The Royal Thai Embassy in London is the primary point of contact for Thai visa applications for residents of the United Kingdom and Ireland. Whether you need a tourist visa, a Non-Immigrant visa for work or retirement, or consular services, this guide provides everything you need to plan your visit or postal application.
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 |
| [email protected] | |
| Website | www.thaiembassyuk.org.uk |
| Nearest Tube | Gloucester Road (District, Circle, Piccadilly lines) or South Kensington |
Visa Section Hours
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday - Friday | Submission: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM |
| Monday - Friday | Collection: 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM |
| Saturday - Sunday | Closed |
| Thai & UK public holidays | Closed |
Important: The visa section has different hours from the main embassy. Visa submissions are accepted only in the morning. Collections are in the afternoon only.
Visa Types Handled
The Royal Thai Embassy London processes the following visa types:
| Visa Type | Purpose | Fee (GBP approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist Visa (TR) - Single Entry | Tourism, up to 60 days | £25 |
| Tourist Visa (TR) - Multiple Entry | Tourism, 6 months validity, 60 days per entry | £125 |
| Non-Immigrant B | Business/Employment | £50 |
| Non-Immigrant O | Retirement, marriage, dependent | £50 |
| Non-Immigrant O-A | Retirement (1-year, for 50+) | £50 |
| Non-Immigrant ED | Education/Study | £50 |
| Non-Immigrant IB/IM | Investment/Media | £50 |
| Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) | Remote work, events, soft power | £75 |
| Transit Visa | Passing through Thailand | £25 |
Fees are approximate and may change. Check the embassy website for current fees. Payment is typically by postal order or bank draft — cash and credit cards may not be accepted.
UK Nationals and Visa Exemption
UK passport holders are eligible for Thailand's 60-day visa exemption for tourism. This means most British tourists do not need to visit the embassy at all — simply arrive in Thailand with a valid passport and receive a 60-day stamp.
You only need to visit the embassy if:
- You want a longer stay than 60+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
Method 1: In Person (By Appointment)
The London embassy operates an appointment-based system for visa submissions.
Steps:
- Book an appointment online through the embassy website's visa booking system
- Prepare your documents according to the requirements for your visa type
- Visit the embassy at your appointed date and time (morning only, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM)
- Submit your application and pay the visa fee
- Collect your passport on the designated date (afternoon, 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM) or opt for postal return
Appointment availability: During peak travel season (October-February), appointment slots fill quickly. Book at least 2-3 weeks in advance.
Method 2: By Post
The embassy accepts postal applications for most visa types.
Steps:
- Download the visa application form from the embassy website
- Complete and sign the form
- Gather all required documents (originals and copies as specified)
- Prepare payment — a postal order or bank draft payable to "Royal Thai Embassy"
- Include a pre-paid return envelope — Royal Mail Special Delivery is recommended for security
- Send everything by tracked mail to: Visa Section, Royal Thai Embassy 29-30 Queen's Gate London SW7 5JB
Processing time for postal applications: 5-10 working days from receipt, plus postal transit time.
Risks: Postal applications carry the risk of mail delay or loss. Use tracked, insured delivery methods in both directions.
Required Documents by Visa Type
Tourist Visa (Single Entry)
- Completed visa application form
- Passport valid for at least 6 months with at least 2 blank pages
- One recent passport photo (4x6 cm, taken within 6 months)
- Confirmed return flight ticket (or itinerary showing departure from Thailand)
- Proof of accommodation in Thailand (hotel booking)
- Proof of financial means (bank statement showing at least £1,000 per person for the past 3 months)
- Visa fee
Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
- All documents listed for single entry, plus:
- Bank statement showing at least £5,000 per person for the past 6 months
- Cover letter explaining travel plans and reason for multiple entries
- Proof of employment or income source (employment letter, pension statement, or business registration)
Non-Immigrant O (Retirement)
- Completed visa application form
- Passport valid for at least 18 months
- One recent passport photo
- Proof of age (50+) — passport or birth certificate
- Financial proof: pension statement showing at least £1,200/month or bank statement showing savings equivalent to 800,000 THB
- Police clearance certificate from ACRO (UK applicants)
- Medical certificate from a UK doctor
- Visa fee
Non-Immigrant B (Business/Work)
- Completed visa application form
- Passport valid for at least 6 months
- One recent passport photo
- Invitation letter from the Thai company
- Company registration documents (Thai company)
- Work permit application or approval letter (if available)
- Employment contract or letter of assignment
- Visa fee
Destination Thailand Visa (DTV)
- Completed visa application form
- Passport valid for at least 6 months
- One recent passport photo
- Proof of employment or freelance work (contract, client letters, portfolio)
- Proof of income (bank statements, tax returns showing sufficient funds)
- Health insurance covering Thailand
- Visa fee
Processing Times
| Visa Type | In-Person Processing | Postal Processing |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist Visa (Single) | 1-3 working days | 5-7 working days |
| Tourist Visa (Multiple) | 3-5 working days | 7-10 working days |
| Non-Immigrant B | 3-5 working days | 7-10 working days |
| Non-Immigrant O/O-A | 3-5 working days | 7-10 working days |
| DTV | 5-10 working days | 10-15 working days |
Rush processing: Not typically available. Plan your application well ahead of your travel date.
Appointment Booking Tips
- Check the website regularly — New appointment slots are released periodically
- Book early — Especially during peak season (September-January) when demand is highest
- Have your passport details ready — You will need to enter them during the booking process
- Arrive on time — Late arrivals may lose their slot
- Bring everything — If you are missing a document, you may need to rebook
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
Getting There
The embassy is located in the South Kensington area, easily accessible by public transport:
- Gloucester Road Station (District, Circle, Piccadilly lines) — 3-minute walk
- South Kensington Station (District, Circle, Piccadilly lines) — 7-minute walk
- Bus routes — Multiple routes serve Cromwell Road and Queen's Gate
What to Expect
- The visa section is separate from the main embassy entrance — follow signs to the visa section
- Queues can form before opening time during busy periods
- The waiting area is indoors but can be crowded
- Processing is systematic — submit, receive a receipt, return for collection
- Staff are generally helpful and speak English fluently
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
Alternative Application Points
If London is inconvenient, UK residents can also apply for Thai visas at:
| Location | Service |
|---|---|
| Royal Thai Embassy, London | Full visa services (primary office) |
| VFS Global | The embassy may outsource visa processing to VFS Global for certain visa types — check the embassy website for current arrangements |
| Thai consulates abroad | If you are traveling, you can apply at Thai embassies/consulates in other countries |
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 60-day visa exemption at the airport. Visa on arrival is for nationalities not on the exemption list.
How far in advance should I apply? Apply at least 3-4 weeks before your travel date. During peak season, allow 6 weeks.
Can my travel agent apply on my behalf? The embassy generally requires personal submission or postal application. Some authorized agents may submit on your behalf — check with the embassy.
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.
Final Thoughts
For most UK residents visiting Thailand for a holiday, the embassy visit is unnecessary thanks to the 60-day visa exemption. However, if you need a Non-Immigrant visa for work, retirement, or an extended stay, the Royal Thai Embassy in London is well-organized and efficient. Book your appointment early, prepare your documents thoroughly, and allow enough processing time before your departure date.
