than 6 months old;
- Page from the family record book (husband-wife page and/or child page) and the marriage certificate;
- Information page of a Thai family member's (valid) passport or identity document with the words "สำเนาถูกต้อง" written by the Thai person, dated and signed;
- A recent bank statement (less than 30 days from the filing date) with a minimum credit balance of ุ6,000 euros (the bank statement copy printed on the internet is not acceptable, otherwise, this copy must be signed and stamped by the bank) or the original of a bank certificate justifying the requested credit balance, signed and stamped by the bank;
- Proof of address in France: mobile phone, landline or internet bill or EDF bill on which your first and last name appear.
The cost of the non-immigrant O visa: 70 euros.
3. Accompanying a person holding an OA or B visa
Documents to provide online:
- Passport information page (must be valid for at least 6 months on the departure date);
- Official color ID photo (Photomaton) less than 6 months old;
- Page from the family record book (husband-wife page and/or child page) and the marriage certificate;
- Information page of the passport or identity document of a family member holding a B Visa with the words “copy true to the original” written by the B Visa holder, dated and signed;
- B Visa page of a family member holding a B Visa
Proof of residence in France: mobile phone bill, landline phone or internet bill or EDF bill on which your first and last name appear.
The cost of the non-immigrant O visa: 70 euros.
4. Accompanying a person holding an ED visa
(one parent by an ED visa holder)
Documents to provide online:
- Passport information page (must be valid for at least 6 months on the departure date);
- Official color ID photo (Photomaton) less than 6 months old;
- Family record book page (husband-wife page and/or child page);
- Information page of the passport or identity document of a family member holding an ED Visa with the words “copy true to the original” written by the ED Visa holder, dated and signed;
- ED Visa page of a family member who holds an ED Visa;
- Last three bank statements of the applicant for this visa;
- Proof of address in France: mobile phone, landline or internet bill or EDF bill on which your first and last name appear.
The cost of the non-immigrant O visa: 70 euros.
5. Being over 50 years old
Documents to provide online:
- Passport information page (must be valid for at least 6 months on the departure date);
- Official color ID photo (Photomaton) less than 6 months old;
- Three bank statements from the last 3 months with a minimum credit balance of 6,000 euros each month (the copy of the bank statement printed on the internet is not admissible, otherwise, this copy must be signed and stamped by the bank) or the original of a bank certificate justifying the credit balance of 6,000 euros for each month, specifying a period of the last three months, signed and stamped by the bank;
- The work certificate or proof of retirement or sworn statement that you are not professionally active;
- Proof of address in France: mobile phone, landline or internet bill or EDF bill on which your first and last name appear.
The cost of the non-immigrant O visa: 70 euros.
Visas for Thailand: the OA (Long Stay) retirement visa
The OA Visa is intended for retired people aged over 50.
This type of visa does not allow work and gives the right to stay in Thailand for one year with multiple entries.
For each entry, if the stay exceeds 3 months, the holder must report to the immigration service (declaration of residence).
The holder of this visa can extend it at the immigration service.
Please note: from the 2nd application for this type of visa to the Embassy, a bank deposit of 800,000 baht in a bank in Thailand is mandatory, and must be presented in the form of a recent certificate or a well-updated bank book (less than 3 months old).
Since 2024, insurance conditions have been strengthened.
Holders of an OA or OX visa must now provide proof of health insurance covering at least 3 million baht for medical expenses and hospitalization.
This insurance can be taken out with a Thai or foreign company, provided it is recognized by the authorities.
Documents to provide online:
- Passport information page (must be valid for at least 18 months on the departure date);
- Official color ID photo (Photomaton) less than 6 months old;
- A medical certificate stating that you are in good health and do not have any contagious diseases. All handwritten documents must be clearly legible;
- A recent extract from the criminal record (less than 3 months old);
- Proof of residence in France (electricity bill, mobile phone, etc.);
- Proof of resources: a bank balance of 800,000 baht per applicant (or double if it is a joint bank account) to be presented in the form of a recent bank certificate (less than 1 month); ***Attention: from the 2nd application for this type of visa to the Embassy, a bank deposit of 800,000 baht in a bank in Thailand is mandatory, and to be presented in the form of a recent certificate or a well-updated bank book (less than 1 month) Please note that they can accept current accounts and unblocked bank accounts, but not PEL or life insurance;
- Health insurance with a minimum coverage of US$100,000, expressly including COVID-19 treatment, valid upon your arrival in Thailand covering 1 year from your date of arrival in Thailand;
- A one-year Foreign Insurance Certificate form, duly completed by your insurer, with an agent's signature and an insurance stamp, will be required.
The minimum coverage amount of 3,000,000 baht must state: foreign_insurance_certificate.
The cost of the OA non-immigrant visa: 175 euros.
Please note: tax notices and certificates from the pension body are not accepted.
See also: The guide to retiring in Thailand: everything you need to know
The non-immigrant B visa
This type of visa is intended for the person wishing to work in Thailand.
It gives the right to stay in Thailand for a stay of 90 days (the visa gives the right to a single entry into Thai territory.
Any exit from the territory results in the cancellation of the visa and requires a new application for issuance to re-enter Thai territory).
The holder of this visa can extend the visa once entered Thailand at the immigration department.
Visa and work permit regulations for MICE visitors See here .
The Non-immigrant Visa B is intended for people:
1. Wanting to work
Documents to provide online:
- Passport information page (must be valid for at least 6 months on the departure date);
- Official color ID photo (Photomaton) less than 6 months old;
- Employment letter from company in Thailand;
- Identity document of the person authorized to sign the document required in point 3 (see above) with the words “copy true to the original” or “สำเนาถูกต้อง” written by the authorized person, dated and signed;
- Employment Authorization Letter from the Thai Government: either a WP3 (ตท 3) form issued by the Department of Employment or an authorization letter issued by the Board of Investment (BOI);
- Thai Business Register (FULL) of the employing company, issued less than one year before the visa application submission date;
- Proof of address in France: mobile phone, landline or internet bill or EDF bill on which your first and last name appear.
Notes: For a B visa (Multiple entries) application, a work permit valid for at least 6 months is required.
2. Teacher
Documents to provide online:
- Passport information page (must be valid for at least 6 months on the departure date);
- Official color ID photo (Photomaton) less than 6 months old;
- Letter of employment from the school in Thailand;
- Identity document of the person authorized to sign the document required in point 3 (see above) with the words “copy true to the original” or “สำเนาถูกต้อง” written by the authorized person, dated and signed;
- The certificate filed with the Department of Education;
- The school license in Thailand;
- Extract from criminal record (less than 3 months old);
- The latest diplomas obtained in France or abroad (at the license, bachelor, master or doctorate level);
- Proof of address in France: mobile phone, landline or internet bill or EDF bill on which your first and last name appear.
3. Carrying out a professional mission
Documents to provide online:
- Passport information page (must be valid for at least 6 months on the departure date);
- Official color ID photo (Photomaton) less than 6 months old;
- Invitation letter from the company in Thailand, specifying the nature and date of the mission;
- Identity document of the person authorized to sign the document required in point 3 (see above) with the words “copy true to the original” or “สำเนาถูกต้อง” written by the authorized person, dated and signed;
- The business register in Thai (FULL) of the host organization in Thailand, issued less than one year before the visa application submission date;
- The work certificate or mission order issued by the employer in France indicating the applicant's position, the nature and duration of the mission and the name of the host company in Thailand;
**new since COVID**: Individual bank account statements for the last six months with a minimum amount of €15,000 per applicant (or €30,000 for a joint account / third-party account) on each statement; - Proof of address in France: mobile phone, landline or internet bill or EDF bill on which your first and last name appear.
Notes: If you wish to apply for a B visa (Multiple entries), please specify this on the invitation letter and the mission order.
The Smart Visa
The Thai government has approved a new visa category called SMART visa, which came into effect on February 1, 2018.
The aim of this type of visa is to encourage highly skilled foreigners to come and work or invest in Thailand.
The industrial activities targeted by this type of visa are as follows:
- modern automobile industry;
- smart automotive industry;
- high-end and medical tourism;
- agriculture and biotechnology;
- food for the future;
- robotics industry;
- aviation and logistics industry;
- biofuel and biochemical industry;
- digital industry;
- medical industry.
The 4 categories of foreigners who are eligible to apply for the SMART visa are the following people:
- Expert
- Investor
- Executive Management Person
- Start-ups
The benefits and privileges of SMART visa are as follows:
- The possibility of obtaining the said visa with a validity period of up to four years;
- No work permit required;
- The obligation to report to the Thai immigration service reduced to once a year;
- The possibility of family reunification open to the spouse and children of the person concerned.
SMART visa categories and documents required to validate qualifications
- The SMART visa "T" (Talent) to work in a company
- The SMART visa "T" (Talent) to work in a government agency
- The SMART visa << I >> (Investor)
- The SMART visa "E" (Executive / senior manager)
- SMART visa << S >> (Start-ups)
- The SMART visa << O >> (Spouse and child)
The procedure for issuing a SMART visa
- Visit the website: smart-visa.boi.go.th , then scan and upload the requested documents according to the list and print all the documents;
- Make an appointment with the Royal Thai Embassy to submit your documents in order to have your qualifications validated;
- Only if your files are complete, the Royal Thai Embassy will then send your files to the one-stop service (OSS) in Thailand;
- The OSS will validate your qualifications and send you the result within 30 days of receiving your files;
- Once your files have been validated, you can go (without an appointment) to the Royal Thai Embassy to submit your application and pay the visa fees within 60 days of receiving the result sent by "OSS". The visa processing time is 3 working days. The type, duration and fees of the visa will be indicated by the OSS;
- Documents to provide for submitting your visa application:
- Passport valid for at least six months from the date of travel.
- Complete one (1) application form and provide 3 photographs (4 X 6 cm) less than 6 months old.
- A letter issued by “OSS” validating your SMART visa qualification files dated less than 60 days ago.
- The form for acknowledging the conditions of residence permit for non-immigrants with a SMART visa (ตม.6).
- The visa fee of 300 euros for the one-year SMART visa.
For more information on this new visa, see here .
The ED non-immigrant visa
This type of visa does not allow work and gives the right to stay in Thailand for a stay of 90 days (the visa allows a single entry into Thai territory).
Any exit from the territory results in the cancellation of the visa and requires a new application for issuance to re-enter Thai territory).
The holder of this visa can extend or change the type of visa once entering Thailand.
The ED non-immigrant visa is intended for people:
1. Participant in an internship
(Note: currently only available for a COMPULSORY internship depending on the student's curriculum).
Documents to provide online:
- Civil status page of passport (Passport must still be valid for at least 6 months on the departure date.)
- Official color ID photo (Photomaton) less than 6 months old
- Proof of residence in France dated less than 3 months for European passports (electricity, mobile phone, internet access bill) and residence permit if you are not a European national
- Official bank statement with a minimum credit balance of 1,000 euros dated within the last 30 days
- Acceptance letter from university in Thailand
- Letter confirming details of school enrollment in Thailand, signed by an authorized person and accompanied by a copy of the signatory's ID card or passport, dated and signed
- The visa fee is 70 euros.
* In case your internship duration is more than 3 months, you must be able to provide a WP 3 form to the immigration office in Thailand in order to extend your visa.
2. Learn Thai
***This type of visa requires extensive document verification and processing normally takes a minimum of 3 weeks, with no guarantee of approval***
Documents to be provided online:
- Passport information page (must be valid for at least 6 months on the departure date);
- An official color ID photo (Photomaton) less than 6 months old;
- The school's acceptance letter;
- The identity document of the person authorized to sign the document required in point 3 (see above) with the words “copy true to the original” or “สำเนาถูกต้อง” written by the authorized person, dated and signed;
- The school license (FULL);
- The course schedule (4 hours per day and 5 days per week);
- Recent criminal record extract (less than 3 months old);
- Proof of resources: a bank deposit of €10,000 per applicant to be presented in the form of a recent bank certificate (original, less than 30 days from the date of submission);
- Proof of address in France: mobile phone, landline or internet bill or EDF bill on which your first and last name appear.
The cost of the ED non-immigrant visa: 70 euros.
3. School/university exchange
Documents to be provided online:
- Passport information page (must be valid for at least 6 months on the departure date);
- An official color ID photo (Photomaton) less than 6 months old;
- Acceptance letter from university in Thailand;
- A photocopy of the identity document of the person authorized to sign the document required in point 3 (see above) with the words “copy true to the original” or “สำเนาถูกต้อง” written by the authorized person, dated and signed;
- The letter from the establishment in France (a photocopy of the school certificate or the school certificate);
- Recent criminal record extract (less than 3 months old);
Proof of address in France: mobile phone bill, landline phone or internet bill or EDF bill on which your first and last name appear.
The cost of the ED non-immigrant visa: 70 euros.
4. Schooling at the international school
Documents to provide online:
- Passport information page (must be valid for at least 6 months on the departure date);
- An official color ID photo (Photomaton) less than 6 months old;
- Acceptance letter from school in Thailand;
- The identity document of the person authorized to sign the document required in point 3 (see above) with the words “copy true to the original” or “สำเนาถูกต้อง” written by the authorized person, dated and signed;
- The school license (full);
- Recent criminal record extract (less than 3 months old) for all persons over 20 years old;
- Parents’ work certificates;
- Three bank statements from the parents for the last 3 months (the copy of the bank statement printed on the internet is not acceptable, otherwise this copy must be signed and stamped by the bank) or the original of a bank certificate justifying the credit balance requested for a period of three months;
- Proof of address in France: mobile phone, landline or internet bill or EDF bill on which your first and last name appear.
The cost of the ED non-immigrant visa: 70 euros.
5. The conference of an international organization
Documents to provide online:
- Passport information page (must be valid for at least 6 months on the departure date)
- An official color ID photo (Photomaton) less than 6 months old
- The letter of acceptance from the international organization in Thailand
- The identity document of the person authorized to sign the document required in point 3 (see above) with the words "copy true to the original" or "สำเนาถูกต้อง" written by the authorized person, dated and signed
- Proof of employment from the employer in France
Proof of residence in France: mobile phone, landline or internet bill or EDF bill on which your first and last name appear.
The cost of the ED non-immigrant visa: 70 euros.
More information about the ED visa and lists of schools that offer it
The “OX” (long-stay) non-immigrant visa
In 2016, the Thai government approved a new system that allows nationals of 14 countries to stay in Thailand for a maximum period of 10 years.
To benefit from this new system, applicants must apply for a Non-Immigrant Visa “OX” (long stay) – also known as a Non-OX Visa – at the Royal Thai Embassy/Royal Thai Consulate General (when applying for the visa outside Thailand) or at the Immigration Bureau (when applying in Thailand).
The aim of this type of visa is to promote long stays for foreign travelers in Thailand.
Nationals of these 14 countries, aged 50 and over, can apply for a multiple-entry Non-OX visa and stay in the Kingdom for a maximum period of 10 years (5 years depending on the validity of the visa then an extension of another 5 years).
The visa fee is 10,000 Baht (or the equivalent in local currency if applying outside Thailand).
As per the notification of the Ministry of Interior, foreigners meeting the conditions and possessing the supporting documents mentioned below can apply for a multiple-entry Non-OX visa.
Requirements for “OX” (Long Stay) Nonimmigrant Visa Applicants
Be aged 50 or over.
Applicants must hold the following nationalities and passports: (1) Japan, (2) Australia, (3) Denmark, (4) Finland, (5) France, (6) Germany, (7) Italy, (8) Netherlands, (9) Norway, (10) Sweden, (11) Switzerland, (12) United Kingdom, (13) Canada, (14) United States.
Financial Conditions
Applicants must have a bank account with at least 3 million Baht in a Thai bank in Thailand or Applicants must have a bank account with at least 1.8 million Baht in a Thai bank in Thailand and an annual income of at least 1.2 million Baht.
Once applicants are in Thailand, they must have deposited at least 3 million Baht in a Thai bank in Thailand within one year.
Money (a) and (b) must be kept in a bank account for at least one year before it can be withdrawn and, after another year, the same bank account must have a credit balance of 1.5 million Baht.
Besides, the money has to be spent in Thailand.
Applicants must not be affected by or be carriers of the diseases mentioned below:
- leprosy, tuberculosis, elephantiasis, drug addiction and syphilis (3rd stage).
Applicants must have Thai medical insurance during their stay in Thailand (recognized by the Insurance Commission Office) which covers their medical expenses above 40,000 Baht for outpatients and 400,000 Baht for inpatients.
For more information on the “OX” (long-stay) non-immigrant visa see here .
The Thailand Elite Visa
The Thailand Elite program offers a simple and efficient solution to the more traditional visas required for long-term residence in Thailand.
But it comes at a cost, the cheapest option starts at 600,000 baht (15,395 euros) and allows you to stay for 5 years.
See: The advantages of the Thailand Elite card for living in Thailand
Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visa
This visa allows people with a very high income or special skills that can be useful to Thailand to stay in the country for 10 years.
See: Long-Term Resident Visa (LTR) in Thailand: requirements and qualifications
Thailand Destination Visa (DTV)
The Thailand Destination Visa (DTV) was introduced on July 15, 2024.
It is aimed at digital nomads, remote workers, athletes, musicians and medical tourists.
The DTV visa allows stays of up to 180 days (nearly six months) with a visa issuance fee of 10,000 baht (250.74 euros), valid for five years and a deposit of 500,000 baht (12,540 euros) deposited in a local bank into your account or that of a guarantor.
See: Thailand Destination Visa (DTV), the visa for digital nomads
See also:
Travel to Thailand, the complete guide to preparing your trip
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Changes to land entries
Since December 31, 2016, French travelers have been allowed to enter Thailand by land with a visa exemption for a 30-day stay only twice per calendar year. The Royal Thai Embassy in France specifies that this restriction does not apply to visa-free arrivals by air.
Photo of the embassy announcement:
https://toutelathailande.fr/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Annonce-changement-au-niveau-des-visas.jpg
Thailand visa fee waiver extended
Tourist visa fees have been free since December 2016 and the measure was due to end in February 2017, but the Thai Cabinet approved on Tuesday a six-month extension of the free tourist visa fee and a 50% reduction in the price of visas on arrival (from 2,000 to 1,000 THB) for nationals of 21 countries.
Citizens of 45 countries, including France, Canada, Belgium, and Switzerland, do not require a visa to stay in Thailand for up to 30 days.
Tourists requiring a visa to visit Thailand must still apply through normal channels, but the usual 1,000 baht visa processing fee will no longer be charged until August 31, 2017.
There is currently doubt about the extension of free tourist visas.
Immigration police usually notify consulates at the last minute, so it is still possible that the measure (free visa from March 1 to August 31) will be implemented. The reverse is also possible.
Confirmation to come…
End of free tourist visas
In fact, there was a misunderstanding about the countries benefiting from the extension of free services, we are not part of it!
Here is the list of countries whose citizens will be able to benefit from the free tourist visa:
https://toutelathailande.fr/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Listes-visas-gratuits.jpg
A 10-year visa for people over 50
The Prime Minister reportedly gave the green light for the move as part of "Thailand as a center for medical and wellness tourism."
First proposed in November 2016, this idea has been hampered by a delicate implementation, although there is talk of availability from August 11.
See more on the forum:
A 10-year visa for those over 50
Do I need to show 20,000 THB upon arrival in Thailand? Answer from the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT)
Interview by blogger Richard Barrow:
The Nation newspaper reported that some tourists were refused entry to Thailand because they did not have enough money to finance their stay.
RB: Is it true that tourists entering Thailand must be able to prove they have adequate finances during their stay?
TAT : Yes, that's right, according to Thailand's Immigration Act BE 2522 (1979), foreigners who fall into any of the 11 categories (mentioned in this law) are prohibited from entering Thailand.
One category is: "having no means of supporting oneself after entering the Kingdom."
Furthermore, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has clarified that tourists entering Thailand must ensure that they have a passport valid for at least six months and a return flight ticket [this is rarely checked upon arrival in Thailand but often at the departure airport].
Additionally, tourist visa holders must be able to prove they have adequate finances equivalent to at least 20,000 Baht per person or 40,000 Baht per family.
For tourists who obtain their visa on arrival, they must be able to prove that they have adequate finances equivalent to at least 10,000 Baht per person or 20,000 Baht per family.
RB: Why are these measures to control the financial status of tourists by Thai immigration officials only emerging now?
TAT : Thai immigration officers normally conduct random checks on tourists' means of subsistence upon arrival at all points of entry.
If tourists are unable to prove they have adequate finances, officials consider whether to allow entry on a case-by-case basis.
Random checks will not take place after tourists have received entry permits and passed through border posts.
[This means that you will not be stopped on the street to check that you have three pennies]
RB: What would be considered appropriate preparation for tourists planning to visit Thailand?
TAT : Generally, a foreign citizen who wishes to enter the Kingdom of Thailand is required to obtain a visa from a Royal Thai Embassy or a Royal Thai Consulate General.
But nationals of 42 countries can enter Thailand for tourism without a visa and are allowed to stay in the Kingdom for a period not exceeding 30 days.
Tourists must also ensure that they have a passport valid for at least six months and a return plane ticket.
Tourist visa holders must be able to prove they have adequate finances equivalent to at least 20,000 Baht per person or 40,000 Baht per family.
For tourists who obtain their visa on arrival, they must be able to prove that they have adequate finances equivalent to at least 10,000 Baht per person or 20,000 Baht per family.
[there is no mention of people entering on a 30-day visa waiver, consider this to be the same requirement as for "visa on arrival"]
RB: Why should Thailand, which is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, be so strict on tourists who want to enter the country to enjoy its many unique tourist experiences?
TAT : Thailand, like many popular tourist destinations around the world, faces the problem of foreign visitors overstaying their permits.
Therefore, from March 20, 2016, Thailand imposed a strict ban on the return of foreign overstay visitors (ban).
Thailand recognizes the enormous importance of tourism and tourist safety is an ongoing priority for us.
The government will implement all measures to ensure Thailand's reputation for welcoming and safe travel for all.
RB: These days, people don't like to carry a lot of cash. They prefer to pay with credit cards. Does Thai immigration insist on seeing cash, or are credit cards accepted?
This random check is only aimed at tourists who may appear unable to cover their travel expenses during their stay in Thailand.
Thai Immigration will consider all possible facts or information provided by tourists before making a decision whether or not to allow the individual to enter Thailand.
[To summarize, the 20,000 baht only applies to people entering on a tourist visa.
As for those entering on a 30-day visa exemption, it seems that the required amount is only 10,000 THB.
But the most interesting thing is question 5, which does not get a clear answer from the authorities.]
Source
Thai Immigration has confirmed new requirements for foreigners applying for an extension of stay based on retirement, marriage, or being the parent of a Thai child.
The new requirements, reviewed by Thaivisa, are detailed in a National Police order dated December 26, 2018, and signed by Immigration Chief General Surachet Hakparn.
Here is an unofficial translation of the updated requirements:
2.18 In the case of a family member (mother, father, husband or wife, child, adopted child or spouse) of Thai nationality. Extension of residence permit for a maximum of one year (one imagines: renewable)
Process
Proof of annual income equivalent to at least 40,000 THB per month.
1. Tax receipts from the foreign parent in support. (for expatriates working in Thailand).
2. Proof of pension. Letter of attestation from a Thai bank, accompanied by bank statements showing that a pension has been transferred to the individual's bank account every month for at least 12 months. Exceptions are allowed for those who have been retired for less than a year.
3. Income certificate from a foreign embassy or consulate.
It is assumed that one of the 3 documents is sufficient since some countries no longer provide the certificate and few expats work in Thailand.
2.22
For retirees, extensions of up to one year (we imagine renewable), it is necessary to provide proof of an average monthly income of 65,000 thb.
1. Proof of pension. Same as 2 above,
2. Income certificate from a foreign embassy or consulate.
The changes are that applicants must be able to show their income in a Thai bank account and that income certificates from an embassy (provided your embassy still issues income letters) will still be accepted in 2019.
This is the first official confirmation from Thai immigration regarding extensions of stay (more commonly known as retirement and marriage visa extensions) following the announcement in October that several embassies, including those of the United Kingdom, Australia and the United States, were no longer providing income certificates or affidavits to expats in Thailand.
Income certificates were used by expatriates to prove their income when applying for an extension of their retirement or marriage visa.
Some embassies announced that they would stop issuing the certificates in January 2019 because Thai immigration wanted them to officially verify the income of everyone who applied for the letter.
An unconfirmed report submitted by Thaivisa member bkk6060 indicated that immigration would likely give foreigners leeway regarding the requirement to provide 12 months of transfers for initial applications under the new requirements since applicants were unaware of the rule. For 2019, they would have had to submit transfers in 2018.
However, from 2020, applicants will need to ensure they can prove 12 months of income in a Thai bank account.
A certified English version of the new requirements will be published shortly on Thaivisa.
This first translation raises questions:
1- Is the embassy certificate (always provided by the French embassy) sufficient? So there is no need to prove the transfers.
2- Are we talking about 65,000 THB / month on average over the year? Or at least 65,000 THB each month.
3- Does the sum absolutely have to come from a pension? A priori, no, everyone can have personal investment income, the important thing is that the applicant brings 780,000 THB per year to Thailand. To be confirmed.
The case is therefore not closed and we will continue to keep you informed. Thaivisa will meet with immigration officials to clarify their intentions and procedures. At this stage, there are no real changes for 2019, but if embassy certificates are no longer accepted in 2020, it is prudent to bring in 65,000 THB / month in 2019.
Source
Good news for the end of the year: the return of the double-entry visa.
The visa policy is completely prohibitive.
This morning I read that the annual pension for 1 retirement visa should be $80k.
To be polite, this is completely reckless; the average pension is well below this amount.
Furthermore, I think a retiree with $80,000 a year would choose nothing other than Thailand.
So, we shouldn't be surprised by the daily consequences of an out-of-touch tourism policy.
Hello everyone,
From April 18, 2022, to complete the 30-day extension in Bangkok, you must go to IT Square Laksi on the 3rd floor, Counter K.
Get 30 days extension in Thailand
Hello, I would like to live in Thailand, ideally from the end of 2022.
I am retired and over 50 years old. So I am thinking of applying for a long-stay OA visa.
My questions are as follows:
Do the authorities require the presence of 800,000 baht by a simple bank certificate from the first visa application?
Or is earning 65,000 baht a month enough for them?
Hello,
Can you tell me if the visa exemption for land border crossings to Thailand (i.e. 30 days, 45 until the end of March 2023) is also valid for Belgians?
It's not super clear.
If this is not the case, for a Belgian resident in France (with a Belgian passport), what document will allow us to be identified by Thai customs as a resident on French territory and therefore benefiting from 45 days of presence on Thai territory?
Thank you in advance!
Alexander
Hello Alexandre,
Belgians are also entitled to 45 days by air, but there is no information yet regarding travel by land.
As soon as there are more details, we will publish an article.
I am coming to you because I would like to come to Thailand in August 2023 and then go to Laos.
My stay in the Kingdom will be less than 7 days. However, I wish to cross the land border, therefore, I will not have a return plane ticket.
Is this mandatory in order to benefit from a free 30-day visa as a French national?
Or is a bus ticket to Laos enough?
Can I get the visa waiver a second time if I return to Thailand at the end of 2023?
Hello Melanie,
Yes, a bus ticket to Laos will be enough and you can benefit from a second visa exemption afterwards.
You can request it twice a year.
Hello,
For my part, I arrive by plane in Thailand. I take a return flight from Thailand 36 days later.
In between, I stay 2-3 days in Thailand then I leave for Laos where I stay +/- 30 days.
I'm returning by land a few days before my return flight.
Is a bus ticket to Laos enough to prove that I'm not staying in Thailand?
Hello Sandrine,
Yes, as stated in the article, a bus ticket is enough to prove that you are actually leaving the country.
Hello, I would like to know what the solution is regarding the fact that I spent 4 days in Thailand at the beginning of October 2023 (with visa exemption).
I have to go there for 2 months (in January and February 2024) and go there for 1 month at the end of June 2024.
I am currently in Vietnam. Which visas should I activate and when?
Thank you for your help, because it is not easy to understand everything in my situation despite this excellent video haha 😉
I think that before issuing visas, Thailand should test its 20 million tourists and residents on their intellectual level, etiquette, driving skills and educational background.
This would certainly do a good job of sorting and perhaps increasing the quality of visitors.
When you say: "The passport must still be valid for at least 6 months on the departure date."
Do I understand that this is the departure date just before arrival in Thailand?
Hello Bourret,
No, this is the passport expiration date.
Hello,
How can one open a bank account in Thailand to meet the requirements for long-term retirement visa applications?
No bank in the country allows a foreigner to open a bank account.
Strange situation where the requirements cannot be met, so it is impossible to apply for a visa?
Best regards,
Hello Recuero,
Indeed, many people are facing difficulties in opening a bank account, as it is now impossible with a tourist visa, some are forced to apply from their country.
There are visa agencies that offer assistance in this regard, unless I am mistaken, I think this is currently the only solution for those who want to apply for their visa in Thailand.
Hello,
I see everywhere: "The passport must still be valid for at least 6 months from the date of departure."
But my question may seem ridiculous, but…
Knowing that the validity periods of passports can vary from country to country, is it the validity period of the country of origin or the country of destination that counts?
In France, it's 10 years, is this the duration taken into account upon arrival in Thailand?
And thank you for this site filled with interesting information.
Hello Alain,
The "6-month validity" rule does not depend on the official duration of the passport in your country of origin (10 years for France, for example), but only on its expiration date written on the document.
To enter Thailand, your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after the date of entry into Thai territory, regardless of whether it is issued for 5, 10 or 15 years depending on the country.
Example:
If you arrive in Thailand on March 1, 2026, your passport must expire after September 1, 2026.
Also be aware: some airlines refuse boarding if the remaining validity is less than 6 months, even if Thai immigration could theoretically accept it.
So in practice, it's always better to travel with a passport that has at least 6 full months of validity on the date of arrival.
Good trip preparation!