The Royal Thai Embassy in London is the Thai mission for visa applicants who live in the United Kingdom, Ireland and the UK Territories. Whether you need a tourist visa, a Non-Immigrant visa for work or retirement, or consular services, this guide covers how the embassy works today.
The key change: since 27 September 2021 the embassy has not accepted visa applications in person or by post. Every application is made online at thaievisa.go.th, and the approved e-Visa arrives by email.
Embassy Contact Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Official name | Royal Thai Embassy, London |
| Address | 29-30 Queen's Gate, London SW7 5JB |
| Phone | +44 (0)20 7589 2944 (answered 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM only) |
| Website | london.thaiembassy.org |
| Nearest Tube | Gloucester Road or South Kensington |
| Visa applications | Online only, via the Thailand e-Visa portal |
| Stated processing time | About 15 working days |
Opening Hours
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday - Friday | 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM |
| Saturday - Sunday | Closed |
| Embassy official holidays | Closed |
The embassy's visa email address and other contacts are listed on its contact page. Phone lines are staffed in the afternoon only, even though the office opens in the morning.
Visa Types Handled
The Royal Thai Embassy London processes the following visa types:
| Visa Type | Validity | Fee (GBP) |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist Visa (TR) - Single Entry | 3 months, stay up to 60 days | £30 |
| Tourist Visa (TR) - Multiple Entry | 6 months, stay up to 60 days per entry | £150 |
| Non-Immigrant (B, O, ED and others) - Single Entry | 3 months, stay up to 90 days | £60 |
| Non-Immigrant - Multiple Entry | 1 year | £150 |
| Non-Immigrant O-A | 1 year | £150 |
| Non-Immigrant O-X | 5 years | £300 |
| Non-Immigrant B - Multiple Entry | 3 years | £300 |
| Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) | 5 years, multiple entries | £300 |
| Long-Term Resident (LTR) | 10 years | £1,500 |
| Transit Visa | 3 months, single entry | £25 |
Fees from the embassy's visa fees page and DTV page. They are paid online in pounds sterling when you submit, and they are non-refundable. Check the fee page before you apply, as fees can change without notice.
UK Nationals and Visa Exemption
UK passport holders are eligible for Thailand's 30-day visa exemption for tourism. This means most British tourists do not need a visa at all — simply arrive in Thailand with a valid passport and receive a 30-day stamp. Irish passport holders get the same 30 days. You can extend the stay once, by up to 30 days, at a Thai immigration office for 1,900 THB.
From July 2024 until 14 September 2026 the exemption was 60 days. The 30-day rule was published in the Royal Gazette on 31 August 2026 and has applied since 15 September 2026 (TAT Newsroom). If you entered before that date, you keep the stay you were granted.
You only need a visa if:
- You want a longer stay than 30+30 days (exemption + extension)
- You need a Non-Immigrant visa (work, retirement, education)
- You want a Multiple Entry Tourist Visa for repeated visits
- You are applying for a DTV
How to Apply for a Visa
The embassy accepts applications from passport holders of any nationality who hold an eligible immigration status and currently live in the UK, Ireland or the UK Territories. You apply online only.
Steps:
- Create an account at thaievisa.go.th. You can apply yourself or through a travel agency.
- Select the Royal Thai Embassy, London as your mission and complete the form.
- Upload your supporting documents for your visa type (see below).
- Pay the fee online in pounds sterling.
- Wait for the decision by email. The embassy states about 15 working days, excluding weekends and embassy holidays.
- Print the approved e-Visa and carry it with your passport.
If the embassy needs more: it may ask for extra documents or an interview. Either adds up to another 15 working days, and complex cases can take 4-6 weeks. If you are asked to attend an interview, the Visa Team contacts you, and interviews take place at the Consular Section, Basement, 30 Queen's Gate, London SW7 5JB.
Refusals: There is no refund if an application is rejected, or if you paid for a multiple entry visa but only qualify for a single entry.
Required Documents by Visa Type
Tourist Visa (Single Entry)
The embassy's tourist visa page lists:
- A passport valid for more than 6 months beyond the date of application
- A completed application (now the online form)
- Two recent photos of the applicant
Consular officers can ask for more, such as flight and accommodation bookings or bank statements, so have them ready to upload.
Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
- A passport valid for more than 6 months beyond the date of application
- A completed application
- Two recent photos
- Bank statement showing a balance of at least £5,000 for 6 months
- A letter from your employer (self-employed applicants: self-assessment and company registration documents)
- Confirmed air ticket to Thailand
- Hotel reservation in Thailand
Destination Thailand Visa (DTV)
The DTV costs £300 and is valid for 5 years with multiple entries. You need evidence of funds of at least £12,000 (500,000 THB), plus proof of the qualifying remote work or activity. Since 31 August 2026 you must also submit proof of permanent residence in your country of nationality or permanent residence, and a criminal record clearance certificate (announcement). See the embassy's DTV page for the full list.
Non-Immigrant Visas (Work, Retirement, Education, Marriage)
Each Non-Immigrant category has its own checklist, including items such as police certificates and medical certificates for long-stay retirement. Use the embassy's Non-Immigrant visas page for the current list rather than older third-party checklists.
Processing Times
| Stage | Time stated by the embassy |
|---|---|
| Standard application | About 15 working days |
| Extra documents or interview requested | Up to 15 more working days |
| Complex cases | 4-6 weeks |
Working days exclude weekends and the embassy's official holidays. No express service is listed, so apply well ahead, especially before peak travel season (October-February).
Consular Services
Beyond visas, the Royal Thai Embassy London also provides:
- Legalization of documents — Certification of documents for use in Thailand
- Thai passport services — For Thai nationals residing in the UK
- Civil registration — Birth, marriage, and death registration for Thai nationals
- Notarial services — Document authentication
- Assistance for Thai nationals — Welfare and consular support
Practical Information for Visitors
Visa applicants normally never need to visit. The building matters if you are called for an interview or need another consular service.
Getting There
The embassy is located in the South Kensington area, easily accessible by public transport:
- Gloucester Road Station (District, Circle, Piccadilly lines)
- South Kensington Station (District, Circle, Piccadilly lines)
- Bus routes — Multiple routes serve Cromwell Road and Queen's Gate
Nearby Facilities
- Cafes and restaurants along Gloucester Road
- The Natural History Museum and Victoria & Albert Museum are a few minutes' walk
- ATMs and banks along Cromwell Road
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for a visa on arrival for Thailand?
UK nationals do not need a visa on arrival — they receive a 30-day visa exemption at the airport. Since 15 September 2026, visa on arrival is only available to passport holders of Azerbaijan, Belarus and Serbia.
How far in advance should I apply?
Processing takes about 15 working days, and up to 15 more if the embassy asks for extra documents or an interview. Apply at least 4-6 weeks before your travel date, and earlier in peak season.
Can my travel agent apply on my behalf?
Yes. The embassy's e-Visa guidance says you can apply as an individual or through a travel agency. The application is still made online.
What if my application is rejected?
The visa fee is non-refundable. You may reapply with additional supporting documents addressing the reason for rejection.
Do I need a visa for a layover in Thailand?
If you are transiting through a Thai airport without passing through immigration (staying in the transit area), you do not need a visa. If your layover requires you to exit the airport, you will need the standard visa exemption or a transit visa.
What are the Royal Thai Embassy London opening hours?
The embassy at 29-30 Queen's Gate is open Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM, except on its official holidays. The phone line (+44 (0)20 7589 2944) is answered from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM only. Visa applications are not taken at the counter; they are made online at thaievisa.go.th.
Do I need an appointment to apply for a visa at the Thai Embassy in London?
No. The embassy stopped accepting visa applications in person and by post on 27 September 2021. You apply online at thaievisa.go.th. The only in-person visa step is an interview, and only if the Visa Team asks you to attend one.
What is the Thai Embassy London phone number?
The Royal Thai Embassy London can be reached on +44 (0)20 7589 2944 between 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM. Other contacts, including the visa email address, are on the embassy's contact page. The embassy serves residents of the United Kingdom, Ireland and the UK Territories.
Can I apply for a DTV at the Thai Embassy in London?
Yes. UK and Ireland residents can apply for the Destination Thailand Visa through the London embassy via the e-Visa portal. The fee is £300, and you need evidence of funds of at least £12,000 (500,000 THB) plus proof of remote work or another qualifying activity. Check the full DTV visa guide for the document checklist before you apply.
Final Thoughts
For most UK residents visiting Thailand for a holiday, no visa is needed thanks to the 30-day visa exemption. If you need a Non-Immigrant visa for work, retirement, or an extended stay, you apply online and the London embassy processes it in about 15 working days. Prepare clear scans of your documents, pay in pounds sterling, and allow extra time in case the embassy asks for more.
Sources
- Royal Thai Embassy, London — Visa: General Information
- Royal Thai Embassy, London — How to Apply for Thailand's E-Visa Stickerless
- Royal Thai Embassy, London — Visa Fees
- Royal Thai Embassy, London — Address, Numbers, Email Addresses
- TAT Newsroom — Thailand introduces new 30-day and 15-day visa exemption rules from 15 September
