Disclaimer: An arrival card is not a visa. It cannot be used as a substitute for a visa and does not grant permission to enter any country. Travelers are responsible for obtaining the appropriate visa, if required, prior to arrival. The arrival card is for administrative purposes only and does not serve as a travel authorization or entry permit.
Arriving in Thailand by sea is an exhilarating experience. Picture gliding into a country where you can gaze at the ornate splendor of the Grand Palace or marvel at the iconic limestone karsts rising from Phang Nga Bay's emerald waters. But before you step ashore to begin your exploration, you may need to secure a visa on arrival.
The Visa on Arrival (VOA) process for Thailand, particularly for those arriving by cruise ship, can be demanding, often involving long lines at immigration. This is why we offer the convenience of an electronic Visa on Arrival (eVOA) application.
By letting us handle the visa paperwork, you're free to focus on planning your time in Thailand, from the bustling streets of Bangkok to the tranquil beaches of Koh Samui.
Do I need a Thailand Visa on Arrival?
Traveling to Thailand offers various entry methods for international visitors. If your trip lasts no longer than 30 days and your nationality is on the visa exemption list, you won’t need a visa.
For those not from exempt countries, Thailand provides the convenience of an eVOA. This visa grants a stay of 15 to 30 days based on your country of origin. Eligible nationalities for the Thailand eVOA include:
Bulgaria |
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Ethiopia |
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Kazakhstan |
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Kazakhstan |
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Taiwan |
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(free 30-day stay until February 29, 2024) |
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(free 30-day stay until February 29, 2024) |
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Bhutan |
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Fiji |
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Malta |
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Papua New Guinea |
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Uzbekistan |
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China |
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Georgia |
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Mexico |
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Romania |
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Vanuatu |
(free 30-day stay until February 29, 2024) |
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Cyprus |
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India |
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Nauru |
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Saudi Arabia |
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What is the difference between a Thailand eVOA and a Thailand eVisa?
The Thailand Visa On Arrival is a convenient travel authorization that does not require an application in advance and allows eligible passport holders to apply for a tourist visa at international airports and immigration checkpoints in Thailand.
However, it is available to a limited number of nationalities and is a single-entry permit that allows the traveler to stay in Thailand for a period of no longer than 15 days. In addition, it is more expensive than the eVisa, at approximately US$68.
If you choose to apply for the Thailand eVOA, you will bypass the long queues at the immigration checkpoint, avoid the hassle of paper applications, and won’t have to worry about having local currency on hand for visa fee payments upon arrival.
The Thailand eVisa is an electronic tourist visa that allows eligible foreign nationals to legally enter Thailand. Its convenience lies in the absence of a requirement to visit a Thai embassy or consulate.
More nationalities are eligible for the Thailand eVisa compared to the Thailand eVOA. It also offers flexibility with both single and multiple-entry options and permits a longer stay of up to 90 days, all at a lower cost of US$40.
Find out if you're eligible for the Thailand eVOA through our Visa Checker Tool.
How to get a Thailand eVOA with us
Our website offers a standout method for applying for your Thailand eVOA and is designed to be intuitive and reliable. We aim to not only meet your expectations but to go beyond them with a service that’s tailored to your needs.
You can do it in 3 easy steps:
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Step 1: Enter your personal and travel details on our website or via the iVisa app.
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Step 2: Verify that all the information you’ve provided is accurate and choose your preferred processing time. Pay the fees with a credit or debit card, PayPal, or Venmo.
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Step 3: Complete the rest of the application form, upload the required documents, and submit it.
Once your application is approved, you'll get an email containing the pre-approval code. Print it out and present it together with your passport and required documents at the immigration checkpoint.
Note: Before you begin your eVOA application, check with your cruise company. Many cruise organizers complete visa applications and other formalities on behalf of their passengers after receiving their passport details.
Documents needed for a Thailand eVOA application
Here are the required documents for visitors who want to apply for a Thailand eVOA before entering the country:
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Passport that is valid for at least 6 months after your intended departure date.
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Passport-size photograph taken within the last 6 months.
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Documentation showing a valid address in Thailand for either a hotel or an apartment.
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Proof of onward travel.
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Completed Visa on Arrival Form (TM88).
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Evidence of sufficient funds.
For more information about the Thailand Visa on Arrival by cruise, you can get in touch with our customer support team, who is always ready to help. Please send us a message on our live chat or at help@iVisa.