Thailand expands e-Visa access: Easily apply online from over 50 countries

Thailand has made travel easier by expanding its e-Visa system, allowing visitors from 59 different countries to apply for their visas online. With this new system, applicants can submit their visa applications online without the need to visit Thai embassies or consulates in person.

What is a Thailand e-Visa?

The Thailand e-Visa is an electronic visa that allows travelers to apply completely online. To obtain an e-Visa, applicants must fill out an online form, upload the required documents, and pay the visa fee. Once approved, the e-Visa will be sent to the applicant's email, making the process smooth and efficient.

Expanded availability of Thailand e-Visa
Previously, the e-Visa system was limited to only 23 countries, but now it has expanded to 39 countries across multiple continents, including the regions of North America, Europe, Asia, Latin America, Africa, and Oceania. Travelers from these regions can now easily apply through Thailand's official e-Visa website www.thaievisa.go.th.

Who can apply for Thailand e-Visa?

Citizens of 59 countries, including the United States, Canada, many European countries, and many Asian countries, can now apply for an e-Visa.

Key Requirements for Thailand e-Visa
To qualify for a Thailand e-Visa, applicants must meet the following requirements:

1. Eligible Countries: Only residents of countries where Thai embassies and consulates provide e-Visa services can apply.

2. Valid Passport: The passport must be valid for at least six months from the intended date of entry into Thailand.

3. Purpose of visit: e-Visa is available for purposes such as tourism, business, medical treatment, or visiting family or friends.

4. Application process: All e-Visa applications must be submitted through the official website www.thaievisa.go.th.

5. Processing time: It generally takes about 3-5 business days to process an e-Visa, so applicants should apply in advance.

6. Visa fee: Fees vary depending on the applicant's nationality and the type of visa.

Using the Thailand e-Visa simplifies the process, saving travelers time and avoiding long waits at embassies or consulates.

Simple and convenient e-Visa process
With the e-Visa system, there is no need to visit the Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate General in person. Applicants must apply from a country where e-Visa services are available and must not be in Thailand when applying. Once approved, applicants receive a confirmation email, which they can print and show to airlines and Thai immigration upon arrival.

Benefits of Thailand e-Visa

- Convenience: Apply online from home.

- Efficient tracking: Check your application status online.

Alternative visa-free entry options

For travelers from 93 countries, Thailand offers a visa-free stay of up to 60 days, with the possibility of a 30-day extension within Thailand.

Visa-free entry and upcoming eTA system

By July 2024, citizens of 93 countries can enter Thailand without a visa for up to 60 days with a 30-day extension option. In 2025, Thailand is also expected to introduce an electronic travel authorization (ETA) system for visa-free travelers, although the exact start date is yet to be confirmed.

Where to Apply for a Thailand e-Visa
The e-Visa service is available at Thai embassies and consulates in various regions around the world, making the application process easier for travelers from a growing number of countries.