Tourist Visa in Thailand
As the tourist’s gateway to Asia, Thailand is a definite must-see for all kinds of travelers. Its warm hospitality and perpetual sun make it an ideal destination bound to make your experience unforgettable. Getting a tourist visa in Thailand is a relatively simple process for many and for more information, please read on.
Visiting Thailand as a Tourist
When you visit Thailand for tourism purposes, you are a tourist and are not allowed to engage in any occupation or conduct business in Thailand. A tourist visa is needed so you can stay in Thailand for a period of 30 to 60 days while doing your own travels and adventures within the Kingdom. Currently, there are 48 countries that have signed a special agreement with the government of Thailand so their citizens can benefit from the Visa Exemption Rule when entering Thailand as tourists. In addition, there are 19 countries eligible to enter Thailand under the Visa-On-Arrival status.
What is a Tourist Visa?
A tourist visa is a stamp or document needed to set your allowable stay in Thailand. It is stamped on your passport upon arrival at the airport in Thailand or through a Thai Embassy or Consulate in your home country. If you wish, the tourist visa can also be extended by as much as 30 days at the nearest Immigration Office for a fee (THB 1,900).
Requirements for a Tourist Visa
When applying for a tourist visa, the following documents and fees are seen below, which are subject to change without prior notice, so it’s good to keep yourself updated before you fly to Thailand.
Documents required:
- Passport or travel document with a validity of not less than 6 months
- Visa application form (completely filled out)
- One (1) recent 4x6cm. photograph of the applicant
- Roundtrip air ticket or e-ticket (paid in full)
- Proof of financial means (20,000 baht per person/40,000 baht per family)
Also remember that the consular officers have the discretion to request for additional documents when they deem necessary, so it is advisable that you present yourself when you are in a good shape and state, together with your papers and documents.
Visa Fee:
As of this writing, the tourist visa fee is US $ 30.00 per entry or equivalent, which is subject to change without prior notice
Validity of the Visa/Period of Stay
The validity of a tourist visa ranges from 3months to 6 months (depending on the number of entries) and is permitted to stay from 30 to 60 days per entry. If you arrive on Thailand via an international airport, you will be stamped a 30 or 60-day permission of stay depending on your nationality. But if you arrive via the land border, you will be stamped 15-day permission.
On or before the expiration of your stay, it is important that you must exit the country to avoid overstaying. Overstaying in Thailand is considered a serious offense and must be avoided at all costs. However, the tourist visa can also be extended if you wish or need to stay longer in Thailand. You will need to file an application for an extension of stay at the Office of Immigration Bureau located at the new office on Chaengwattana Road (North Bangkok). Remember that the extension of stay is solely at the discretion of the immigration officer attending to your application, and can vary from 7 days to 30 days.
