Introduction
Thailand is a popular tourist destination known for its beautiful beaches, temples, and delicious cuisine. If you’re planning a trip to Thailand, you may need to obtain a visa before you arrive. However, citizens of certain countries can apply for a visa on arrival. In this article, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about the visa on arrival process for Thailand.
What is a Visa On Arrival?
A visa on arrival is a type of visa that can be obtained at the point of entry into a country. In the case of Thailand, this means that travelers can apply for a visa upon arrival at any international airport or land border crossing. This type of visa is typically granted for short stays and is intended for tourism or business purposes.
Who is Eligible for a Visa On Arrival?
Not all travelers are eligible for a visa on arrival in Thailand. The following countries are eligible:
- Andorra
- Bulgaria
- Bhutan
- China
- Cyprus
- Ethiopia
- Fiji
- India
- Kazakhstan
- Latvia
- Lithuania
- Maldives
- Malta
- Mauritius
- Papua New Guinea
- Romania
- San Marino
- Saudi Arabia
- Taiwan
- Ukraine
- Uzbekistan
If you’re a citizen of one of these countries, you can apply for a visa on arrival in Thailand. However, there are certain requirements that you must meet in order to be eligible.
Requirements for a Visa On Arrival
In order to apply for a visa on arrival in Thailand, you must meet the following requirements:
- You must hold a passport with at least 6 months validity
- You must have a confirmed return ticket within 15 days of arrival
- You must have at least 10,000 Baht (approximately $320 USD) per person or 20,000 Baht (approximately $640 USD) per family in cash
- You must provide a recent passport-sized photograph
- You must fill out an arrival card
If you do not meet these requirements, you will not be eligible for a visa on arrival and will need to apply for a visa before you travel to Thailand.
Visa On Arrival Fees
The fee for a visa on arrival in Thailand is 2,000 Baht (approximately $64 USD). This fee must be paid in cash and cannot be paid with a credit card or traveler’s check. If you do not have enough cash on hand, there are ATMs and currency exchange booths available at the airport.
How to Apply for a Visa On Arrival
The process of applying for a visa on arrival in Thailand is relatively straightforward. When you arrive at the airport or land border crossing, you will need to follow these steps:
- Fill out the arrival card
- Proceed to the visa on arrival counter and submit your documents
- Pay the visa fee in cash
- Wait for your visa to be processed
- Once your visa is approved, you will receive a stamp in your passport
The entire process usually takes between 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how busy the airport or border crossing is.
Tips for a Smooth Visa On Arrival Experience
Here are some tips to help make your visa on arrival experience in Thailand as smooth as possible:
- Be sure to have enough cash on hand to pay the visa fee
- Have your return ticket and proof of funds easily accessible
- Fill out the arrival card before you arrive at the visa on arrival counter
- Be patient – the process can take some time, especially if the airport or border crossing is busy
Conclusion
If you’re a citizen of one of the eligible countries, obtaining a visa on arrival in Thailand can be a convenient and easy way to travel to the country. Just be sure to meet the requirements and have all the necessary documents and cash on hand. With a little preparation, you can enjoy all that Thailand has to offer without worrying about the visa process.
