Tourist Visa

The tourist visa is generally the easiest to obtain requiring minimal documentation. The permitted stay for a tourist visa is 60 days upon arrival in the Kingdom at all entry points - Thai Immigration lists these checkpoints (select Checkpoints from top menu bar and then select region).

Contact the Royal Thai Embassy/Consulate where you plan to apply as to: (1) the number of copies of documents that you will need; (2) whether you need to apply in person; and (3) the application fee required. See obtaining a visa for more information on the process and click here for visa application.

Extension of the Tourist Visa

Once in Thailand, this visa normally can be extended for another 30 days at any Thai Immigration Office. Any further extensions may not be granted, if they are they will generally be limited to 7 days. All visa extensions require the same basic documents for Remaining in the Kingdom of Thailand.

Multiple entry Tourist Visas are usually for double or triple entries. The deadline date for the last entry into Thailand should be clearly visible in the center of the visa. When entering Thailand on or near the visa expiration date, the holder will still receive the 60 day permitted stay, e.g., visa shows an expiration date of May 16, 2009 and holder arrives at Immigration check point on May 14, 2009, the departure (permitted to stay until) date would be July 12, 2009.

CAUTION – We have received reports that some Embassy/Consulate staff in neighboring countries may deny issuance of a new Tourist Visa if they think the traveler is using them for the purpose of living in Thailand rather than for tourism. Most major travel agencies in Thailand keep abreast of the latest requirements and/or obstacles in obtaining visas in neighboring countries. So, you may wish to contact one of them prior to incurring the expense of traveling to the neighboring country.