The Thailand Tourist Visa (TR) is the standard single-entry or multiple-entry visa issued to foreign nationals who wish to visit Thailand for tourism, sightseeing, or leisure purposes. Unlike the visa exemption or visa on arrival, the TR visa provides a longer authorized stay and is the right choice for travelers planning extended holidays or those whose nationality does not qualify for visa-free entry.
Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Visa Code | TR (Tourist Visa) |
| Validity | 3 months (single-entry) / 6 months (multiple-entry) |
| Length of Stay | 60 days per entry |
| Extension | 30-day extension available at Thai Immigration |
| Cost | 1,000 THB (single-entry) / 5,000 THB (multiple-entry) |
| Processing Time | About 5–10 working days (varies by embassy or consulate) |
| Application | Online only, via the Thai e-Visa portal (thaievisa.go.th) |
| Work Permitted | No |
Who Qualifies for the Tourist Visa (TR)?
The Thailand Tourist Visa is available to nationals of virtually every country. You should apply for a TR visa if:
- Your nationality does not qualify for visa exemption or visa on arrival
- You plan to stay in Thailand for more than 30 days (the visa-exempt allowance for the 60 countries on Thailand's 30-day list since 15 September 2026, per the TAT Newsroom; from July 2024 until 14 September 2026 it was 60 days)
- You want the security of having a pre-approved visa before arrival
- You plan multiple trips to Thailand within a 6-month period (multiple-entry TR)
Single-Entry vs. Multiple-Entry
Single-Entry Tourist Visa (SETV): Valid for 3 months from the date of issue. You must enter Thailand within this validity window. Once you enter, you receive a 60-day stay permit. If you leave Thailand, the visa is used and you cannot re-enter on the same visa.
Multiple-Entry Tourist Visa (METV): Valid for 6 months from the date of issue. You may enter and exit Thailand as many times as you wish during the validity period. Each entry grants a 60-day stay. This is ideal for travelers who want to explore neighboring countries and return to Thailand.
Required Documents
Prepare the following documents before applying. Requirements may vary slightly between consulates, so always confirm with the specific Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate handling your application.
For Single-Entry Tourist Visa
- Passport — Valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned date of entry, with at least 2 blank pages
- Completed Application Form — Filled in online in the Thai e-Visa portal
- Recent Passport Photo — 4x6 cm, taken within the last 6 months, white background (see photo requirements for detailed specifications)
- Proof of Travel — Confirmed round-trip flight booking or itinerary
- Proof of Accommodation — Hotel bookings, hostel reservations, or a letter of invitation from a host in Thailand
- Proof of Financial Means — Bank statement from the last 3 months showing a minimum balance equivalent to 20,000 THB per person or 40,000 THB per family
- Visa Fee — 1,000 THB (or equivalent in local currency)
For Multiple-Entry Tourist Visa
All documents listed above, plus:
- Bank Statement — Showing a minimum balance equivalent to 200,000 THB maintained for at least 3 months
- Cover Letter — Explaining your travel plans and reason for needing multiple entries
- Visa Fee — 5,000 THB (or equivalent in local currency)
Application Process: Step by Step
Since 1 January 2025, Thai visas are applied for online through the e-Visa system at thaievisa.go.th, which serves all 94 Royal Thai Embassies and Consulates-General worldwide (Ministry of Foreign Affairs). You no longer post or hand in your passport, and there is no visa sticker. The approval comes by email (Royal Thai Consulate-General, Penang; Royal Thai Embassy, Vientiane).
Which Embassy or Consulate Handles Your Application
Each application is handled by the Thai embassy or consulate that covers where you are applying from, and missions set their own rules. The missions in Malaysia, for example, accept anyone who is physically in Malaysia and reject applications filed from other countries. The embassy in Vientiane accepts non-Thai nationals who are currently in its twelve provinces. Other missions only accept residents of their area. Check the page of the mission you plan to use before you apply. Some missions limit the multiple-entry tourist visa to their own nationals and residents.
Step by Step
Step 1: Create an account at thaievisa.go.th.
Step 2: Select "Tourist Visa (TR)", choose the embassy or consulate that covers your location, and fill in the online application form.
Step 3: Upload scanned copies of all required documents (passport bio page, photo, flight booking, accommodation, bank statement, and proof of your current location if the mission asks for it).
Step 4: Pay the visa fee. Most missions take payment in the portal; a few, such as the embassy in Vientiane, take cash at the counter.
Step 5: Track your application status online. Processing typically takes about 5–10 working days, depending on the mission, and can restart if you are asked for more documents.
Step 6: Once approved, you will receive an e-Visa approval email. Print this and present it with your passport to the airline and to Thai immigration on arrival.
Cost Breakdown
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Single-Entry Tourist Visa | 1,000 THB (~$30 USD) |
| Multiple-Entry Tourist Visa | 5,000 THB (~$145 USD) |
| 30-Day Extension (at Immigration) | 1,900 THB (~$55 USD) |
| e-Visa Service Fee | Varies (typically included in visa fee) |
Fees are subject to change. Exchange rate equivalents depend on the consulate's local currency conversion. Always confirm the current fee before applying.
Extending Your Stay
Once in Thailand, you can extend your 60-day stay by an additional 30 days at any Thai Immigration office. This gives you a maximum of 90 days on a single-entry Tourist Visa.
How to Extend
- Visit the nearest Thai Immigration office before your current stay expires
- Bring your passport, a completed TM.7 application form, a 4x6 cm photo, and 1,900 THB
- You will typically receive the extension on the same day
Major Immigration offices are located in Bangkok (Chaeng Wattana), Chiang Mai, Phuket, Pattaya, and other popular destinations.
Overstay Penalties
Do not overstay your visa. Penalties include:
- Fine of 500 THB per day of overstay, up to a maximum of 20,000 THB
- Detention and deportation for extended overstays
- Entry bans ranging from 1 year (overstay of 90+ days) to 10 years (overstay of 1+ year)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Insufficient financial proof. A bank statement showing a balance below the required threshold is one of the most common reasons for rejection. Ensure your balance meets the minimum for at least 3 months before applying.
2. Passport validity too short. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your intended entry date. If it expires sooner, renew it before applying.
3. Missing or incorrect flight details. Your itinerary must show a confirmed departure from Thailand. One-way tickets can raise concerns.
4. Poor quality photo. Follow the exact photo specifications. Photos that are too old, the wrong size, or have a non-white background will be rejected.
5. Choosing the wrong embassy or consulate in the portal. The e-Visa system only lets a mission handle applicants it covers. Some missions accept anyone physically in their country; others only accept residents. If you file with a mission that does not cover you, expect a rejection, and fees are generally not refunded.
6. Not allowing enough processing time. Apply at least 2–3 weeks before your travel date. Rush applications are not always possible.
Important Notes and Warnings
- The Tourist Visa does not permit any form of work, including remote work or freelancing. If you plan to work, you need a Non-Immigrant B Visa.
- If you are planning a long-term stay for retirement, family, or education, other visa categories such as the Non-Immigrant O or Non-Immigrant ED may be more appropriate.
- The Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) is designed for digital nomads and remote workers and offers a 180-day stay.
- Immigration officers at the port of entry have final discretion over your admission, even with a valid visa. Be prepared to show your return ticket, accommodation details, and proof of funds if asked.
- Multiple-entry Tourist Visas are subject to the 90-day reporting rule — if your combined stays in Thailand reach 90 consecutive days, you must report your address to Immigration.
Tourist Visa vs. Other Entry Options
| Feature | Tourist Visa (TR) | Visa Exemption | Visa on Arrival |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apply Before Travel | Yes | No | No |
| Stay Duration | 60 days | 30 days (15 for Seychelles, Mauritius) | 15 days |
| Extension Available | +30 days | +30 days (1,900 THB) | None (reported) |
| Cost | 1,000–5,000 THB | Free | 2,000 THB |
| Multiple-Entry Option | Yes (METV) | No | No |
| Best For | Extended holidays | Short trips | Quick visits |
Since 15 September 2026, visa on arrival is available only to nationals of Azerbaijan, Belarus and Serbia. Its terms are reported as 15 days for 2,000 THB cash, with no extension.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I convert a Tourist Visa to another visa type while in Thailand?
In most cases, you cannot convert a Tourist Visa to a Non-Immigrant visa inside Thailand. You would typically need to leave the country and apply at a Thai consulate abroad. For more details, see our guide on changing visa type in Thailand. However, immigration policies can change, so check with your local Immigration office for the latest guidance.
How early can I apply for the Tourist Visa?
You can apply up to 3 months before your intended travel date for a single-entry visa, or up to 6 months for a multiple-entry visa. Applying too early means the visa may expire before you travel.
Is travel insurance required?
Travel insurance is not a mandatory requirement for the Tourist Visa, but it is strongly recommended. Some consulates may ask for proof of insurance as supporting documentation. At minimum, ensure you have coverage for medical emergencies while in Thailand.
Can I re-enter Thailand after my single-entry visa is used?
Once a single-entry Tourist Visa is used and you leave Thailand, the visa is consumed. You would need to either qualify for visa exemption on your return, apply for a new visa, or use a Visa on Arrival if eligible. For frequent travelers, the Multiple-Entry Tourist Visa is the better option.
What if my application is denied?
Visa fees are generally non-refundable if your application is denied. Review the reason for denial, correct any issues, and reapply. Common fixes include providing stronger financial proof, clearer travel plans, or additional supporting documents.
