Visa information
Visa On Arrival
(Visa Exemption)
What is a Visa On Arrival?
A Visa On Arrival (VOA) in Thailand is a type of visa that allows certain nationalities to enter Thailand for a short stay without obtaining a visa in advance from a Thai embassy or consulate. It is issued upon arrival at designated immigration checkpoints, such as international airports and land border crossings.
The Visa On Arrival is typically granted for tourism and short business trips and allows the traveler to stay in Thailand for a limited duration, usually up to 15 or 30 days. However, the length of stay can vary depending on the traveler’s nationality and the immigration officer’s discretion. The Visa On Arrival, in most cases can be extended once in-country for 1,900 THB. It’s essential to check if your nationality is eligible for a Visa On Arrival and to review the specific requirements before traveling to Thailand. Some common documents required for obtaining a Visa On Arrival include a valid passport with at least six months validity, a confirmed return ticket, proof of sufficient funds to cover the stay, and a recent passport-sized photograph. Please note that the rules and regulations regarding visas may change over time, so it’s always best to consult the official website of the Thai embassy or consulate in your country or the Thai immigration authorities for the most up-to-date information before planning your trip to Thailand
Tourist Visa & E-Visa
What is a Tourist Visa?
A Tourist Visa in Thailand is a type of visa that allows foreign nationals to enter the country for tourism purposes. Unlike the Visa On Arrival, which is obtained upon arrival at designated immigration checkpoints, a Tourist Visa must be obtained in advance from a Thai embassy or consulate in the traveler’s home country.
The Tourist Visa permits the holder to stay in Thailand for a more extended period than the Visa On Arrival, typically up to 60 days. It can be either a single-entry visa, allowing one entry into Thailand for the specified duration, or a multiple-entry visa, permitting multiple entries during its validity period.
To apply for a Tourist Visa, applicants generally need to submit a valid passport with at least six months validity, a completed visa application form, a recent passport-sized photograph, proof of sufficient funds to cover the stay in Thailand, and a confirmed return ticket or itinerary. Additionally, some embassies or consulates may require supporting documents, such as hotel reservations or travel plans.
It’s important to note that the rules and requirements for obtaining a Tourist Visa may vary depending on the applicant’s nationality and the issuing embassy or consulate. Therefore, it’s advisable to check with the nearest Thai embassy or consulate for specific guidelines and the most up-to-date information before applying for a Tourist Visa to Thailand.
From 26 September 2021, 11.00 PM (UTC), it is no longer required for e-Visa applicant to submit his/her passport and original supporting documents in person at the Royal Thai Embassy/Consulate. After the e-Visa application has been approved, a confirmation e-mail will be sent to applicants. It is kindly requested to print a copy of the confirmation e-mail to present to airline and Thai Immigration officials to carry out checks when travelling to Thailand.
Non-B Visa
What is a Non-B Visa?
A Non-B Visa in Thailand is a type of visa issued for foreign nationals who intend to work in the country. It is commonly known as a “Business Visa” as it is primarily used for employment purposes, allowing individuals to engage in business-related activities in Thailand.
Foreigners who wish to work for a company, conduct business meetings, or participate in certain work-related events like conferences or seminars in Thailand often apply for the Non-B Visa.
To obtain a Non-B Visa, the applicant typically needs to have a job offer or employment contract from a Thai company or organization. The employer in Thailand must also provide necessary documentation, such as a letter of invitation or sponsorship letter, outlining the purpose and duration of the work.
Once the Non-B Visa is granted, it usually allows the holder to stay in Thailand for a period of 90 days initially. However, the visa can be extended to one year through a work permit issued by the Thai Department of Employment. This work permit is essential for foreigners planning to work in Thailand legally and must be obtained within the first 90 days of entering the country on a Non-B Visa.
As visa regulations may change, it’s always advisable to consult the official website of the Thai embassy or consulate in your country or the Thai immigration authorities for the most up-to-date information and specific requirements before applying for a Non-B Visa.
Work Permit
What is a Work Permit?
A work permit in Thailand is an official document issued by the Thai government that allows foreign nationals to legally work and engage in employment within the country. It is a mandatory requirement for any foreigner who wishes to work in Thailand, regardless of the type of work or the duration of the employment.
To obtain a work permit, a foreigner must already have a Non-Immigrant Visa (such as a Non-B Visa for employment) issued by a Thai embassy or consulate abroad. Once in Thailand, the individual’s prospective employer or the employing company is responsible for initiating the work permit application process on their behalf.
The process involves submitting various documents to the Department of Employment under the Ministry of Labor, including but not limited to:
- A job offer or employment contract from the Thai employer.
- The company’s registration documents and relevant licenses.
- The foreign employee’s passport and valid visa.
- Educational certificates and other qualifications.
- Medical certificates to verify the employee’s physical fitness.
- The work permit application process can be time-consuming and may require some paperwork, but it is essential to ensure that the employment is legal and protected by Thai labor laws.
Once the work permit is issued, it is typically valid for one year and is renewable as long as the foreign employee continues to work for the same employer or in the same job position. It is important to note that a work permit is specific to the employer and job, so if an employee changes jobs, a new work permit must be obtained for the new position.
Re-Entry Permits
THAILAND RE-ENTRY PERMITS
If you leave Thailand for a day trip, a holiday, or for any reason, your visa will become void/canceled.
If you went on a day trip, to say Laos or Myanmar, and tried to come back into Thailand, either immigration will decline your entry, or you will be granted admission on a 30-day visa-exempt stamp, as the visa you had will be void/canceled. Your work permit and visa are connected; if one is canceled, so is the other. Leaving the country and voiding/canceling your visa will result in the documentation starting from scratch.
You can stop your visa from being canceled/voided by purchasing a Re-Entry permit.
A Re-Entry Permit enables you to leave the country without revoking your visa. You can apply for a re-entry permit at any immigration office across the nation and at the airport immigration office; however, only on the day you are flying.
WHEN APPLYING FOR A RE-ENTRY PERMIT, YOU WILL NEED TO SUBMIT THE FOLLOWING
- A Completed TM-8 Form
- A Passport-Sized Photo (Of Yourself)
- Photocopy Of Passport (Main Page And Latest Entry Stamp)
THAI RE-ENTRY PERMIT FEES
- 1,000 Baht For A Single (Can Only Use To Leave And Re-Enter Once)
- 3,800 Baht For Multiple (You Can Apply To Leave And Re-Enter As Many Times As You Desire During The Duration Of The Visa)
