Understanding Thailand visa costs before you travel prevents unpleasant surprises later on at the embassy, the airport, or the immigration office. Beyond the headline application fee, there are extension charges, re-entry permits, photo requirements, and administrative costs that add up quickly.
This guide consolidates every Thailand visa fee into one reference so you can budget accurately for your trip or long-term stay.
Master Visa Cost Comparison Table
| Visa Type | Application Fee | Duration | Extension Fee | Total First-Year Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Visa Exemption | Free | 60 days | 1,900 THB (30 days) | 0 – 1,900 THB |
| Tourist Visa (TR) | 1,000 THB | 60 days | 1,900 THB (30 days) | 1,000 – 2,900 THB |
| Non-Immigrant B | 2,000 THB | 90 days | 1,900 THB (1 year) | 3,900 THB |
| Non-Immigrant O (Retirement) | 2,000 THB | 90 days | 1,900 THB (1 year) | 3,900 THB |
| Non-Immigrant O-A (Retirement) | 2,000 THB | 1 year | N/A (already 1 year) | 2,000 THB |
| Non-Immigrant ED | 2,000 THB | 90 days | 1,900 THB (varies) | 3,900 THB |
| Digital Nomad Visa (DTV) | 10,000 THB | 180 days | 10,000 THB (180 days) | 10,000 – 20,000 THB |
| SMART Visa | Free | Up to 4 years | Free | Free |
| Elite Visa (Privilege Card) | 600,000 – 2,140,000 THB | 5 – 20 years | N/A | 600,000+ THB |
| LTR Visa | 50,000 THB | 10 years | N/A | 50,000 THB |
Note: Fees are listed in Thai Baht (THB). Embassy fees paid abroad may vary by country and are often collected in local currency.
Application Fees by Visa Category
Short-Stay Visas
Visa Exemption costs nothing to obtain. You simply arrive at a Thai port of entry with a valid passport and receive a 60-day stamp. If you need more time, a single 30-day extension at an immigration office costs 1,900 THB.
Tourist Visa (TR) carries a standard application fee of 1,000 THB (approximately USD 30). The Single Entry Tourist Visa allows one entry within 90 days of issuance, with a 60-day stay per entry. The Multiple Entry Tourist Visa (METV) costs 5,000 THB and allows unlimited entries over six months.
Non-Immigrant Visas
All standard Non-Immigrant visas (categories B, O, O-A, ED) share a base fee structure:
- Single Entry: 2,000 THB
- Multiple Entry: 5,000 THB
The Multiple Entry option is worth considering if you plan to leave and re-enter Thailand during your visa validity period, as it saves you from purchasing separate re-entry permits.
Premium Long-Stay Visas
Digital Nomad Visa (DTV): 10,000 THB per 180-day period. This is a relatively new visa category and one of the more affordable long-stay options for remote workers.
LTR Visa: A one-time fee of 50,000 THB for a 10-year visa. When calculated annually, this works out to just 5,000 THB per year, making it excellent value for those who qualify.
Elite Visa (Thailand Privilege Card): The most expensive option, starting at 600,000 THB for the 5-year Platinum membership. Higher tiers with additional perks run up to 2,140,000 THB for 20 years.
Extension Fees
Extensions are processed at Thai Immigration offices within Thailand. The standard extension fee is 1,900 THB regardless of visa type. However, what you receive for that fee varies significantly.
| Visa Type | Extension Duration | Extension Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visa Exemption | 30 days | 1,900 THB | One extension only |
| Tourist Visa (TR) | 30 days | 1,900 THB | One extension only |
| Non-Immigrant B | Up to 1 year | 1,900 THB | Requires work permit |
| Non-Immigrant O (Retirement) | 1 year | 1,900 THB | Requires financial proof |
| Non-Immigrant O (Marriage) | 1 year | 1,900 THB | Requires financial proof |
| Non-Immigrant ED | 90 days | 1,900 THB | Tied to education enrollment |
| DTV | 180 days | 10,000 THB | Different fee structure |
Important Extension Rules
- Extensions must be applied for before your current permission to stay expires.
- Late overstay incurs a fine of 500 THB per day, up to a maximum of 20,000 THB.
- Repeated overstays can result in entry bans ranging from 1 to 10 years.
Re-Entry Permit Costs
If you leave Thailand without a re-entry permit, your visa or extension of stay is cancelled. This is one of the most commonly overlooked costs.
| Permit Type | Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Single Re-Entry Permit | 1,000 THB | Valid for one departure and return |
| Multiple Re-Entry Permit | 3,800 THB | Valid for unlimited trips during your stay |
Re-entry permits can be obtained at:
- Immigration offices throughout Thailand
- Re-entry permit counters at international airports (before passport control)
Who does not need a re-entry permit: Holders of Multiple Entry visas, Elite Visa members, LTR Visa holders, and SMART Visa holders already have re-entry privileges built into their visa.
90-Day Reporting
90-day reporting itself is free when done on time. However, failing to report carries a fine of 2,000 THB if you are caught, or 5,000 THB if you report late at an immigration office. This applies to anyone staying in Thailand on a long-term visa or extension.
You can complete 90-day reporting at no cost via:
- In person at an immigration office
- By mail (include a stamped return envelope)
- Online through the TM47 system (when functioning)
Embassy Fees by Country
Thai embassies and consulates set their own fee schedules in local currency. These often differ slightly from the THB-denominated official fees due to exchange rate rounding.
| Country | Tourist Visa (Single) | Non-Immigrant (Single) | METV |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | USD 40 | USD 80 | USD 200 |
| United Kingdom | GBP 25 | GBP 50 | GBP 125 |
| Australia | AUD 50 | AUD 100 | AUD 250 |
| Germany | EUR 30 | EUR 60 | EUR 150 |
| Japan | JPY 4,500 | JPY 9,000 | JPY 22,000 |
| India | INR 2,500 | INR 5,000 | INR 10,000 |
Tip: Always check the specific Thai embassy or consulate website for your country, as fees may be updated without advance notice.
Hidden Costs You Should Budget For
Beyond official government fees, several additional expenses catch travelers off guard.
Passport Photos
Thai immigration requires 4x6 cm photos (not the standard 2x2 inch US passport size — see photo requirements). Budget for:
- Photo studio near immigration office: 100 – 200 THB for 6 photos
- Self-service photo booth: 150 – 300 THB
Document Copies
Immigration officers frequently request photocopies of your passport, visa page, departure card, and other documents:
- Copy shops near immigration offices: 2 – 5 THB per page
- Typical extension requires 5 – 10 copies: 10 – 50 THB
Transport to Immigration Offices
Immigration offices are not always centrally located. Factor in transportation costs:
- Bangkok (Chaeng Wattana): Taxi from central Bangkok runs 200 – 400 THB each way
- Chiang Mai: Songthaew or ride-hail 100 – 200 THB each way
- Phuket: Can require a 30+ minute drive, 300 – 500 THB by taxi
Visa Agent Fees
Many expats use visa agents to handle paperwork and queuing:
- Tourist visa extension assistance: 1,000 – 3,000 THB
- Retirement visa extension assistance: 3,000 – 10,000 THB
- Full-service business visa handling: 10,000 – 25,000 THB
These are optional but can save considerable time and stress, especially for complex visa categories.
Medical Insurance
Required for Non-O-A visa holders: Inpatient coverage of at least 40,000 THB and outpatient coverage of at least 400,000 THB. Annual premiums range from 15,000 to 60,000+ THB depending on age and provider.
Required for LTR visa applicants: Health insurance covering at least USD 50,000 (or enrollment in Thailand's Social Security system).
TM.30 Notification
The TM.30 landlord notification is free but failing to comply can complicate visa extensions. Some landlords charge a small fee (200 – 500 THB) to complete this on your behalf.
Cost Comparison: Budget vs. Premium Long-Stay Options
For those planning an extended stay, here is what each path actually costs over five years.
| Option | Year 1 | Years 2-5 | 5-Year Total | Per Month |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Visa runs (visa exempt) | ~12,000 THB | ~48,000 THB | ~60,000 THB | ~1,000 THB |
| Retirement (Non-O + extensions) | 3,900 THB | 7,600 THB | 11,500 THB | ~192 THB |
| DTV | 20,000 THB | 80,000 THB | 100,000 THB | ~1,667 THB |
| Elite (5-year) | 600,000 THB | Included | 600,000 THB | 10,000 THB |
| LTR (10-year) | 50,000 THB | Included | 50,000 THB | ~833 THB |
Note: Visa run costs include estimated flight or border transport expenses. Retirement visa costs exclude the 800,000 THB bank deposit requirement (which remains your money). Elite and LTR costs exclude any financial or investment requirements.
Payment Methods at Immigration
Thai Immigration offices accept cash only (Thai Baht). Credit cards, bank transfers, and foreign currency are not accepted for extension fees, re-entry permits, or fines. Always bring sufficient cash.
Embassy and consulate payments vary by location. Some accept cash only, others accept bank drafts, money orders, or online payment. Check your specific embassy before visiting.
Tips for Minimizing Visa Costs
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Use visa exemption if your stay is under 60 days. There is no reason to pay for a tourist visa if your nationality qualifies for visa-free entry and your trip is short enough.
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Get a Multiple Re-Entry Permit if you plan more than three trips outside Thailand during a one-year extension. The breakeven point is four trips.
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Apply for extensions early in the day. Arriving at immigration early reduces the chance of needing to return another day, saving transport costs.
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Bring your own photos and copies. Preparing these before your visit to immigration saves both money and time waiting in queues.
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Consider the LTR visa if you qualify. At 50,000 THB for 10 years, it offers the best value among premium long-stay options, with additional tax benefits.
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Complete 90-day reporting online whenever possible to avoid transport costs and time spent at immigration offices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are visa fees refundable if my application is denied?
No. Visa application fees paid at embassies and consulates are non-refundable regardless of the outcome.
Do children pay the same visa fees?
Yes, children require their own visas and pay the same fees as adults. There are no reduced rates for minors.
Can I pay visa extension fees in US dollars?
No. Immigration offices within Thailand accept Thai Baht cash only. Embassies abroad accept local currency.
How much cash should I bring to an immigration office?
Bring at least 2,500 THB — 1,900 THB for the extension fee plus extra for photos, copies, and any unexpected charges.
Understanding the full cost picture helps you choose the right visa and avoid budget surprises. Whether you are visiting for two weeks or relocating permanently, Thailand offers a visa pathway for every budget level.
