Applying for a Thailand Tourist Visa Online Guide
Since 2019, the online system for visa applications has been active for certain countries. Anything that makes the Thailand tourist visa application process easier and more efficient is welcomed.
The Thailand online visa application service has been through some changes since it was first introduced and will likely go through more, including more countries being able to apply through the system.
When it was first introduced, applicants had to send their passports to their Embassy to have the visa placed inside a page within the passport. Now, a printable document is sent confirming the visa has been approved that has to be printed and shown to officials and airlines at airports without sending a passport to the Embassy. We get an e-visa instead, which is very convenient.
The single entry 60 day (SETV) and 6 month multiple entry (METV) visa can both be applied for online if you are staying within a qualifying country. In addition, other non-tourist and visa-on-arrival type visas can also be applied for online.
Eligable Countries
The eligible countries that can apply online can and will change over time.
Currently, the USA, UK, Europe, China, and some others are eligible. You may check eligibility through the official website’s FAQ section. In addition, various citizens from a country other than the country they are applying from may also be eligible to apply (check this as it does not apply to all countries).
The current online application website allows visitors to first check if they need a tourist visa and then check if they are eligible to apply online. The eligibility section allows a person to add another country other than the country their passport is issued from and will tell them if they can or cannot apply online.
Note (a message during the application process): If an applicant applies for a visa at the Embassy/Consulate in the country where the applicant does not have permanent residency, the visa approval process may take at least 1 month.
Completing The Application
Everything should be straightforward for most applicants and I have completed a visa application myself online and found the site user-friendly, especially for an official Thailand website.
If you do run into difficulties or like I did, you have a question that you are unsure about then you could try emailing your nearest Thai Embassy or Consulate. In the UK (London) the Embassy was very helpful in answering a query I had.
There is a 6-step application process: 1 – Create an Account, 2 – Fill in Application Form, 3 – Upload Supporting Documents, 4 – Pay Fee, 5 – Wait for Visa to be Processed, and 6 – Approval Visa sent by e-mail.
It is important to send the correct documents and these include the documents that are required when applying in person at an Embassy or Consulate.
Documents Required (upload)
These are the requirements requested by the UK, London Embassy. Most Embassies will be similar with some slight differences that you might want to check out.
For Single Entry (stay up to 60 days)
- A current passport with validity not less than 6 months and at least 2 blank pages. Applicants must fill in online visa application with their given name(s) and surname as appear in their passports
- Passport photo
- Travel booking confirmation
- Proof of accommodation in Thailand e.g. hotel booking, invitation letter from family or friend in Thailand
- Financial evidence e.g. bank statements, proof of earnings
- Confirmation of legal residence in the UK or Ireland (if applicants are not nationals of these countries) e.g. long stay visa, residence permit, BRP card. For UK citizens it’s your passport
For Multiple Entries (stay up to 60 days for each entry within the period of 6 months)
- A current passport with validity not less than 6 months beyond the date of depature from Thailand and at least 2 blank pages. Applicants must fill in online visa application with their given name(s) and surname as appear in their passports
- Passport photo
- Financial evidence e.g. original bank statement of the applicant showing a balance of at least £5,000 (for 6 months) or a print out with official stamp of the bank
- A letter from the applicant’s employer (in the UK and addressed to the Royal Thai Embassy)
If you are self-employed, you self-assessment and a company registration document are required. - Travel booking confirmation
- Proof of accommodation in Thailand e.g. hotel booking, invitation letter from family or friend in Thailand.
- Confirmation of legal residence in the UK or Ireland (if applicants are not nationals of these countries) e.g. long stay visa, residence permit, BRP card. or UK citizens it’s your passport.
The online visa application website does not state clearly what documents are required before applying. This information seems to be supplied by the country which an applicant is applying from. These Embassies may request further documents if needed and you should be able to contact them for help with your application.
Official Website and Agencies
There are quite a few search results that are not the official Thailand online visa application website. This one is the official site – https://www.thaievisa.go.th/.
Other search results may be an agency willing to do the application and charge their fee on top, but they are not the official website. There are agencies willing to complete the application process for a fee that some travellers use.
