Do I need a visa for Thailand? A complete guide for travelers

Most tourists require a visa to travel to Thailand, unless they are from a visa-exempt country.

Find out if you need a visa in this article, which type, and how you can apply for one quickly.

Do I need a visa to enter Thailand?

The best way to find out is by checking on our website or through our handy mobile app.

All you have to do is select your home country and Thailand as the destination. This will tell you if you have visa-free entry or must have a visa.

Thailand travel update: Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) replacing TM6 form

Starting May 1, 2025, Thailand will introduce the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC), a new online system that will replace the paper-based TM6 form. Just like the TM6, this digital card will be required for both arrival and departure procedures, making immigration smoother for travelers entering and leaving the country by air, land, or sea.

For years, visitors had to fill out the TM6 arrival and departure card when traveling to Thailand. This paper form collected passport details, travel plans, and a local address and was usually distributed on flights or at immigration checkpoints. However, in July 2022, Thailand temporarily suspended the TM6 requirement for air travelers to help reduce airport congestion. Later, the suspension was extended to land and sea entry points, with the final extension set to expire on April 30, 2025.

[image]

Instead of bringing back the old paper forms, Thailand is shifting to TDAC, an electronic system that travelers will need to complete online before their trip. The new requirement applies to all foreign visitors, including visa-exempt countries like Singapore, Indonesia, and Vietnam. The only exception is Thai passport holders** who won’t need to fill out the TDAC.

Beyond making entry and exit procedures more efficient, the TDAC system will also help track tourists during their stay, strengthen security measures, and support Thailand’s growing tourism sector. By going digital, the country aims to modernize its immigration process while keeping better records of visitor movements.

What to do before you travel to Thailand

• Check your eligibility: Thailand offers visa-free entry to many countries for a limited period. Check whether your country is on the list and the length of stay allowed.

• Ensure passport validity: Your passport should be valid for at least six months after arrival.

• Prepare necessary documents: This includes a return or onward ticket and proof of accommodation.

Cynthia Oliwa, iVisa travel expert, recommends: "When booking your hotel in Bangkok, choose one within walking distance of a BTS or MRT station. With the city’s notorious traffic congestion, these transit systems are the most efficient and reliable way to get around."

Thailand visa types

Your eligibility for a Thai visa is determined by your nationality.

Thailand Tourist Visa

Also known as the Thailand eVisa, this electronic document allows foreign nationals of certain countries to enter Thailand.

Thai authorities developed this online system to facilitate the flow of tourists in the country. The best part is that you don’t have to visit the Royal Thai embassy or consulate; the application process is 100% online.

The Thai Tourist Visa allows you to travel for tourism activities, visit relatives and friends, seek medical treatment at a registered hospital, and specific business activities supported by the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB).

Find out more about the Thailand eVisa and apply online.

Thailand VOA (Visa on Arrival)

A Thailand Visa on Arrival (VOA) allows eligible citizens to obtain their Thai visas at the immigration counters at the airport once they enter Thailand.

The immigration officer will decide the duration of your stay, usually between 15 and 30 days.

You don’t have to fill out an application form in advance. However, when entering Thailand, you’ll likely face long lines at the airport to obtain your visa.

If you need the current list of immigration checkpoints where you can obtain the VOA, please visit the Thailand Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.

Thailand eVOA

Travelers from certain countries don't have to wait in long queues to get their VOA, fill out application forms, and change currency at the airport to pay visa fees.

Instead, they can apply for a pre-approved visa on arrival from the comfort of their home, before enteringThailand.

Find out more about the Thailand eVOA and apply online.

As of 2024, the following countries are eligible for a Thailand eVOA: Ethiopia, Nauru, and Vanuatu.

Thailand ETA

Starting June 2025, Thailand will launch an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system for travelers from visa-exempt countries. This means that before entering Thailand, eligible visitors must apply for an ETA online, similar to systems used in the United States (ESTA), Canada (ETA), and South Korea (K-ETA).

The ETA will be a single-entry permit, meaning travelers must apply for a new ETA each time they enter Thailand, regardless of how frequently they visit. The system will apply to arrivals by air, sea, and land, and once approved, travelers can use automated gates at immigration checkpoints by scanning the QR code linked to their ETA.

Find out more about the Thailand ETA.

Thailand Embassy Visa

Foreigners who aren’t eligible for the abovementioned visa types will need to apply for a Thai visa at your nearest Thai embassy or consulate.

The visa will be stamped in their passport, and the application process tends to be time-consuming. It’s also the standard application process to obtain long-term visas, such as work and study visas.

What documents do I need for a Thai eVisa?

You have to provide the following documents to obtain a Thailand eVisa:

• Passport photo - It should be a recent, high-quality photo taken against a white background. Glasses should not be worn unless for medical reasons.

• Passport - A clear scan of the bio-data page is required. Your passport must remain valid for at least six months after you arrive in Thailand.

• Flight tickets - You must show proof that you intend to return home at the end of your trip.

• Proof of accommodation - This can be your host's address or a hotel/Airbnb booking.

• Proof of residence - This can be a bank statement, utility bill, or identification card; as long as it shows your residential address in the country you're applying from.

How to apply for a Thailand Tourist Visa or eVOA

Completing the Thai visa application process with iVisa is very easy. You’ll just need to follow these three steps:

• Step 1: Go to our website or download the iVisa app. Provide your personal and travel information.

• Step 2: Double-check that all the information you've given is correct to avoid any issues. Choose your preferred processing option and pay the visa and service fees.

• Step 3: Upload all the supporting documents after completing the rest of the application form. Submit once you're done.

Once your eVisa is approved, we'll email it to you. Keep a copy on your mobile device and print it out as well so you can easily show it on arrival in Thailand.

Why choose iVisa for your Thai visa application

We've helped thousands of travelers successfully apply for Thai visas.

"The application was fast, and iVisa's team was there to guide me whenever I had questions about the form. The process didn't take long at all. I now recommend iVisa to everyone I know." – Aiman L, Malaysia

Thailand travel tips

Here are some more travel tips for your journey to Thailand, beyond visas:

• Safety: In general, Thailand is a safe and hospitable country. However, exercise normal precautions and travel in a group when venturing to less populous areas or neighborhoods.

• Vaccinations: The yellow fever vaccination is only required for travelers from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission. For more information, you can visit the CDC website.

Cynthia advises: "If you're landing in Bangkok at midnight, stick to the official taxi stand to avoid scams. The fare to the city center typically ranges from 400 to 500 THB, so make sure to re-confirm the fare before you get and to get to your hotel safely and without surprises."

Need help with your Thai visa application?

If you need more information about applying for a Thailand Tourist Visa or a Thailand eVOA, our customer support team is more than ready to help. Contact us any time via iVisa chat or WhatsApp.