Thailand, a vibrant country with a rich history and culture, has always been an attractive tourist destination. Unsurprisingly, this country’s Visa on Arrival (VoA) service is in high demand. The VoA service is a convenient option for travellers who wish to visit Thailand without the need to apply for a visa beforehand. This article aims to provide a comprehensive guide on how to master the process of obtaining a VoA in Thailand.
The VoA service in Thailand is offered to citizens of certain countries, which the Thai government has identified as eligible for this privilege. This service allows eligible travellers to obtain their visas directly at certain immigration checkpoints in Thailand. The VoA service is designed to streamline the visa process and make it more efficient for travellers, saving them the time and hassle of applying for a visa before their trip.
However, obtaining a VoA in Thailand can be tricky, especially for first-time travellers. While it may seem straightforward, some specific requirements and procedures must be followed. Please comply with these requirements to ensure your visa application is allowed.
Check if your country supports Thailand Evisa or Visa or Visa on Arrival
| Afghanistan | visa required |
| Algeria | visa required |
| Angola | visa on arrival |
| Antigua and Barbuda | e-visa |
| Armenia | e-visa |
| Australia | e-visa |
| Bahamas | visa required |
| Bahrain | visa on arrival |
| Belarus | visa required |
| Belize | visa required |
| Benin | e-visa |
| Bhutan | visa required |
| Bolivia | visa on arrival |
| Bosnia and Herzegovina | visa required |
| Botswana | visa required |
| Burkina Faso | visa required |
| Burundi | visa required |
| Cape Verde | visa on arrival |
| Central African Republic | visa required |
| Chad | visa required |
| China | visa required |
| Colombia | e-visa |
| Comoros | visa on arrival |
| Congo | visa required |
| Costa Rica | visa required |
| Croatia | visa required |
| Cuba | visa required |
| Djibouti | e-visa |
| Dominican Republic | visa free |
| DR Congo | visa required |
| Egypt | visa required |
| El Salvador | visa required |
| Equatorial Guinea | visa required |
| Eritrea | visa required |
| Ethiopia | visa on arrival |
| Gabon | e-visa |
| Gambia | visa required |
| Ghana | visa required |
| Grenada | visa required |
| Guatemala | visa required |
| Guinea | e-visa |
| Guinea-Bissau | visa on arrival |
| Guyana | visa required |
| Honduras | visa required |
| India | e-visa |
| Iran | e-visa |
| Iraq | visa required |
| Ireland | visa required |
| Ivory Coast | e-visa |
| Jamaica | visa required |
| Jordan | visa on arrival |
| Kenya | visa on arrival |
| Kiribati | visa required |
| Kosovo | visa required |
| Kuwait | visa required |
| Kyrgyzstan | visa on arrival |
| Lebanon | visa required |
| Lesotho | e-visa |
| Liberia | visa required |
| Libya | visa required |
| Madagascar | visa on arrival |
| Malawi | visa on arrival |
| Maldives | visa on arrival |
| Mali | visa required |
| Mauritania | visa on arrival |
| Mexico | visa required |
| Moldova | e-visa |
| Morocco | visa required |
| Mozambique | visa required |
| Namibia | visa on arrival |
| Nauru | visa on arrival |
| Nepal | visa on arrival |
| Nicaragua | visa on arrival |
| Niger | visa required |
| Nigeria | visa on arrival |
| North Korea | visa required |
| North Macedonia | visa required |
| Pakistan | visa on arrival |
| Palau | visa on arrival |
| Palestine | visa free |
| Papua New Guinea | visa on arrival |
| Paraguay | visa required |
| Rwanda | visa on arrival |
| Saint Kitts and Nevis | e-visa |
| Saint Lucia | visa on arrival |
| Samoa | visa on arrival |
| Sao Tome and Principe | e-visa |
| Saudi Arabia | visa required |
| Senegal | visa on arrival |
| Serbia | visa required |
| Sierra Leone | visa on arrival |
| Slovakia | visa required |
| Slovenia | visa required |
| Somalia | visa on arrival |
| South Sudan | e-visa |
| Sudan | visa required |
| Suriname | e-visa |
| Swaziland | visa required |
| Syria | visa required |
| Tajikistan | visa on arrival |
| Tanzania | visa on arrival |
| Togo | visa on arrival |
| Tonga | visa required |
| Trinidad and Tobago | visa required |
| Tunisia | visa required |
| Tuvalu | visa on arrival |
| Uganda | visa on arrival |
| Ukraine | e-visa |
| United Arab Emirates | e-visa |
| United Kingdom | visa required |
| Uzbekistan | e-visa |
| Venezuela | visa required |
| Yemen | visa required |
| Zambia | visa on arrival |
| Zimbabwe | e-visa |
Eligibility for Thailand’s Visa on Arrival
As mentioned, Thailand’s VoA service is unavailable to all foreign nationals. The Thai government has specified a list of countries whose citizens are eligible for the service. Currently, there are 21 countries, including China, India, and Saudi Arabia. The list is subject to change, so you should check the latest updates from the Thai Immigration Bureau before your trip.
However, being a citizen of an eligible country is one of many requirements to avail of the VoA service in Thailand. You must also have a confirmed return ticket showing you will leave Thailand within 15 days of arrival. The VoA service is only valid for up to 15 days.
Additionally, you must have a passport valid for at least six months from entering Thailand. You must also be able to provide evidence of adequate finances for your stay in the country. This means you should have at least 10,000 THB per person or 20,000 THB per family.
Documents Required for Visa on Arrival in Thailand
The documents required for a VoA in Thailand are straightforward. You will need a completed VoA application form, which you can obtain upon arrival at the immigration checkpoint. You must provide a recently taken passport-sized photograph along with the completed form.
In addition to your application form and photograph, you must present your passport, which, as mentioned, must be valid for at least six months from entering Thailand. You must also provide a confirmed return ticket showing you will leave Thailand within 15 days of arrival.
Proof of adequate finances is also required. This ensures you have enough money to cover your expenses in Thailand. Lastly, you must pay the VoA service fee, which can be paid in Thai currency.
Read: How to apply for Thailand eVisa
Procedure for Obtaining a Visa on Arrival in Thailand
Upon your arrival at the immigration checkpoint in Thailand, you will need to proceed to the VoA service counter. Here, you will be given an application form to complete. You must provide your personal information, travel details, and accommodation in Thailand. Your recently taken passport-sized photograph must be attached to the completed form.
Once your form is filled out and your photograph is attached, you must present your passport and confirmed return ticket. Your passport will be checked to ensure it is valid for at least six months from entering Thailand. Your return ticket will be checked to confirm that you will leave Thailand within 15 days of arrival.
After checking your documents, you must pay the VoA service fee. Once your payment has been confirmed, your passport will be stamped with the VoA, and you will be allowed to enter Thailand.
Fees for Visa on Arrival in Thailand
The fee for the VoA service in Thailand is 2,000 THB. This fee is subject to change, so it’s advisable to check the latest updates from the Thai Immigration Bureau before your trip. The fee can be paid in Thai currency and must be paid at the time of your application. The cost is non-refundable, even if your application is denied.
Duration and Extension of Visa on Arrival in Thailand
The VoA in Thailand is valid for up to 15 days. However, if you wish to stay in Thailand for longer than 15 days, you can apply for an extension of your VoA. The extension can be obtained at the Thai Immigration Bureau and is valid for seven days.
Please note that overstaying your visa in Thailand is a serious offence. If you overstay your visa, you will be fined 500 THB for each day you overstay, up to a maximum of 20,000 THB.
Tips to Avoid Common Issues with Visa on Arrival in Thailand
To avoid common issues with the VoA service in Thailand, it’s essential to be prepared. Ensure you have all the necessary documents and that your passport is valid for at least six months from entering Thailand. Have your return ticket and proof of adequate finances ready for inspection.
It’s also important to remember that the VoA service in Thailand is only available at certain immigration checkpoints. Be sure to arrive at one of these checkpoints to avail of the service.
Lastly, be aware of the duration of your visa. Overstaying your visa in Thailand is a severe offence and can result in hefty fines.
Visa on Arrival in Thailand: For Business and Tourist Purposes
The VoA service in Thailand is available for both business and tourist purposes. Whether you’re visiting Thailand for a business meeting or a vacation, you can avail of the VoA service as long as you meet the eligibility requirements.
However, please note that if you’re visiting Thailand for business purposes, you may be required to provide additional documents, such as an invitation from a Thai company.
Experiences of Travelers with Visa on Arrival in Thailand
Travellers who have used the VoA service in Thailand generally report positive experiences. Many find the process quick and convenient, saving them the time and hassle of applying for a visa before their trip. However, some travellers have reported long queues at the VoA service counters, especially during peak travel times.
To avoid long queues, some travellers recommend arriving early in the morning or late at night when the counters are less busy. Others suggest using the online VoA service, which allows you to complete your application and pay the fee before you arrive in Thailand.
In conclusion, the VoA service in Thailand is a convenient option for eligible travellers. With the proper preparation and awareness of the process, you can streamline your visa application and make your travel to Thailand a breeze.
Read: How to apply and get Timor-Leste Visa on Arrival
Remember to check the latest updates from the Thai Immigration Bureau before your trip, and ensure you have all the necessary documents. With these steps, you’re well on your way to mastering the process of obtaining a Visa on Arrival in Thailand. Happy travels!