How to Get a Thailand Travel Visa

If you are an American citizen and plan on staying in Thailand longer than 30 days, you will need a Thailand travel visa. There are several different visas available and it's important to choose the right one.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Passport valid for at least 6 months
• Visa application
• Two passport pictures
• Application fee
• Self-addressed stamped envelope
• Copy of travel documents

1. Determine if you need to obtain a visa. Staying in Thailand for less than 30 days does not require a visa if you are from the United States. In this case, you will only need a valid passport and travel documents that indicate your itinerary.

2. Pick the type of visa you need to get. Students, tourists and workers require different visas. Pay attention to how long each visa is valid.

3. Apply for the permit at the Thailand Embassy in Washington D.C. If you can't travel to Washington D.C., you can download the appropriate forms and send them through the mail. Make sure you include a self-addressed stamped envelope to have your visa sent back to you.

4. Supply your passport, photographs, completed application, application fee and your travel itinerary. You must have your exit from Thailand planned to obtain a visa.

5. Wait for approval from Thai immigration officials. Most visas are approved, but denial is subject to the discretion of the Thai authorities.

6. Keep your visa with your travel documents when you travel. You must supply your tourist or non-immigrant visa at the border to get your passport stamped correctly and avoid any confusion if you are picked up by Thai authorities 30 days after your entry date.

Tips & Warnings

• You can extend your tourist visa while in Thailand at an Immigration Bureau. One is located in Bangkok. Thirty-day extensions are usually allowed.

• If you stay in Thailand longer than your allotted 30 days, you will be fined when you leave. If it is discovered that you are staying in Thailand illegally, you can be arrested and jailed. In some cases, this has led to being barred for life from visiting Thailand.

• Beware "private visa extension" services. The only way to extend your visa legally is through the Thai government.

• You have to use your Thailand visa within 3 months of the issue date.

• If you only have a tourist visa, you are not allowed to work for money or conduct any business.

• Going to jail in Thailand will expose you to harsh conditions. Check that you have an onward ticket to leave Thailand when you enter or you may be jailed until you can produce one.