Thailand Visa on Arrival

Who The Visa On Arrival Is For

The Visa on Arrival is specifically for nationals of countries that are not covered by Thailand's visa exemption policy (30-day entry without a visa) and who also do not have access to an e-Visa for their desired visit.

Important: nationals of Australia, the United Kingdom, USA, Canada, EU member states, Japan, South Korea, and most Western countries do NOT use the Visa on Arrival — they receive a 60-day visa exemption on arrival automatically. (Thailand's Cabinet approved a reduction to 30/15-day tiers for most nationalities on 19 May 2026, but it was still pending Royal Gazette publication as of 22 August 2026 (per the Tourism Authority of Thailand and KPMG's GMS Flash Alert) and is not yet in force — the 60-day exemption remains current for air arrivals.) The VoA is primarily used by nationals of India, China (in certain circumstances), Saudi Arabia, and a defined list of other countries.

The current full list of VoA-eligible nationalities is maintained by the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs at mfa.go.th — verify your nationality's status before travel.

WHAT THE VoA PROVIDES • Stay: 15 days from date of entry. Not extendable. • Multiple or single: a new VoA is required for each visit (it is not multiple-entry). • Fee: 2,000 THB, payable in cash (THB, or equivalent major currency accepted at many airports) at the VoA counter.

THE VoA PROCESS AT THE AIRPORT 1. On arrival at Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Phuket International, or Chiang Mai International, proceed to the Visa on Arrival counter (separate from the Immigration counter — look for signage before the main Immigration hall). 2. Complete the VoA application form (available at the counter). 3. Submit: application form, passport (minimum 6 months validity), passport photograph (some counters require one — bring one), onward travel evidence (return ticket or travel itinerary), accommodation booking, 2,000 THB fee. 4. Receive your VoA stamp. Then proceed to the standard Immigration passport control.

Processing time: 15–45 minutes depending on queue length. Arrive at the airport with enough time before any onward connection.

LAND BORDER VoA The Visa on Arrival is also available at some land border crossings. Processing at land borders can be slower and the counter may have different operating hours. Confirm VoA availability at the specific crossing before relying on it.

Planning For Longer Stays

If you require more than 15 days in Thailand, the Visa on Arrival is not sufficient. Options for longer stays from VoA-eligible countries: • Apply for a Tourist Visa (60 days) at a Thai Embassy in your home country before travelling • Check whether the e-Visa portal (thaievisa.go.th) is available for your nationality for a Tourist Visa • Apply for a long-stay visa (Non-OA, DTV, etc.) if you qualify

How Visa Centre Helps

We assist VoA-eligible nationals who need a tourist visa or long-stay visa instead of the VoA — advising on the pre-travel application process at a Thai Embassy, and preparing documents for the appropriate visa type.

General guidance only. VoA-eligible nationality list and process subject to change. Verify current eligibility and requirements at mfa.go.th. Independent assistance agency; not affiliated with any government body.