Variety of Thailand Visas Available for Foreigners
There are a variety of Thailand visas available that allow foreign nationals to visit, live, or work in Thailand. The chart below provides a general outline of the requirements for the Thai visa.
Unless the foreign national enters on a type of tourist visa waiver, all of the Thai visas require the foreign national to start the process at an overseas Thai consulate. The initial period of validity for a visa is generally one year with an approved stay of 30 days to one year after entry into Thailand. Applications for extensions of the visa varies depending on the type of visa and generally takes about one day.
| Type of Visa | Initial Visa Application | Validity of the Visa | Permit to Stay | Visa Extension | Place of Filing | Time Frame | Fees |
| Non-Immigrant “ED” Education Visa | Initial 90-day visa must be obtained from a Thai Consulate abroad (home country or nearby countries) |
The visa must be used within 3 months | 90 Days after entry into Thailand | 1 year for an Accredited University and 90 days for Language School | Immigration office where the school is located | 1 Day | 1,900 baht |
| Non-Immigrant Visa “B” Employment | Initial 90-day visa must be obtained from a Thai Consulate abroad | Must enter Thailand within 3 months after the visa was issued | 90 Days after entry into Thailand | 1 Year Extension if Work Permit is Obtained | Submitted at the immigration office where Employer is located | 1 Day with 2 Visits to the Immigration Office | 1,900 baht |
| One-year Non-Immigrant Visa “B” | Application must be made in Home Country or the Country where the Company or Business is located |
One Year | 90 Days after entry into Thailand | No extensions; but the 90-day entry visa can be Extended up to 1 year if Work Permit is obtained | Submitted at the immigration office where Employer is located | 1 Day with 2 Visits to the Immigration Office | 1900 baht |
| Non-Immigrant “O-A” Long Stay Visa | Application must be made in Home Country only | One Year | One Year per Entry | One Year extension if the Requirements of the Retirement visa is met | Immigration office that has the Jurisdiction of the Province where the Foreigner resides | 1 Day | 1,900 baht |
| Non-Immigrant “O” Retirement Visa | Application must be made in Home Country or Country of Residence | 90 Days | 90 Days after entry into Thailand | One Year extension if the Requirements of the Retirement visa is met | Immigration office that has the Jurisdiction of the Province where the Foreigner resides | 1 Day | 1,900 baht |
| Tourist Visa | Application made in any overseas Thai Consulate | Must enter Thailand within 3 months after the visa was issued | 60 Days after entry into Thailand | 30 days Extension | Any immigration office | 1 Day | 1900 baht |
| Non-Immigrant “O” Marriage Visa | Application made in any overseas Thai Consulate | Must enter Thailand within 3 months after the visa was issued | 90 Days after entry into Thailand | One Year Extension | Immigration office that has the jurisdiction of the province where the foreigner lives or the immigration office where the wife is registered | 1 Day with 2 Visits to the Immigration Office | 1900 baht |
The process of obtaining a Thai visa is simplified in this chart. The process of obtaining a visa can be time consuming and confusing for persons who are not fluent in reading and writing Thai. Errors or missing information can result in long delays or the denial of the visa. It is advised that those who are interested in obtaining a Thai retirement visa to speak to a Thai Visa Specialist. The Thai Visa Specialist of Siam Legal International can assist you.
To apply for a Thai visa, please visit this page.
Iam an indian national. I wish to to extend my tourist visa category visa for 30 days can it be done. Some say it is only for 7 days for Indians. Please guide me