Visa on Arrival (VoA) is a program that allows citizens of 21 countries to get visas once they arrive in Thailand.
Note: starting October 1, 2021, the Visa on Arrival has been resumed. The travelers must still apply for a Certificate of Entry or CoE from the Royal Thai Embassy or Royal Thai Consulate-General.
Foreign nationals entering Thailand may need to apply for a Thailand Visa. However, the Thai government has waived visa restrictions for nationals of several countries to encourage tourism or as a result of diplomatic ties.
Furthermore, while not exempt, citizens of a limited number of countries can apply for a Thailand Visa on Arrival (VoA). This means they won’t have to travel to one of Thailand’s diplomatic embassies to get their visas.
Who Is Eligible for a Thailand Visa on Arrival?
The Thai Visa On Arrival allows passport holders of 19* countries to enter Thailand under this rule provided that they meet these requirements:
- The visit is solely for tourism purposes.
- The passport must be valid for at least 30 days and must be authentic.
- You must have an address in Thailand that can be confirmed, whether it’s a hotel or an apartment.
- You must have a confirmed return ticket out of Thailand within 15 days of entrance. No open tickets will be accepted. You can’t prove that you’ve left Thailand by taking a train or a bus out of the country and traveling to countries like Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, or Myanmar, for example. When you arrive in Thailand, you may be required to present your airline ticket. When entering Thailand, you must prove that you will be out of the country within 15 days, or you may be denied access.
- In addition, you will need to show that you have at least 10,000 THB per person and 20,000 THB per family while in Thailand.
- The entrance cost of 2,000 THB is subject to change. It is only payable in Thai Baht.
Those who do not qualify for the Thai Visa on Arrival or Thai Visa Exemption rule are encouraged to acquire visas from the Royal Thai Embassy before traveling.
List of countries eligible for the Visa on Arrival:
- Bulgaria
- Bhutan
- People’s Republic of China
- Cyprus
- Ethiopia
- Fiji
- Georgia
- India
- Kazakhstan
- Malta
- Mexico
- Nauru
- Papua New Guinea
- Romania
- Russia
- Saudi Arabia
- Taiwan
- Uzbekistan
- Vanuatu
If your country of nationality is not on the list, please see who is not required to get a Thai visa. (Thailand Exemption Visa- list countries)
How to Apply for a Thailand Visa on Arrival?
As the name implies, you must apply for a Thailand Visa on Arrival after you arrive at one of the designated entry points in Thailand. If you arrive at an airport or another border crossing, you must queue up to present your application to an Immigration Officer.
However, before you travel, you must complete the online Visa On the Arrival application form, print it, and carry it with you. The TM88 is the form you need to apply for a visa on arrival, you can download it here or You may apply for a Thailand Visa on Arrival online here.
On the online application form, you must provide your arrival and departure dates, the location at which you will be staying, and the border via which you will enter.
Where Can I Get a Thailand Visa on Arrival?
List of Thailand’s Immigration Checkpoints which provide facilities for issuance of Thai Visa on Arrival:
1- Get a Thailand Visa on Arrival at Airports
- Chiang Rai: Mae Fah Luang Chiang Rai International Airport
- Chiang Mai: Chiang Mai International Airport
- Sukhothai: Sukhothai International Airport
- Bangkok: Suvarnabhumi International Airport
- Bangkok: Don Mueang International Airport
- Pattaya: U-Tapao Rayong Pattaya International Airport
- Hua Hin: Hua Hin Airport
- Surat Thani: Surat Thani Airport
- Koh Samui: Samui Airport
- Phuket: Phuket International Airport
- Krabi: Krabi Airport
- Trang: Trang Airport
- Songkhla: Songkhla Airport.
2- Get a Thailand Visa on Arrival at Seaports in Thailand
Visa on Arrival is available at ten of Thailand’s seaports. From north to south, these seaports and their neighboring cities are mentioned below.
- Bangkok: Bangkok Port (this port is on Chao Phraya River)
- Bangkok: Samut Prakan (this port is on Chao Phraya River)
- Chonburi/Pattaya: Sri Racha Harbour
- Pattaya/Rayong: Sattahip Port
- Rayong: Map Ta Phut Port
- Koh Samui: Samui Port
- Phuket: Phuket Port
- Krabi: Krabi Port
- Songkhla: Songkhla Port
- Satun: Satun Port.
3- Get a Thailand Visa on Arrival at Thailand land border
Visa on Arrival is accessible at nine locations along the Lao-Thai land border.
These checkpoints and their respective border towns on the Laotian and Thai sides are listed below in order of North to South.
- Ton Pheung – Chiang Saen (requires crossing the Mekong River by boat)
- * Huay Xai – Chiang Khong (ideal if coming from Luang Namtha/Luang Prabang and heading to Chiang Rai/Chiang Mai)
- Muang Ngeun – Huay Kon
- Nam Heuang – Tha Li
- * Thanaleng – Nong Khai (ideal if coming from Vientiane and heading to Bangkok)
- Pakistan – Bueng Kan (requires crossing the Mekong River by boat)
- Thakhek – Nakhon Phanom (requires crossing the Mekong River by boat)
- Savannakhet – Mukdahan
- * Vang Tao – Chong Mek (ideal if coming from Pakse and heading towards Bangkok).
* popular Thailand border crossing for travelers
4- Get a Thailand Visa on Arrival At Cambodia-Thailand land border
It is possible to get a Visa on Arrival at four border crossings between Cambodia and Thailand. Following is a list of the border crossings and the towns they are located in, organized from East to West on the Cambodian and Thai sides, respectively.
- Anlong Veng – Chong Sa Ngam
- * Poi pet – Aranyaprathet (ideal if coming from Phnom Penh/Siem Reap and heading to Bangkok/Chiang Mai)
- Phsar Prum – Banpuggard
- Koh Kong – Had Lek (ideal if coming from Sihanoukville and heading to Koh Chang).
* popular Thailand border crossing for travelers
5- Get a Thailand Visa on Arrival at Myanmar-Thailand land border
There are three checkpoints on the Thai-Myanmar border where visitors may get a visa on arrival. Following is a list of the border checkpoints and towns on the Myanmar and Thailand sides, arranged from North to South.
- Tachileik – Mae Sai (ideal if heading to Chiang Rai)
- * Myawaddy – Mae Sot (ideal if coming from Yangon/Hpa-An and heading to Chiang Mai/Bangkok)
- Htee Kee – Phu Nam Ron (ideal if heading to Kanchanaburi/Bangkok).
* popular Thailand border crossing for travelers
6- Get a Thailand Visa on Arrival at Malaysia-Thailand land border:
Visa on Arrival is provided at eight checkpoints along Malaysia’s border with Thailand.
These checkpoints and associated border towns on the Malaysian and Thai sides are listed below in alphabetical order from West to East.
- Wang Kelian – Wang Prachan
- Padang Besar – Padang Besar
- * Bukit Kayu Hitam – Sadao (ideal if coming from Penang and heading towards Krabi/Phuket)
- Kota Putra Durian Burung – Prakop
- Bukit Berapit – Betong
- Bukit Bunga – Buketa
- Rantau Panjang – Su-ngai Kolok (ideal if coming from Perhentian island and heading towards Krabi/Phuket)
- Pengkalan Kubor – Tak Bai (requires crossing Golok River by ferry).
* popular Thailand border crossing for travelers
How Long Does It Take to Get a Thailand Visa?
Tourists seeking a Thailand Visa On Arrival may have to wait up to an hour and a half.
What Documents Do I Need for a Thailand Visa on Arrival?
To get a Thailand Visa On Arrival, you must show the following documents to the Immigration Officer:
- Your passport is valid for at least 30 days from the date of entry.
- The Thai Visa On Arrival Application Form was printed (T88 form).
- A photo (2×2) of yourself on the application form.
- A confirmed return ticket is dated within the next 15 days.
- Proof of stay in Thailand. You must provide a legitimate address in Thailand, such as a hotel or apartment. For example, a hotel reservation.
- Proof of sufficient funds for your stay. Solo travelers require 10,000 Thai Baht, while families need 20,000 Thai Baht.
- Your Arrival/Departure card.
- Visa fee in cash (You must have 2,000 THB in cash on arrival in Thailand to cover the Visa on Arrival charge.)
Note: If you do not have Thai Baht (THB), you may convert currencies such as USD, CNY, or INR at currency exchange counters located near Visa on Arrival areas at international airports.
IMPORTANT: ATMs are not available at international airports or land borders’ Visa on Arrival areas. Carry an adequate amount of THB or a large currency such as the USD, GBP, or EUR.
Note: Tickets for buses, trains, boats, or ferries are NOT recognized as proof of onward travel when applying for a Thailand Visa on Arrival. The only acceptable form of documentation of return or further travel is a “flight ticket.” If you want to travel by bus to a nearby country, such as Laos, Cambodia, or Myanmar, you must still possess a return/onward “flight” ticket to get a Visa on Arrival
NEWS UPDATE: until April 2020, you do not have to pay a fee for a Thai Visa On Arrival.
How Much Is the Thailand Visa on Arrival Fee?
A Thai Visa on Arrival often costs 2,000 Thai Baht (about USD 60) in cash.
However, In 2018, the Thai government eliminated expenses for Visa on Arrival, which was extended from October 2019 through April 2020.
NEWS UPDATE, until April 2020, you do not have to pay a fee for a Thai Visa on Arrival.
How to get Thailand Visa on Arrival?
1. Get Thailand Visa on Arrival At Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK) in Bangkok
Step 1: Locate the section on Visas on Arrival.
- After arriving at the airport, follow the signs to “Immigration” and keep walking.
- As you approach “Immigration,” signage for “Visa on Arrival” will appear. Continue reading in the direction of “Visa on Arrival.”
- Currency exchangers will appear as you near the “Visa on Arrival” area. You may exchange your currency here if you don’t have any Thai baht on you.
- Forms for Visa on Arrival and arrival/departure cards may be picked up in the “Visa on Arrival” area of the airport.
- If you haven’t finished your Visa on Arrival application yet, you may get one here and complete it.
- Following that, go to the Visa on Arrival section. There are four Visa on Arrival desks and one “quick service” counter.
- The lineups might be lengthy or short, depending on the time of day and the number of available counters. Allow at least an hour if the lines are long.
- If you’re pressed for time, you may get a Visa on Arrival in only a few minutes by paying an extra cost of 200 THB at the “quick service” booth.
Step 2: Apply for Visa on Arrival
- Wait your turn. Give the visa officer your paperwork when it’s your time.
- Your papers will be examined by a visa officer. If anything is unclear or missing, the visa officer will ask you for further information.
- A token with a unique number will be sent to you.
Step 3: Grab your passport
- Leave the desk and go to the waiting room to pick up your passport.
- When your passport is available for collection, your token number will be called.
- Grab your passport and check the information on your Thailand visa.
Step 4: Go through immigration and customs
- Go to customs and immigration. Take a seat in the queue and be patient.
- Passports and arrival/departure cards should be handed over to the immigration officer when your turn comes up.
- You will be photographed and fingerprinted by an immigration officer. In addition to the two thumbs on each hand, each hand has four fingers.
- The immigration officer will stamp your passport, keep the arrival card and return your passport and departure card.
- Check your passport’s entrance stamp and leaving date. Do not hesitate to notify the immigration officer if you see any inaccuracies.
- You may exit and collect your luggage at this time (if you have any check-in baggage).
WHAT HAPPENS TO YOUR BAGS IF YOU STAY TOO LONG ON VISA ON ARRIVAL
Nothing. Your baggage will be kept at the baggage claim area until you come to get them. Even if you have to wait 1-2 hours at the Visa on Arrival counter, your baggage will stay in the baggage claim area and no one will remove it. If your baggage isn’t on the belt, they’ll be immediately next to it.
2. Get Thailand Visa on Arrival At Don Mueang International Airport (DMK) in Bangkok
Step 1: Locate the section on Visas on Arrival.
- When you arrive at the airport, follow the instructions and go to “Immigration.”
- You’ll notice signs promoting “Visa on Arrival” as you approach closer to “Immigration.” Continue reading in the direction of “Visa on Arrival.”
- Currency exchanges are available when you arrive at the “Visa on Arrival” area. If you don’t have any THB on you, you may swap it here.
- There is a counter in the “Visa on Arrival” area where you may get Visa on Arrival forms and arrival/departure cards.
- If you haven’t already completed your Visa on Arrival form, pick one up here and fill it out.
- There are two “document check” counters in the Visa on Arrival area.
- Lines might be lengthy or short depending on the time of day and the number of available counters. If the lines are lengthy, expect to wait at least an hour.
Step 2: Documents check
- Place yourself in the queue. When it’s your time, present your papers at the document check counter.
- The officer will review your documents, arrange them in the proper sequence, and ask you to sign on a piece of paper.
- Your documents will be returned to you.
Step 3: Apply for Visa on Arrival
- Following your document check, go to the “Visa on Arrival” desks, which are located just behind the document check counters.
- Hand over the papers when your number is called.
- The visa officer will stamp your passport and return it to you.
- Check the information on your Thailand visa as soon as possible.
Step 4: Pass the immigration and customs checkpoints
- Proceed to the immigration and customs offices. Stand in the line and await your turn.
- When your time comes, provide the immigration officer with your passport and arrival/departure card.
- Your photograph and fingerprints will be taken by the immigration officer. Four fingers on the right hand, four fingers, and two thumbs on the left.
- The immigration officer will stamp your passport, take a copy of your arrival card, and then return your passport and departure card to you.
- Immediately verify the entrance stamp and leave date on your passport. Notify the immigration officer immediately if you see any inaccuracies.
- Exit the building and get your baggage (if you have any check-in baggage).
3. Get Thailand Visa on Arrival At Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) in Chiang Mai
Step 1: Locate the section on Visas on Arrival.
- When you arrive at the airport, follow the signs to “Immigration.”
- As you approach “Immigration,” signage for “Visa on Arrival” will appear. Continue heading in the direction of “Visa on Arrival.”
- Currency exchanges are visible as you approach the “Visa on Arrival” segment. If you do not have any THB with you, you may exchange it here.
- When you arrive at the “Visa on Arrival” sector, you will see various Visa on Arrival desks.
- If you haven’t filled out your Visa on Arrival form yet, you can get one here.
Step 2: Apply for Visa on Arrival
- Stand in the line, when your time comes, provide the visa officer with your documentation.
- Your documents will be evaluated by a visa officer. If anything is unclear or missing, the visa officer will request further information from you.
- The visa officer will stamp your passport and return it to you.
- Immediately verify the information on your Thailand visa.
Step 3: Pass the immigration and customs checkpoints
- Proceed to the immigration and customs offices. Stand in the line and await your turn.
- When your time comes, provide the immigration officer with your passport and arrival/departure card.
- Your photograph and fingerprints will be taken by the immigration officer. Four fingers on the right hand, four fingers, and two thumbs on the left.
- The immigration officer will stamp your passport, take a copy of your arrival card, and then return your passport and departure card to you.
- Immediately verify the entrance stamp and leave date on your passport. Notify the immigration officer immediately if you see any inaccuracies.
- Exit the building and get your baggage (if you have any check-in baggage).
4. Get Thailand Visa on Arrival at Phuket International Airport (HKT) in Phuket
Step 1: Locate the section on Visas on Arrival.
- When you arrive at the airport, follow the signs to “Immigration.”
- As you approach “Immigration,” signage for “Visa on Arrival” will appear. Continue heading in the direction of “Visa on Arrival.”
- Currency exchanges are visible as you approach the “Visa on Arrival” segment. If you do not have any THB with you, you may exchange it here.
- When you arrive at the “Visa on Arrival” sector, you will see various Visa on Arrival desks.
- If you haven’t filled out your Visa on Arrival form yet, you can get one here.
Step 2: Apply for Visa on Arrival
- Stand in the line, when your time comes, provide the visa officer with your documentation.
- Your documents will be evaluated by a visa officer. If anything is unclear or missing, the visa officer will request further information from you.
- The visa officer will stamp your passport and return it to you.
- Immediately verify the information on your Thailand visa.
Step 3: Pass the immigration and customs checkpoints
- Proceed to the immigration and customs offices. Stand in the line and await your turn.
- When your time comes, provide the immigration officer with your passport and arrival/departure card.
- Your photograph and fingerprints will be taken by the immigration officer. Four fingers on the right hand, four fingers, and two thumbs on the left.
- The immigration officer will stamp your passport, take a copy of your arrival card, and then return your passport and departure card to you.
- Immediately verify the entrance stamp and leave date on your passport. Notify the immigration officer immediately if you see any inaccuracies.
- Exit the building and get your baggage (if you have any check-in baggage).
5. Get Thailand Visa on Arrival at Huay Xai – Chiang Khong (Loas-Thailand) land border
Step 1: Locate the section on Visas on Arrival.
- When you arrive at the airport, follow the signs to “Immigration.”
- As you approach “Immigration,” signage for “Visa on Arrival” will appear. Continue heading in the direction of “Visa on Arrival.”
- Currency exchanges are visible as you approach the “Visa on Arrival” segment. If you do not have any THB with you, you may exchange it here.
- When you arrive at the “Visa on Arrival” sector, you will see various Visa on Arrival desks.
- If you haven’t filled out your Visa on Arrival form yet, you can get one here.
Step 2: Apply for Visa on Arrival
- Stand in the line, when your time comes, provide the visa officer with your documentation.
- Your documents will be evaluated by a visa officer. If anything is unclear or missing, the visa officer will request further information from you.
- The visa officer will stamp your passport and return it to you.
- Immediately verify the information on your Thailand visa.
Step 3: Pass the immigration and customs checkpoints
- Proceed to the immigration and customs offices. Stand in the line and await your turn.
- When your time comes, provide the immigration officer with your passport and arrival/departure card.
- Your photograph and fingerprints will be taken by the immigration officer. Four fingers on the right hand, four fingers, and two thumbs on the left.
- The immigration officer will stamp your passport, take a copy of your arrival card, and then return your passport and departure card to you.
- Immediately verify the entrance stamp and leave date on your passport. Notify the immigration officer immediately if you see any inaccuracies.
- Proceed to the baggage scanning area. Scan your baggage if requested; otherwise, just exit.
- Take the bus to Chiang Rai/Chiang Mai.
How Long Is a Thailand Visa on Arrival Valid For?
The Thailand Visa On Arrival is only valid for 16 days.
Thailand Visa on Arrival for Business purpose
Thailand Visa on Arrival is intended only for tourism purposes. Visa on Arrival is not available for business purposes. You must have a visa that has been pre-approved by the Royal Thai consulate in your location.
Thailand Online Visa on Arrival
Thailand Immigration has implemented an online visa on arrival system. The online Visa on Arrival service is only offered to visitors flying into Thailand from a select few international airports.
To get a Thailand Visa on Arrival Online, you must first complete an online application and submit all essential papers. Pay the Visa on Arrival cost in addition to a service charge. You will get notification of the outcome of your visa application within 3-4 business days.
Upon acceptance of your visa, print your Visa on Arrival approval. At the airport’s Visa on Arrival desks, you must display your passport and Visa on Arrival authorization. Your passport will be stamped with the visa.
There are now four websites that provide Thailand Online Visa on Arrival. I’m not sure which is the official version. As a result, you should use these websites at your own risk.
- eVisa Thailand (available only if arriving at BKK and DMK airports in Bangkok)
- Thailand eVOA by VFS
- Thailand Visa
- iVisa
Thai Visa On Arrival FAQs
Can I Extend a Thailand Visa on Arrival?
No, you can not. If you plan on staying longer than 15 days, you need to apply for a standard Thailand Tourist Visa at a Thai diplomatic office in your country.
What Happens If I Overstay My Thailand Visa on Arrival?
You will be fined if you overstay your Thai Visa on Arrival. Overstaying penalties start at 500 Thai Baht per day and may up to 20,000 Thai Baht per day if you remain for more than 40 days.
If you overstay for 90 days or more, you will be banned from returning to Thailand for a term of one to 10 years.
Can You Work With a Thailand Visa on Arrival?
No, you can not. A Thai Visa On Arrival does not allow work. If you wish to work, you must apply for a Thai Work Visa (Non-Immigrant Thai Visa category B) and a Work Permit.
Do I Have Other Options for Getting a Thai Visa?
If you need to stay longer than 15 days in Thailand or are traveling for reasons other than tourism, you must apply for a Thai Visa at one of Thailand’s diplomatic missions abroad. You must apply for the Thai visa that best suits your travel purpose.
Can I get a Thailand Visa On Arrival?
Yes, allows passport holders of 19* countries to enter Thailand:
- Bulgaria
- Bhutan
- China
- Cyprus
- Ethiopia
- Fiji
- Georgia
- India
- Kazakhstan
- Malta
- Mexico
- Nauru
- Mauritius
- Papua New Guinea
- Romania
- Saudi Arabia
- Taiwan
- Uzbekistan
- Vanuatu
Is Visa on Arrival free for Thailand?
Typically, no. Thai immigration, on the other hand, has eliminated the Visa on Arrival charge until April 30, 2020. Thus, till April 30, 2020, Thailand Visa on Arrival is FREE.
Can I get a tourist visa at the Thailand airport?
Thailand Visa on Arrival is available at all international airports, seaports, and checkpoints along the land borders with Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar, and Malaysia.
Does Thailand have Visa on Arrival for Indian citizens?
Yes. Thailand offers Visa on Arrival for Indian citizens.
What is the minimum passport validity for Thailand Visa on Arrival?
Thailand Visa on Arrival requires a minimum passport validity of 30 days.
Your passport must be valid for at least 30 days after you arrive in Thailand.
In addition, your passport must include at least one vacant page.
Can Thailand Visa on Arrival be rejected?
Yes. Thailand Visa on Arrival is also a “visa” that may be denied if you do not satisfy the visa criteria, do not follow the visa procedures, or do not have the requisite papers.
What do I do if my Thailand Visa on Arrival is rejected?
Most Thailand Visa on Arrival applications are denied for the two reasons listed below:
You don’t have a hotel reservation or it’s just for a few nights.
You do not have a return flight ticket or it is not within 15 days of your arrival.
In such cases, you will be instructed to arrange a hotel/flight and return to the Visa on Arrival desk. Fortunately, most international airports and land crossings provide free WiFi and business facilities. You can easily locate WiFi or a business center and book a hotel/flight. Return to the Visa on Arrival section and submit your updated papers.
Most of the time, you do not need to print these papers. You’ll be alright if you simply show them on your phone.
Is Thailand Visa on Arrival multiple entry?
No, Visa on Arrival extensions is not permitted in Thailand. Thailand Visa on Arrival is only valid for 15 days, and you must depart Thailand before it expires.
How much does Thailand Visa on Arrival cost?
There is often a 2,000 THB fee for a Thailand Visa on Arrival. However, until April 30, 2020, Thai immigration has eliminated the charge for Thailand Visa on Arrival. Thailand’s Visa on Arrival charge is now 0 THB (FREE).
