If you are planning a trip to Thailand, you need to know that most short stays do not require a visa, but longer visits or business trips require a visa for all foreign visitors.
The Thai government has moved its visa system entirely online (E-Visa), making the application process faster and easier than ever before.
This guide provides the simple facts you need to know about the official E-Visa options, the current 60-day visa exemption, and how to apply for the visa you need, when applicable.
Quick Summary: Thailand Entry Options
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Visa Exemption (Short Stay) | FREE, allows a stay up to 60 days (Can be extended once for 30 days). |
| E-Visa (Tourist/TR) Fee | $40 USD (Single Entry, 60-day stay). |
| E-Visa (Multiple Entry) Fee | $200 USD (Unlimited entries over 6 months, 60 days per visit). |
| Passport Validity | At least 6 months' validity upon arrival. |
| Processing Time | Up to 15 business days (Apply at least 30 days ahead). |
| Business Visa | Requires Non-Immigrant "B" E-Visa ($80 USD, 90 days per entry). |
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Thailand Entry Options
As a U.S. citizen, you have three main ways to enter Thailand, depending on how long you plan to stay and your purpose:
Option #1: Visa Exemption (Most Common)
For simple trips to Thailand for tourism or visits shorter than 2 months, you do not need to apply for a visa. Here are the facts about Thailand’s current 60-day visa exemption:
- Duration: You are granted an entry stamp allowing you to stay for up to 60 days (this was recently increased from 30 days).
- Extension: You can extend this stay once for an extra 30 days (for a fee) by visiting the Office of Immigration Bureau, giving you a maximum total of 90 days.
You may not stay beyond your approved time. Your duration of stay is noted on your entry stamp upon arrival in Thailand.
Option #2: Thailand Tourist E-Visa (TR) or Tourist (METV) Multiple Entry
If you want the security and flexibility of having a visa while visiting Thailand or if you plan to stay in Thailand longer than 60 days, you should apply for a Thailand Tourist E-Visa.
Option #3: Non-Immigrant Thailand Business E-Visa
If you are going to Thailand for work-related activities, you need to apply for a specialized Thailand Business E-Visa.
Thailand E-Visa Features: Tourist and Business
You must choose the visa type that suits your reason for traveling to Thailand.
| Visa Type | Purpose | Official Gov. Fee | Duration of Stay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist (TR) | Single entry. Used for tourism and visiting family. | $40 USD | Up to 60 days |
| Tourist (METV) | Multiple entries. Used for tourism, visiting family, and frequent visits. | $200 USD | Up to 60 days per entry, valid for 6 months |
| Non-Immigrant B | Used for initial business meetings and conferences, short business stays. | $80 USD | Up to 90 days |
Applying for Your Thailand Visa Using the E-Visa System
Thailand now uses a "stickerless" E-Visa service. You apply for your visa entirely online. Your visa approval is attached to your passport number digitally. You no longer need to mail your passport. You have two options when applying for your Thailand E-Visa:
- E-Visa (Online): All applications are done online through the official Thai E-Visa website. You upload your documents and pay the fee.
- Using an Assisted Service: The official Thai E-Visa system has very strict rules for document uploading (like specific photo sizes and file formats). iVisa is a trusted service that provides a simple, reliable service to help with your visa application. Their experts check your photo and documents, confirm the correct visa type, and make sure your application is perfect before submission to avoid potential delays or rejection.
Please note: The Thai Embassy/Consulates no longer accept physical mail-in applications for many common visas.
In a hurry? Apply online to get your visa, e-visa, ETA or eVOA fast.
The Official Thailand E-Visa Process: 3 Steps
The processing time for Thai visas can take up to 15 business days (weekends and holidays excluded), so plan to apply early. At least 30 days before your travel date is recommended.
Step 1: Gather Your Documents
- Your valid U.S. passport (must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your departure date and have 1 blank page).
- A recent passport-style photo (digital upload).
- Your flight itinerary (showing entry/exit dates to/from Thailand).
- Proof of Funds: A recent bank statement or proof of funds for the duration of your stay (suggested minimum: $700 USD per person).
- For Business Visa (Non-Immigrant B) Only: You need a letter from your U.S. company and an invitation letter from the partner company in Thailand.
Step 2: Apply and Upload Your Documents
- Access the official Thai E-Visa website or use an accredited service like iVisa.
- Select your visa type (e.g., Tourist Visa TR, Tourist Visa METV, or Non-Immigrant B).
- Fill out the application form carefully and upload all required documents.
Step 3: Pay and Receive Your E-Visa
- Pay the non-refundable fee (see Thailand E-Visa Features: Tourist and Business table above for official government fees).
- Double-check your application for missing information or errors.
- Submit your complete application.
Confirmation: Once approved, you will receive an email confirmation. Even though the visa approval is digitally linked to your passport number, you must print the email confirmation and carry it with you when you travel. Your airline or customs may ask you to show the confirmation.
Beyond the Thailand E-Visa: Important Rules
An approved E-Visa does not guarantee entry into Thailand. Immigration Officers retain the final decision.
Even if you are not required to obtain a visa to travel to Thailand, all foreign visitors still have mandatory steps and rules to follow.
Be prepared to show:
- Printed E-Visa Confirmation (if you applied for a visa).
- Valid US Passport: Must be valid for at least 6 months.
- Proof of Onward Travel/Departure from Thailand (especially if using the 60-day exemption).
- Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC): Effective May 2025, all travelers must complete the TDAC online before arrival (this is a separate, free immigration form).
Note on Overstay
If you stay longer than the time stamped in your passport (usually 60 days), you will be charged a fine of 500 Thai Baht (THB) per day, and you may be arrested and banned from re-entering Thailand. Make sure that you note the exact date you must depart Thailand by and plan accordingly.
Thailand E-Visa Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
A: No, not for short stays. U.S. citizens can use the Visa Exemption Scheme to enter Thailand for up to 60 days without applying for a visa.
A: The maximum single stay you can get is 90 days. You enter visa-free for 60 days, and then you can apply for a 30-day extension at a local Immigration Office (for a fee).
A: The standard Thailand E-Visa process takes up to 15 business days. You must apply well before your trip.
A: The single-entry Tourist E-Visa (TR) is valid for 3 months from the date it is issued. The multiple-entry tourist Tourist E-Visa (METV) is valid for 6 months from the date of issue.
A: Yes. However, you can only conduct initial business, meetings, and negotiations. To get paid or be employed by a Thai company, you must secure a Work Permit and often a different long-term work visa after arrival.
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