What You Need to Know About Bangkok Visas

Preparation is key when it comes to traveling, especially when you are flying to a different continent! When planning a trip to Bangkok, one of the first questions you need to ask yourself is 'do I need a visa?'.

We get that this is probably the least 'sexy' part of planning your holiday, but without the right visa, you won’t even be able to enter the country.

So, informing yourself and doing some research is inevitable. Annoying? Maybe a little bit. Needed? Yes! But no worries, help is on the way! We’ll make it as easy as possible to figure out your options and how to apply if you need one.

Visa policies can vary greatly from country to country. When traveling to Thailand, most people will need a visa, especially for long-term stays. Although we try to provide the latest information, please double-check with your local Thai embassy. Regulations change frequently, so it's better to be safe than sorry! While you're sorting out your visa, don’t forget to plan your tours in Bangkok to make the most of your trip!

Thailand COVID Entry Requirements

According to the latest information, travelers no longer need a Thailand Pass Registration. You will only need to show proof of vaccination (2 doses, no booster required). Unvaccinated travelers must present a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than 72 hours before departure to Bangkok. Children who are unvaccinated but traveling with a vaccinated adult do not need a test.

Although not mandatory, travel insurance is highly recommended. For more details, check our Bangkok travel insurance blog post!

What is a tourist visa?

A tourist visa is a stamp or document issued by a Thai embassy or consulate, stamped on your passport upon arrival in Thailand. A passport holder will help keep your passport and documents organized.

Some countries have agreements with Thailand that allow their citizens to enter as tourists without needing a visa, provided they stay within a certain time limit.

Do I need a visa to enter Bangkok?

This depends on your nationality and the purpose of your visit (tourism or work).

What kind of visa do I need to enter Bangkok?

If you're visiting Bangkok as a tourist, you have two main options: Visa Exempt Entry and Visa on Arrival (VOA).

1. Visa Exempt Entry

The visa exemption rule allows tourists from 64 countries to enter Thailand without a visa, provided:

• Your stay is no more than 30 days (with some exceptions for longer stays).
• Your visit is for tourism purposes only.
• You have a return ticket showing departure within 30 days (open tickets don’t qualify).
• You have funds of at least 10,000 THB per person during your stay.
• You hold a passport from one of the following countries: Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Brazil, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Laos, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Maldives, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, UAE, UK, USA, Vietnam.

Tip: You can extend your stay for another 30 days by visiting the local immigration office and paying a fee.

2. Visa on Arrival

Visa on arrival is available to passport holders of 19 countries, provided:

• Your visit is for tourism purposes only.
• Your passport is valid for at least 30 days.
• You have a return ticket showing departure within 15 days.
• You have funds of at least 10,000 THB per person.
• Fee: 2,000 THB, payable in cash and Thai currency.

Eligible countries: Bulgaria, Bhutan, China, Cyprus, Ethiopia, Fiji, Georgia, India, Kazakhstan, Malta, Mexico, Nauru, Mauritius, Papua New Guinea, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Taiwan, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu.

How do I apply for a visa if I need one?

Most likely, you’ll need to visit your local Thai Embassy with the required documents. Some residents may also apply for an online visa (Thailand eVisa), saving a trip to the embassy.

Do I need a visa when I’m in transit?

If you’re only transiting through a Thai airport and don’t leave the international transit area, you don’t need an airport transit visa. However, if there’s a long layover (more than 12 hours) and you leave the transit area, an airport transit visa is required.

Visa Run

If you've extended your tourist visa and want to stay longer, you can do a ‘visa run’ by briefly leaving Thailand (to a neighboring country, for example) and re-entering, which grants another 30 days.

What happens when overstaying your visa?

Overstaying your visa can lead to fines or worse. A few days' overstay results in a daily fine, but prolonged overstays can result in arrest, prosecution, deportation, and even a long-term ban from Thailand. It's best to respect the rules and avoid these serious consequences.

The fun part: discovering Bangkok

With your travel documents in order, it’s time to enjoy Bangkok! As Southeast Asia's top tour operator, we offer private, all-inclusive tours in Bangkok (and tours in Thailand)! Let us guide you through this amazing city!