Thailand is a top destination for travelers, expatriates and investors, and offers a range of visa options for foreigners to suit various needs. Here’s a comprehensive guide to 10 types of Thai visas , their fees and the benefits they offer.
| Visa Type | Stay Duration | Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist Visa (TR) | Up to 60 days | Single Entry: THB 1,000 (USD 30)Multiple Entry: THB 2,000 (USD 60) |
| Visa on Arrival (VoA) | Up to 15 days | THB 2,000 (USD 60) |
| Non-Immigrant B (Business) | Up to 90 days (renewable) | Single Entry: THB 2,000 (USD 60)Multiple Entry: THB 5,000 (USD 150) |
| Non-Immigrant O (Marriage/Dependent) | Up to 1 year (renewable) | Single Entry: THB 2,000 (USD 60)Multiple Entry: THB 5,000 (USD 150) |
| Non-Immigrant ED (Education) | Up to 1 year (renewable) | Single Entry: THB 2,000 (USD 60)Multiple Entry: THB 5,000 (USD 150) |
| Retirement Visa (Non-Immigrant O-A/O-X) | O-A: 1 yearO-X: 5 years | O-A: THB 2,000 (USD 60)O-X: THB 10,000 (USD 300) |
| Elite Visa (Thailand Privilege Card) | Up to 20 years | 5-year: THB 500,000 (USD 15,000)20-year: THB 2,000,000 (USD 60,000) |
| Smart Visa | Up to 4 years | Single Entry: THB 10,000 (USD 300)Multiple Entry: THB 20,000 (USD 600) |
| Diplomatic Visa | Varies by diplomatic status | No fee; covered by diplomatic agreements |
| Work Permit | Varies by employment | THB 3,000 to 10,000 (USD 90 to 300) |
Reference : https://www.mfa.go.th/en
1. Tourist Visa (TR)
A Tourist Visa is ideal for those planning to explore Thailand’s rich culture, beaches and historical sites. It allows travelers to stay for up to 60 days with the possibility of a 30-day extension at a local immigration office.
Benefits:
- Suitable for short vacations
- Easy to apply for through Thai embassies or consulates
- Offers flexibility to extend your stay if you want to explore more
Fees:
- Single Entry: Approximately THB 1,000 (USD 30)
- Multiple Entry: Approximately THB 2,000 (USD 60)
2. Visa on Arrival (VoA)
Available for citizens of 18 countries, the Visa on Arrival allows a stay of up to 15 days. This visa is convenient for spontaneous travel and short trips.
Benefits:
- No need to apply in advance
- Quick process upon arrival at any international airport in Thailand
- Great for last-minute travel plans
Fees:
- Approximately THB 2,000 (USD 60)
3. Non-Immigrant Visa B (Business)
The Non-Immigrant B Visa is designed for individuals conducting business or working in Thailand. It’s often required for those looking to secure a work permit.
Benefits:
- Essential for foreigners employed in Thailand
- Allows for long-term stays with possible extensions
- Facilitates access to work permits and business-related activities
Fees:
- Single Entry: Approximately THB 2,000 (USD 60)
- Multiple Entry: Approximately THB 5,000 (USD 150)
4. Non-Immigrant O (Marriage/Dependent Visa)
This visa type is for those married to a Thai national or dependents of foreigners working in Thailand. It offers the option for long-term residency making it perfect for family connections.
Benefits:
- Long-term residency with yearly renewals
- Opportunity to live with family members in Thailand
- Easy to extend if all qualifications are met
Fees:
- Single Entry: Approximately THB 2,000 (USD 60)
- Multiple Entry: Approximately THB 5,000 (USD 150)
5. Non-Immigrant ED (Education)
For those wanting to study in Thailand the Non-Immigrant ED Visa is a must. It covers various educational pursuits including university courses, language studies and even internships.
Benefits:
- Allows long-term study with opportunities for renewal
- Eligible for various educational levels including language schools
- Offers a chance to immerse in Thai culture and language
Fees:
- Single Entry: Approximately THB 2,000 (USD 60)
- Multiple Entry: Approximately THB 5,000 (USD 150)
6. Retirement Visa (Non-Immigrant O-A/O-X)
Thailand is a popular retirement destination and the Retirement Visa caters to foreigners over the age of 50 who wish to settle in the country. It can be issued for one year (O-A) or five years (O-X).
Benefits:
- Long-term residency with simple yearly or five-year renewals
- Allows for multiple entries and exits
- Provides access to the Thai healthcare system
Fees:
- O-A Visa (One Year): Approximately THB 2,000 (USD 60)
- O-X Visa (Five Years): Approximately THB 10,000 (USD 300)
7. Elite Visa (Thailand Privilege Card)
The Thailand Elite Visa is a long-term visa catering to high-net-worth individuals. With membership in the Thailand Elite Program visa holders can stay in the country for up to 20 years.
Benefits:
- Privileged access to exclusive services like VIP airport transfers expedited immigration and concierge support
- Long-term residency without the need for constant renewals
- Offers multiple-entry benefits and healthcare services
Fees:
- Thailand Elite Membership: Starts at THB 500,000 (USD 15,000) for a 5-year visa, up to THB 2,000,000 (USD 60,000) for a 20-year visa
8. Smart Visa
The Smart Visa is ideal for investors, professionals, executives and startups in sectors like technology, robotics and healthcare. It’s part of Thailand’s efforts to attract high-skilled talent and entrepreneurs.
Benefits:
- Long-term stay for up to four years without the need for a work permit
- Flexibility for family members to live and work in Thailand
- Expedited immigration services and simplified documentation
Fees:
- Single Entry: Approximately THB 10,000 (USD 300)
- Multiple Entry: Approximately THB 20,000 (USD 600)
9. Diplomatic Visa
Diplomatic Visas are issued to foreign diplomats and officials working in Thailand. It is reserved for individuals representing their governments or international organisations.
Benefits:
- Long-term stay without the need for work permits
- Full diplomatic privileges and immunities
- Access to special government services and expedited immigration processes
Fees:
- No fee; covered by diplomatic agreements
10. Work Permit
While not technically a visa, a work permit is an essential document for foreigners working in Thailand. You must hold a Non-Immigrant B Visa to apply for a work permit.
Benefits:
- Legal right to work in Thailand
- Offers long-term stability for professionals and business owners
- Renewable alongside the Non-Immigrant B Visa
Fees:
- Approximately THB 3,000 to 10,000 (USD 90 to 300) depending on the duration and type of work
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FAQs
To qualify for a Retirement Visa, you must be at least 50 years old, meet financial requirements (e.g., income or savings) and have a clean criminal record. You can apply for either a one-year (O-A) or five-year (O-X) visa.
Yes, family members can accompany you on a Non-Immigrant O Visa. They will need to apply for dependent visas or extensions based on your visa status.
The Elite Visa provides access to VIP services including expedited immigration processes, concierge support and special privileges. It’s a long-term visa with options ranging from 5 to 20 years.
A Smart Visa allows for a stay of up to four years. It is designed for investors, professionals and startups in specific sectors and it includes benefits such as family visas and expedited services.
No, the Elite Visa is non-transferable. However, family members can apply for their own Elite Visas or other types of visas that suit their needs.
