Visa on Arrival

The Visa on Arrival in Thailand is a short-term tourist visa that lets eligible citizens enter the country without having to apply at an embassy or consulate beforehand. This visa is strictly for tourism purposes and grants a stay of up to 15 days. It’s important to understand the difference between the Visa on Arrival and the visa exemption program: The visa exemption allows passport holders from 64 countries to enter Thailand without a visa for up to 30 days, while the Visa on Arrival is specifically for citizens of 19 countries who can obtain a 15-day tourist visa upon arrival at immigration checkpoints. For official and up-to-date information, it’s best to check the Thai Immigration Bureau’s website.

As of 2025, nationals from the following countries are eligible for Visa on Arrival in Thailand:

This list is subject to change, and travelers should always verify current eligibility on the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.

To apply for a Visa on Arrival Thailand, you must provide the following:

For up-to-date requirements, visit the Thai E-Visa official portal.

The Thailand Visa on Arrival fee is currently 2,000 Thai Baht, which is approximately 55 US dollars. This amount must be paid in cash and only in Thai Baht at the immigration checkpoint upon arrival. When you apply for Thailand VOA, make sure to carry the exact amount to avoid delays, as credit cards and other currencies are not accepted. From time to time, Thailand may waive the Visa on Arrival fee under special tourism campaigns. These waivers are typically offered by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) to promote short-term travel to the Kingdom. To stay informed about any fee exemptions or upcoming travel promotions, regularly check the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) or consult the Thai Immigration Services page for official announcements and updates.

You can obtain the Visa on Arrival Thailand at major international airports:

VOA is also available at designated land border crossings such as:

For the full list of checkpoints, refer to Immigration Thailand.

Typically, Visa on Arrival cannot be extended beyond the initial 15-day period. Overstaying your visa may result in fines or bans.

Extensions are only granted in the event of hospitalization or certified medical emergencies, with documentation provided by a licensed Thai hospital. Applications must be submitted at the Immigration Office before your visa expires. For guidance, check the Thai Immigration Office.

No, you cannot work in Thailand with a Thailand Visa on Arrival. This visa is strictly limited to tourism purposes and does not permit any kind of employment or business activity. Attempting to work while holding a Visa on Arrival violates Thai immigration laws and may result in fines, deportation, or blacklisting. If you intend to work in Thailand, you must apply for a Business Visa (Non-Immigrant B) before entering the country. In addition to this visa, a valid Thai Work Permit issued by the Department of Employment is required to work legally. To apply for a Business Visa in Thailand, you generally need sponsorship from a registered Thai company, an official job offer or employment contract, and documentation proving your position and the company’s status. Unlike the Thailand Visa on Arrival, which falls under basic Thailand VOA requirements for short-term stays, the Business Visa offers long-term, employment-based entry options. For detailed instructions and eligibility, refer to the Thai Department of Employment or consult an immigration professional.

If you’re planning a short stay in Thailand, it’s essential to understand the difference between the Thailand Visa on Arrival (VOA) and the Visa Exemption program to ensure a smooth entry process at the border. The Thailand Visa on Arrival is available for travelers from 31 eligible countries. It allows entry into the country for up to 15 days strictly for tourism purposes. To apply for Visa on Arrival Thailand, travelers must pay a fee of 2,000 THB upon arrival at the immigration checkpoint. Under the current Thailand VOA requirements, extensions are rarely granted travelers must leave the country before the 15-day period ends unless a certified emergency occurs. In comparison, the Thailand Visa Exemption program allows passport holders from 64 countries to enter without a visa for up to 30 days. This option is free of charge and may be used for both tourism and general visits. In certain cases, travelers can apply to extend their stay by 7 to 30 days at a Thai Immigration Office depending on their situation. Deciding between the Visa on Arrival Thailand and the Visa Exemption depends on your nationality, your intended length of stay, and your travel needs. If you’re planning to stay longer or need the option to re-enter Thailand multiple times, you should consider applying for a Tourist Visa through an official Thai embassy or consulate. This visa offers longer durations and more flexibility with single or multiple entries.

If you plan to stay in Thailand for more than 15 days, you should apply for a 60-day Tourist Visa at a Thai embassy or consulate before you travel. This visa can be extended for an additional 30 days once you’re in Thailand. There are also other long-term visa options to consider depending on your situation, including:

All foreigners staying in Thailand including those entering under the Thailand Visa on Arrival must comply with the TM30 notification requirement, as outlined by Thai immigration law. This rule applies whether you’re staying in a private residence, rented apartment, or hotel. The TM30 form requires your host (landlord, property owner, or hotel manager) to report your presence to the local immigration office within 24 hours of your arrival. Failure to do so can result in fines for the host and complications for your visa status.

The Thailand Visa on Arrival is a convenient solution for travelers from eligible countries looking to enter the Kingdom for a short-term stay. However, strict conditions like the 15-day limit, non-renewable status, and required documentation mean that any error can result in entry refusal or legal penalties. With Themis Partner, you benefit from professional legal support to ensure your application and documents fully comply with Thai immigration regulations. We assist you in preparing everything correctly and efficiently. Download your Visa on Arrival documents today to ensure a compliant and secure entry into Thailand.