Explore the diversified Thailand
Thailand’s visa policies are designed to accommodate a wide range of travelers, from tourists seeking a tropical paradise to business professionals and retirees looking to explore diversified Thailand. While some travelers can enter Thailand without a visa for a limited duration, others may need to apply for tourist, business, or long-term visas. In this blog, we will review the Thailand visa types, the requirements for Indian citizens, and the associated fees.
Bangkok, though, is a rejuvenating tonic; the people seem to have found the magic elixir. Life, a visitor feels, has not been wasted on the Thais.
Bernard Kalb
Table of contents
The Basic Capsule
Thailand has different kinds of visas for various reasons, like going on vacation, working, retiring, studying, getting married, passing through, or staying for a long time. Each visa has its own pricing, processing time, stay period, and validity. To learn more about the visa types, read the blog. Here are some of the visas mentioned in the blog:
- Tourist Visa: For fun trips and looking around.
- Business Visa: For work and doing business.
- Retirement Visa: For people who have stopped working and want to live in Thailand.
- Education Visa: To learn at recognized schools in Thailand.
- Marriage Visa: For people married to Thai citizens.
- Transit Visa: For people passing through Thailand to go somewhere else.
- Elite Visa: For people who wish to stay in Thailand for the long- term.
- Permanent Resident Visa: This visa is for people who are going to permanently reside in Thailand.
Learn about Visa Types
Learn about Thailand visa types through this blog. Thailand offers a variety of visa types to cater to the needs of different travelers. The Tourist Visa is popular among vacationers and allows for a stay of up to 60 days, extendable for an additional 30 days. Business Visa is for those attending business meetings or conferences. It permits a stay of up to 90 days, with multiple entries and the option for extensions. Meanwhile, retirees and long-term visitors often opt for the Non-Immigrant O-A Visa, which grants a stay of up to one year for those aged 50 or above, or the Non-Immigrant O Visa for those with family ties in Thailand. For students pursuing education in Thailand, the Non-Immigrant ED Visa is essential. It is important to research specific requirements and regulations for each visa type to ensure a smooth and legal stay in this captivating Southeast Asian destination.
Thailand Tourist Visa
A Thailand tourist visa lets you visit Thailand for vacation. When you apply for it at the embassy, VAC, or online, it usually takes 5 to 15 business days to process. On the other hand, a Visa on Arrival, which you get at the airport, is quick, taking only a few minutes. But remember, you’re not allowed to work in Thailand with a tourist visa. It’s just for enjoying tourist stuff, not for making money. You can get a single-entry or multiple-entry version of this visa. If you’re from India, you can also choose between a Thailand visa or getting a visa when you arrive in Thailand.
Thailand Tourist Visa Fees
| Thailand Visa Types | Fees | Stay Period | Validity |
| Single-entry | INR 2,500 | 60 days | 3months |
| Multiple-entry | INR 12,000 | 60 days | 6 months |
| Visa on arrival | INR 4,800 | 15- 30 days | 30 days |
| E- Visa | INR 7,000 | 30 days | 30 days |
Required documents for a Thailand tourist visa
- A valid passport with a validity of at least 6 months
- Completed Thailand visa application form
- Two recent passport-size photographs
- Proof of financial means to cover your stay in Thailand
- Proof of onward travel, such as a return ticket or itinerary
- Hotel booking confirmation or proof of accommodation in Thailand
- Proof of residence in India
Thailand Business Visa
The Thailand Business Visa is for people from other countries who want to do business stuff in Thailand, like going to meetings, conferences, or making business agreements. Indian passport holders who want to work in Thailand and need a work permit can also use this visa. It usually takes about 6 working days to process. Remember, you have to get a business visa first before you can apply for a work visa.
Fees
| Thailand Visa Types | Cost | Stay Period | Validity |
| Single Entry | INR 5,000 | One-time entry | 90 days |
| Multiple Entry | INR 12,000 | 90 days (per entry) | 1 year |
| Multiple Entry | INR 24,000 | 90 days (per entry) | 3 years |
Required documents for a Thailand Business Visa
- A valid passport with a validity of at least 6 months
- Completed Thailand visa application form
- Two recent passport-size photographs
- Proof of financial means to cover your stay in Thailand
- Proof of onward travel, such as a return air ticket or itinerary
- Invitation letter from a Thai company or organization, detailing the purpose of the visit and the duration of stay
- Business registration documents of the inviting company in Thailand
- Bank statements or proof of employment.
What is the difference between a work visa and a business visa?
The Thailand Business Visa is classified as a “B” Category Non-Immigrant Visa, allowing foreigners to visit Thailand for business-related intentions without receiving payment from a Thai company. On the other hand, the Thailand Work Visa is also a “B” Category Non-Immigrant Visa. A work visa does not allow individuals to work or receive payment from a Thai employer. To work in Thailand, a Thai Work Permit must be obtained in addition to the visa. Once the work permit is obtained, individuals can stay in Thailand and work in Thailand.
Thailand Retirement Visa
The Thailand retirement visa also called the Non-Immigrant O-A visa, is for folks who are 50 years or older and want to retire in Thailand. With this visa, you can stay in Thailand for up to a year without needing to leave. It takes about 2-3 weeks to process. But remember, you can’t work in Thailand with this visa. It’s mainly for retirees to enjoy their retirement and do fun stuff in Thailand, not for work. You can still do some things like volunteering or taking Thai language classes if you want.
Fees
| Thailand Visa Type | Cost | Validity |
| Multiple-entry | INR 12,000 | 1 year |
Required documents for Thailand Retirement visa
- Valid passport with at least one year of remaining validity of 6 months,
- Completed visa application form,
- Three recent passport-size photographs,
- Criminal background check or police clearance certificate,
- Medical certificate confirming good health,
- Proof of financial means to support retirement in Thailand (usually at least INR 1.9 million in a Thai bank account or a monthly income of at least INR 156 962 ),
- Proof of health insurance coverage that meets the requirements of the Thai government,
- Proof of accommodation,
- Flight itinerary.
Thailand Education Visa
The Thailand Education Visa also called the Non-Immigrant ED visa, is for people from other countries who want to study in Thailand for a longer time. It’s for folks who want to take classes, go to language schools, or get academic degrees in Thailand. With this visa, you can go to classes and take exams, but you’re not allowed to work or make money in Thailand. You’ll need a work permit and a different work visa if you want to work here. Trying to work without the right documents can lead to fines, being held in custody, or even getting sent back to your home country.
Fees
| Thailand Visa Types | Price | Stay period | Validity |
| Single-entry | INR 2,500 | 90 days | 3 months |
| Multiple entry | INR 11,000 | 90 days | 3 months |
Required documents for a Thailand Education Visa or Non-Immigrant ED visa
- A valid passport with a validity of at least 6 months,
- Completed visa application form,
- Two recent passport-size photographs,
- Acceptance letter from a Thai educational institution,
- Proof of financial means to cover the cost of living and studying in Thailand,
- Educational transcripts or degrees,
- Flight itinerary,
- Payment of the first month’s tuition fee,
- Proof of accommodation,
- Proof of sufficient funds: A bank balance of at least INR 58,000 or a cover letter from the person sponsoring the trip.
Thailand Marriage Visa
The Thailand Marriage Visa, or Non-Immigrant O visa, is for people from other countries who are married to someone from Thailand. It doesn’t take long to process, usually just 3 working days. With this visa, you can do certain things like volunteering or taking Thai language classes, but you’re not allowed to work in Thailand. The main idea is for married couples to be together in Thailand for a while. If you want to work, you’ll need a work permit and a different work visa. Working without the right paperwork can lead to fines, being held in custody, or even being sent back to your home country.
Fees
| Thailand Visa Types | Cost | Stay Period | Validity |
| Single-entry | INR 5,000 | 90 days | 3 months |
| Multiple-entry | INR | 90 days | 1 year |
Required documents for a Thailand Marriage Visa
- A valid passport with a validity of at least 6 months
- Completed visa application form
- Two recent passport-size photographs
- Marriage certificate or proof of relationship with a Thai national
- Proof of financial means to support the stay in Thailand (such as a Thai bank account with a balance of at least 400,000 THB (INR 967 000), or a monthly income of at least INR 97 000)
- Medical certificate
- A formal letter of request from either the spouse or parents
- Photocopies of the spouse or parent’s Thai national ID and passport
- A copy of the household registration document in Thailand
- A reservation confirmation for an airline ticket, with a one-way option is acceptable.
Thailand Transit Visa
The Thailand Transit Visa is for people from other countries who are passing through Thailand on their way to somewhere else. It usually takes 2 to 10 working days to get this visa. But remember, you can’t work or make money in Thailand with this visa. It’s just for stopping over while you’re on your way to your final destination, not for doing any kind of job or business in Thailand.
Fees
| Thailand Visa Types | Cost | Stay Period | Validity |
| Single entry | 1900 | 30 days | 3 months |
| Double entry | 3800 | 30 days | 3 months |
The requirements for a Thailand Transit Visa for Indian citizens typically include:
- A valid passport with a validity of at least 6 months,
- Completed visa application form,
- Recent passport-size photographs,
- Proof of onward travel, such as an airline ticket or itinerary,
- Proof of financial means to support the stay in Thailand,
- If applicable: visa for your final destination.
Additional documents may be required depending on the applicant’s circumstances, such as a hotel booking or a visa for the destination country.
Thailand Elite Visa
The Thailand Elite Visa Program is a special deal where you can have a resident visa for 5, 10, or 20 years. This comes with extra perks and services just for you. It takes around 4 weeks to 3 months to process this visa. There are six types of Elite Visas, and all of them come with cool things like being taken care of at the airport, special government help, and a 24-hour hotline. Anyone over 20 years old can apply for this visa, no matter where you’re from. But it’s mainly for rich folks, business owners, and retired people.
Fees
| Thailand Visa Types | Cost | Validity |
| Thailand Elite Visa | THB 600,000 to THB 2 million | 5 years to 20 years |
What Are The Different Types Of Thai Elite Visas?
There are 6 different elite visas for Thailand. The different Thailand elite membership programs are:
- Elite Easy Access: This is a visa for business travelers. It’s affordable and lasts for 5 years. With it, you get discounts at various places like stores, golf courses, and hotels.
- Elite Privilege Access: Lasts for 10 years and offers special health checkups, plus some of the discounts from the Easy Access package.
- Elite Family Alternative: Good for families who take long vacations. It lasts for 10 years and offers discounts at different places.
- Elite Superiority Extension: This lasts for 20 years and has similar benefits to the other packages.
- Elite Family Premium: Ideal for families. It comes with unlimited short-haul transfers, golf, massages, and spa services.
- Elite Ultimate Privilege: This visa lasts for 20 years and includes a wide range of benefits like unlimited transfers, golf, massages, and discounts at various places.
The Documents Required For A Thailand Elite Visa
- Your passport.
- A passport-sized photograph.
- Bank statements to prove you have enough funds to cover the stay of your trip.
- Proof of travel insurance.
- Background check certificate.
Note: Depending on your chosen Thai elite visa package, you might need to upload some extra documents.
Thailand Elite Visa Costs
The Thailand Elite Visa cost varies depending on the package chosen. The visa fees are as follows:
| Thailand Visa Types | Cost | Validity |
| Elite Easy Access | THB 600,000 | 5 years |
| Elite Privilege Access | THB 1 Million | 10 years |
| Elite Family Alternative | THB 800,000 | 10 years |
| Elite Superiority Extension | THB 1 Million | 20 years |
| Elite Family Premium | THB 1 Million | Subject to the core member |
| Elite Ultimate Privilege | THB 2 Million | 20 years |
| Elite Family Excursion | 5 years |
Permanent Residency Visa
A Thailand Permanent Resident Visa allows you to live and work in Thailand permanently without renewing your visa. Only 100 people per country get it each year. You need a Thai Work Visa and Work Permit for at least three years, and your salary or income must meet certain requirements. Alternatively, you can qualify if you’ve invested a substantial amount in Thailand or are a close family member of a Thai citizen. The application is done in person at the Thai Immigration office and typically takes 5-6 months to process.
Fee
| Thailand Visa Types | Cost | Stay Period | Validity |
| Thailand Permanent Visa | 7,600 THB | Reside permanently | Valid indefinitely |
The Documents Required for Thailand Permanent Resident Visa
- Your passport, along with a copy of all the relevant pages of your passport,
- Passport-size pictures of yourself (include about 12), the passport photo must be recent and 4 x 6 cm,
- A completed and signed application form for a Permanent Residence visa for Thailand (TM.9),
- A copy of your Thailand Work Permit,
- A Certificate of Work Background issued by the Alien Occupational Control Division of the Department of Employment,
- A copy of your monthly income tax form,
- A copy of your financial statements for the previous 3 years.
How To Apply For A Thailand Visa?
Applying for a Thailand visa can seem daunting, but with the right information and guidance, the process can be straightforward.
- Determine which type of visa you need,
- Gather the required documents for your visa application,
- Check the embassy or consulate website for instructions on how to schedule an appointment,
- Submit your visa application in person,
- Give all the required documents and payment for the visa application fee and answer any questions the visa officer may have,
- Pay the visa application fee,
- Processing times can vary but typically take between 5-15 business days,
- Collect your passport with the visa.
- Once your visa is approved, you will be notified to collect your passport with the visa stamped in it.
How To Apply Through VFS Global?
If you’re searching for the closest visa application center, you can visit the VFS Global website.
The website assists in locating the nearest center for visa applications in a specific country. It’s important to ensure you provide all the necessary documents and information when submitting your visa application.
Keep in mind that the Thailand Evisa should be applied online beforehand. The Thailand Visa on arrival will be applied at the airport.
Why Choose Ghumo Phiro?
Ghumo Phiro believes in providing credible information. We hope this blog has given you all the information you need. We use trustworthy sources and place them on your plate. It’s very easy to apply for an Indonesian visa on Ghumo Phiro. Once you have submitted your information to us, we will take care of all the necessary formalities required for the Thailand Visa or any other kind of visa. It’s up to us to talk to the visa authorities and get your visa straightened out.
Ghumo Phiro has been dealing with visas for 5 years now and knows the in and out of visas for all destinations. Think no more before applying for a Thailand visa on arrival via Ghumo Phiro.
Step Foot Out
It’s better to plan your Thailand visa, considering the type you need and the fees. Make sure you have all the necessary documents and start early to avoid any hassles. With proper planning, you can have a great trip to Thailand without any trouble.
For more detailed information on Thailand visas, check out our comprehensive guide on How To Get A Thailand Visa.
Trustworthy Sources
All information was gathered from reputable sources such as:
Frequently Asked Questions
No, the Thailand fees are non-refundable.
No, the Thailand Elite Visa is a non-immigrant visa that is designed for a long-term stay in Thailand, but it does not allow you to work in the country. If you wish to work in Thailand, you must apply for a work permit.
The processing time for a Thailand Permanent Resident Visa is around 5 to 6 months. Therefore, it is important to ensure that all necessary documents are submitted and that the application is complete to avoid delays in the processing time.
You can check your Thailand permanent resident status online. Just go to the website of the Immigration office you used and check your permanent resident status. Staying well-informed about your visa status for Thailand is crucial.
