Do you want to visit Thailand? While the country offers several different types of visas for various purposes, it is important to plan accordingly to ensure that you meet the requirements. In this article, we will walk you through key entry and visa approval criteria to consider before planning your trip to Thailand.
Key considerations for choosing a visa for your trip to Thailand
Travel Exemptions and Requirements
Under Thailand’s visa exemptions for tourism, citizens of recognized countries can stay visa-free for up to 30 days in the country. If you are not visiting from one of the listed countries, you’ll need to apply for a visa before or upon arrival at the Thai border.
Currently, the visa exemptions include 57 countries and consist of two categories, tourism and diplomatic travel. Eligible travelers are required to present a passport with at least six months of remaining validity and an outbound ticket from Thailand upon arrival.
Emerhub understands that planning for a trip can be a tedious process and can assist with processing your visa application and coordinating with your local Thai embassy throughout the process. You can also refer to our “Guide to Visas in Thailand” for more information.
Single VS Multiple Entry Visas in Thailand
A single-entry visa refers to short-term visas that allow stays of up to 60 days. Once you have entered Thailand on the basis of a single entry visa, leaving the country at any point will result in the visa no longer being valid, even if not all 60 days have been used. Additionally, the single-entry visa must be activated within 3 months of the date of issue.
The multiple-entry visa allows for several entries to the country, as long as it is activated within 6 months of the date of issue. Multiple-entry visas are commonly used for business travelers who intend on traveling back and forth between Thailand and other business hubs within a 1 year period.
Available Short-term Visas for Your Business Trip to Thailand
Known as non-immigrant business visas, these apply to travelers whose purpose of travel falls under work, investment, or teaching. They are usually issued for short-term business and investment activities. The are three categories of non-immigrant business visas:
- Business Visa (B): Holders of this visa are allowed 90 days upon entry so long as their activities are work or teaching-related.
- Business-approved Visa (B-A): Travelers with this visa are allowed a year upon entry so long as they are carrying out work or investment activities relating to their company.
- Investment and Business Visa (IB): This visa is for individuals engaging in short-term investment activities or working on projects approved by the Thai Board of Investment (BOI).
Remember that business visas typically require sponsorship by the Thai employer. There are usually more specific entry requirements to consider, such as a valid employment contract or proof of investment. To learn more, take a look at our related guide on how to work in Thailand as a foreigner.
Short-term Visas for Other Travel Reasons
Tourist Visa in Thailand
If you want to take a trip to Thailand for leisure, you’ll need a tourist visa, which can be applied for at a Thai consulate, or on arrival through border officials. A tourist visa allows you to stay in Thailand for up to 60 days, with the possibility of a 30-day extension. Allowed activities for tourist visa holders include:
- Tourism activities
- Attending meetings
- Purchasing goods
- Negotiating contracts
- Seeking medical treatment
Remember, tourist visa holders can end up with their visa revoked if they engage in activities that include working for pay, selling services or goods, receiving rewards from Thai entities, conducting journalism or research, or pursuing long-term residence or employment. Additionally, you are expected to comply with local laws and culture.
Thai Medical Visa
The medical visa allows a stay of up to 90 days in Thailand for medical treatment, with the option to extend for up to one year. You can get this visa at a Thai embassy in your home country or when you arrive in Thailand. Once you acquire this visa, you are allowed to bring up to three members of your immediate family for recovery assistance.
The visa also allows for multiple entries but requires you to report to immigration officers every 90 days if you are extending the stay. Those who are eligible for this visa include those seeking cosmetic surgery, dental treatment, cancer treatment, anti-aging treatments, transplants, and experimental disease treatments.
Eligibility for this visa is dependent on having a hospital appointment or treatment plan confirmation. To learn more, take a look at our guide to medical tourism in Thailand.
Non-immigrant (O) Visas in Thailand
As the name implies, Non-immigrant “other”(O) visas are issued for miscellaneous non-business/tourism reasons:
- Spouse/Family Visa: A visa that allows you up to a 90-day stay in Thailand and lets you stay with a family member or spouse who is a Thai citizen,
- Retirement Visa: This visa applies to those seeking to stay in Thailand as a retiree or pension earner and allows 90 days upon entry.
- Volunteer Visa: This visa is only issued for individuals participating in volunteer activities with non-profit organizations or government-sponsored initiatives with a 90-day allowance for their stay.
It should be noted that you can only acquire a non-immigrant visa by meeting specific requirements, including proving your relationship with the inviting party and showing that you have sufficient funds and accommodation for your stay.
Emerhub’s local experts are well-versed in all current travel regulations and can assist you in determining the necessary visa for your trip to Thailand. We can also manage the entire visa application process in your stead to ensure a stress-free trip to Thailand.
Want to plan a trip to Thailand? Contact us via the form below for a free consultation with our visa experts!
