Thailand Visa

Under its "visa exemption rule", Thailand permits foreign nationals from several countries to enter for a limited period.

Candidates from countries included in the exemption rule are permitted to enter Thailand for a period of up to 30 days without the need to make a visa application.

The exemption rule actually allows candidates to visit Thailand for a maximum period of 90 days within a period of six months; however, no single visit can exceed 30 days.

It is important to note that this exemption rule only applies to candidates who wish to temporarily relocate to Thailand for the purposes of tourism. The exemption agreement is designed to facilitate the entry of foreign nationals who intend to spend a holiday in Thailand and does not extend to business visitors.

For nationals of all countries not included in the exemption rule and for nationals of included countries who wish to stay in Thailand for a period in excess of 30 days, applying for a visa is an essential requirement.

Global Visas can help you to obtain a visa for Thailand whether you intend to visit the country for pleasure or for business.

As a specialist immigration agency, we can obtain work permits and visas for a wide range of destinations worldwide and can take your application from enquiry through to grant with expert immigration lawyer advice provided at every stage. 

Our specialist team of migration consultants and immigration lawyers can assess your needs and help to ensure that you embark upon the most appropriate Thai immigration visa service for you.

Types of Visa for Thailand

In Thailand, visas are divided into tourist visas, (often variously referred to as visit visas, or travel visas) and a larger group of Thai visas known as non-immigrant visas, which incorporates Thai business visas, study visas and work permits.

Thai Tourist visa

In Thailand, tourist visas or 'TR' visas may be granted for a period of up to 60 days, or a period of up to 30 days, depending upon the nationality of the applicant.

Thailand offers a 60-day stay to nationals of 40 countries; however, candidates from a country which does not appear on this list will be limited to a tourist visa duration of 30 days.

Thailand also offers a "visa on arrival" scheme to a further 19 countries. Nationals from countries appearing in this list may obtain a Thai visa upon arrival which lasts for a maximum period of fifteen days.

A Global Visas migration consultant will be able to advise you of the requirements for Thai immigration visas for nationals of your country of residence.

Although tourist visas for Thailand can appear complex, the basic requirements are common to all, whether a candidate is entitled to apply under the 'visa exemption rule' 'the visa on arrival rule' or neither concession, all candidates will need to provide the following:

  • A current, valid passport from their country of residence.
  • Confirmation of a return or onward flight ticket which specifically shows that the applicant will be departing from Thailand within the allocated amount of time.
  • Confirmation of sufficient financial resources to fund the trip.

Thai Business visa

Thai business visas are included in the non-immigrant visa group, which also contains visas for study and an employment based work visa which acts as an initial step in applying for a Thai work permit.

In Thailand, immigration on a temporary basis in order to conduct business activities other than paid employment is covered by the 'ED' category.

This class of visa for Thailand is intended as an educational grant of leave; however, it also provides the nearest Thai equivalent of UK business visit visas and the familiar model of visas for business in many destinations.

Holders of these business permits may attend conferences, seminars or meetings or attend training; however, they may not engage in paid employment.

The 'B' or business visa itself in Thailand is actually designed for paid employment and is awarded on the basis of a candidate providing evidence of a bona fide job offer from a Thai company.

Like a UK work permit, the application is made by the company on behalf of the candidate. This working visa allows the candidate to enter the country, however they will not be permitted to live and work in Thailand on a long-term basis until a Thai work permit has been obtained.

Processing Times and Fees

Processing times and fees for immigration services are subject to change and can depend upon factors such as the nationality of the applicant.

A Global Visas immigration consultant will be able to discuss the fees associated with applications from your country of residence.

Similarly, in Thailand, visa processing times may be affected by factors such as the type of entry clearance being sought and the nationality of the candidate. However, at present, most applications can be processed within two working days.

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