Since 15 September 2026, Thailand's Visa on Arrival (VOA) is available to passport holders of only three countries: Azerbaijan, Belarus and Serbia (TAT Newsroom). The VOA allows a stay of up to 15 days for a non-refundable 2,000 THB cash fee, and it cannot be extended except when illness prevents you from traveling (Royal Thai Embassy, London). Most nationalities that used to queue at the VOA counter, including India, Taiwan, Georgia and Saudi Arabia, are now on Thailand's 30-day visa exemption list and do not need a VOA at all.
The new lists were published in the Royal Gazette on 31 August 2026 and replaced both the old VOA list and the 60-day visa exemption on 15 September 2026. This guide covers who still needs a VOA, where each former VOA country went, and what to do when you land.
Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Visa Type | Visa on Arrival (VOA) |
| Eligible Nationalities | Azerbaijan, Belarus, Serbia only |
| Stay Duration | Up to 15 days |
| Extension | Not available, except when illness prevents you from traveling |
| Cost | 2,000 THB, cash only, non-refundable |
| Purpose | Tourism only |
| Application | At a designated airport or land border checkpoint on arrival |
| Arrival Card | TDAC, filed online at tdac.immigration.go.th within 3 days before you arrive |
| Work Permitted | No |
| Rules in Force Since | 15 September 2026 (Royal Gazette, 31 August 2026) |
Who Is Eligible for Visa on Arrival?
From 15 September 2026, only nationals of these three countries can get a Thai VOA:
- Azerbaijan
- Belarus
- Serbia
Every other nationality falls into one of four groups:
- 30-day visa exemption for 60 countries and territories, including India, Taiwan, the UK, the US and all of the EU. No VOA, no fee. See the full list on our visa exemption page.
- 15-day visa exemption for Seychelles and Mauritius.
- Separate bilateral agreements, which the Gazette did not change. These cover some nationalities that are on neither list, such as China.
- Everyone else needs a visa before travel, applied for through the official Thai e-Visa portal at thaievisa.go.th.
The VOA list is set by Ministry of Interior announcement and can change again. Check the TAT Newsroom or your nearest Thai embassy before you fly.
Former VOA Countries: Where They Moved
Older VOA lists, including the one on this page before September 2026, covered many more nationalities. Here is where they stand now.
Moved to the 30-day visa exemption
These nationalities are on the official list of 60 countries and territories that get 30 days visa-free from 15 September 2026. They no longer need a VOA. Skip the VOA counter and go straight to the regular immigration lines.
| Nationality | Status from 15 September 2026 |
|---|---|
| Bhutan | 30-day visa exemption |
| Bulgaria | 30-day visa exemption |
| Cyprus | 30-day visa exemption |
| Fiji | 30-day visa exemption |
| Georgia | 30-day visa exemption |
| India | 30-day visa exemption |
| Kyrgyzstan | 30-day visa exemption |
| Malta | 30-day visa exemption |
| Romania | 30-day visa exemption |
| Saudi Arabia | 30-day visa exemption |
| Taiwan | 30-day visa exemption |
A 30-day exemption stay can be extended once by 30 days at any Thai immigration office for 1,900 THB, so these travelers can now stay about 60 days in total without a visa. See how to extend a visa exemption.
India: some reports in May 2026 said India would move to Visa on Arrival. The final Gazette list puts India in the 30-day visa exemption tier. See our Thailand visa guide for Indian citizens.
On neither new list: check with the Thai mission
These nationalities appeared on older VOA lists but are not on the new VOA list or the new exemption lists:
| Nationality | Status from 15 September 2026 |
|---|---|
| China | Not on the new lists. Covered by a separate bilateral agreement; check the current stay length with the Thai mission. |
| Ethiopia | Not on the new VOA or exemption lists. Check with the Thai mission before travel. |
| Kazakhstan | Not on the new VOA or exemption lists. Check with the Thai mission before travel. |
| Mexico | Visa required. The Thai Embassy in Mexico City states that Mexican ordinary-passport holders need a visa from 15 September 2026 (embassy notice). Apply through the e-Visa portal. |
| Nauru | Not on the new VOA or exemption lists. Check with the Thai mission before travel. |
| Papua New Guinea | Not on the new VOA or exemption lists. Check with the Thai mission before travel. |
| Uzbekistan | Not on the new VOA or exemption lists. Check with the Thai mission before travel. |
| Vanuatu | Not on the new VOA or exemption lists. Check with the Thai mission before travel. |
Some of these nationalities may be covered by a bilateral agreement. If the Thai mission confirms there is none, apply for a visa at thaievisa.go.th before you fly. Do not travel expecting a VOA. The VOA is only for the three listed nationalities, and airlines may refuse to board you without a valid entry route.
Entered before 15 September 2026?
The change is not retroactive. If you entered Thailand before 15 September 2026, you keep the stay you were granted. Check the date on your entry stamp.
Required Documents
The requirements below follow the Royal Thai Embassy in London's VOA page, which reflects the 15 September 2026 rules (Royal Thai Embassy, London). Have all of it ready before you reach the counter. Incomplete documents can mean denial of entry.
- Valid Passport — At least 6 months validity remaining, with at least 2 blank pages for the visa sticker and entry stamp (see passport requirements)
- Completed VOA Application Form (TM.88) — Available at the VOA counter. Filling it out before you join the queue saves time.
- Recent Passport Photo — 4x6 cm, taken within 6 months (see photo requirements). Bring one; some checkpoints have photo booths, but do not rely on this.
- Fully Paid Return/Onward Ticket — Showing departure from Thailand within 15 days of arrival. This is strictly checked.
- Proof of Accommodation — Hotel booking, hostel reservation, or the address where you will stay in Thailand
- Proof of Sufficient Funds — At least 10,000 THB per person or 20,000 THB per family in cash or equivalent. Immigration officers may conduct random cash checks. (This is the VOA figure. Visa-exempt travelers can be asked for 20,000 THB per person or 40,000 THB per family.)
- TDAC Confirmation — The Thailand Digital Arrival Card replaced the paper TM.6 card. Submit it at tdac.immigration.go.th within 3 days before arriving in Thailand and keep the confirmation.
- Visa Fee — 2,000 THB in cash, non-refundable. Cards are not accepted, and foreign currency generally is not either. Bring exact change in Thai baht.
The VOA Process: Step by Step
Before Your Flight
Step 1: Confirm you actually need a VOA. Only Azerbaijani, Belarusian and Serbian passports qualify. If your nationality is on the 30-day exemption list, you do not need a VOA.
Step 2: File your TDAC. Complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card at tdac.immigration.go.th within 3 days before you arrive. It is free on the official portal, and it is not a visa. Fake sites charge for it; see our guide to visa agent scams.
Step 3: Prepare all documents. Put your passport, photo, return ticket printout, hotel booking and TDAC confirmation in one folder.
Step 4: Get Thai baht. Carry at least 2,000 THB for the visa fee plus 10,000 THB for the funds check, so at least 12,000 THB in cash. You can exchange money at your departure airport.
At the Airport
Step 5: Follow signs to "Visa on Arrival." After you land and before you reach the main immigration counters, look for signs to the VOA area.
Step 6: Submit your documents. Hand over your completed TM.88 form, passport, photo, return ticket and accommodation proof to the VOA officer.
Step 7: Pay the fee. Pay in Thai baht cash. You will receive a receipt.
Step 8: Wait for processing. Processing time depends on queues:
- Quiet periods: 15–30 minutes
- Peak hours (multiple international flights arriving): 1–3 hours
Step 9: Receive your visa and entry stamp. The VOA sticker goes in your passport, with an entry stamp showing your permitted stay (15 days from arrival). Check the dates before leaving the counter.
Step 10: Proceed to baggage claim. You are now officially in Thailand.
At Land Borders
The process at land borders is the same in principle, but facilities may be more basic. Land border VOA counters may have shorter queues but less infrastructure (no photo booths, limited change). Arrive with everything prepared.
Designated Entry Points
VOA is not available at every border crossing. It is available at:
International Airports
- Suvarnabhumi Airport (Bangkok)
- Don Mueang Airport (Bangkok)
- Chiang Mai International Airport
- Phuket International Airport
- Hat Yai International Airport
- Krabi International Airport
- Samui International Airport
- U-Tapao International Airport (Pattaya)
Land Border Checkpoints
Select land border checkpoints also offer VOA. These include major crossings with Malaysia, Laos, Cambodia, and Myanmar. Confirm with the specific checkpoint before traveling, as not all crossings have VOA facilities.
Can You Extend a Visa on Arrival?
No, in almost all cases. Visitors who enter with a VOA cannot apply for an extension of stay, except when illness prevents them from traveling (Royal Thai Embassy, London). Plan to leave Thailand within 15 days.
Some older guides say a VOA can be extended by 15 days at an immigration office. Do not rely on that. If you need more than 15 days, apply for a Tourist Visa (TR) through thaievisa.go.th before you travel. It gives a 60-day stay.
Counting Your 15 Days
Your 15-day stay includes the day of arrival. If you arrive on 1 October, your last permitted day is 15 October. Leave on or before that date.
Cost Breakdown
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival | 2,000 THB (~$58 USD), cash only, non-refundable |
| TDAC arrival card | Free on the official portal |
| Photos at airport booth | 100–200 THB |
Fee Waivers
Thailand has occasionally offered temporary VOA fee waivers (reducing the fee to 0 THB) as a tourism promotion measure, particularly after periods of reduced tourism. Check current Thai government announcements to see if a fee waiver is in effect during your travel dates.
Tips to Minimize Wait Times
-
Arrive on off-peak flights. Early morning and midday arrivals tend to have shorter VOA queues than evening flights when several international flights land together.
-
Pre-fill the TM.88 form. Have it completed, with your photo attached, before you join the queue.
-
Have exact change. Fumbling with large bills slows down the process for everyone.
-
Organize documents in order. Place your passport (open to the bio page), form, photo, return ticket and hotel booking in a neat stack.
-
Consider applying for a visa in advance. Applying for a Tourist Visa (TR) through the e-Visa portal removes the VOA queue entirely and gives you a 60-day stay.
-
Use the Fast Track service (if available). Some airports offer paid fast-track immigration services that may include expedited VOA processing. Check with the airport in advance.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Queuing for a VOA you no longer need. If your passport is on the 30-day exemption list (India, Taiwan, Georgia, Saudi Arabia and the others above), go straight to the regular immigration lines.
2. Relying on an old VOA list. Many websites still show the pre-September 2026 list. Only Azerbaijan, Belarus and Serbia qualify now.
3. No return ticket. A fully paid departure ticket within 15 days is mandatory. Without it, you may be denied the VOA and put on a return flight.
4. Insufficient cash. The 10,000 THB proof of funds is checked randomly but enforced strictly when it is. Do not arrive with only enough for the visa fee.
5. Wrong photo specifications. Bring a proper 4x6 cm passport photo. Phone selfies and informal photos will not be accepted.
6. No Thai baht for the fee. The VOA counter accepts Thai baht cash only. Exchange money before you fly or in the arrivals hall if an exchange counter is available before the VOA area.
7. Arriving at a non-VOA checkpoint. Not all land borders offer VOA. If you arrive at a small crossing without VOA facilities, you will be turned away.
8. Skipping the TDAC. Submit the digital arrival card within 3 days before arriving, on the official portal only.
9. Overstaying. The 15-day VOA stay is strictly enforced. Overstaying results in a 500 THB/day fine, potential detention, and entry bans for future visits.
VOA vs. Other Entry Options
| Feature | Visa on Arrival | Visa Exemption | Tourist Visa (TR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Who can use it | Azerbaijan, Belarus, Serbia | 60 countries (30 days); Seychelles, Mauritius (15 days) | Any nationality that applies |
| Pre-Application | None | None | Required (e-Visa) |
| Stay Duration | Up to 15 days | 30 days (15 for Seychelles, Mauritius) | 60 days |
| Extension | None (except illness) | +30 days for the 30-day tier (1,900 THB) | +30 days |
| Cost | 2,000 THB | Free | 1,000 THB+ |
| Queue at Airport | VOA queue | Regular immigration | Regular immigration |
| Best For | Short trips, eligible nationalities | Qualifying passport holders | Longer holidays |
Important Notes and Warnings
- The VOA is not a tourist visa. It is a separate, shorter-stay entry permission. The Tourist Visa (TR) offers 60 days and must be applied for before travel.
- No work permitted. The VOA does not allow any form of employment. For work, you need a Non-Immigrant B Visa.
- Single entry only. The VOA permits one entry. If you leave Thailand, you need a new VOA or another valid entry permission to return.
- Re-entry permits are not applicable. Unlike long-stay visas, you cannot get a re-entry permit on a VOA. Leaving the country ends your permission to stay.
- Policy changes. The VOA list changed on 15 September 2026 and can change again by government announcement. Always verify current conditions before traveling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which countries can get a Visa on Arrival in Thailand?
From 15 September 2026, only Azerbaijan, Belarus and Serbia. The change was published in the Royal Gazette on 31 August 2026. Nationalities that used VOA before, such as India, Taiwan, Georgia, Bhutan, Fiji and Saudi Arabia, now get a 30-day visa exemption instead.
Do Indian citizens still need a Visa on Arrival for Thailand?
No. India is on the official list of 60 countries and territories with a 30-day visa exemption from 15 September 2026. Indian passport holders enter visa-free for tourism and can extend once by 30 days at an immigration office for 1,900 THB.
Can I extend a Thai Visa on Arrival?
No. VOA holders cannot apply for an extension of stay, except when illness prevents them from traveling. If you need more than 15 days, apply for a Tourist Visa (TR) at thaievisa.go.th before you travel.
My country was on the old VOA list but is not on any new list. What do I do?
Contact the Thai embassy or consulate that covers your country before you book. Some nationalities, such as China, are covered by separate bilateral agreements. If there is no agreement, you need a visa, applied for at thaievisa.go.th.
Can I get a VOA if I have a one-way ticket?
No. You must show a fully paid ticket departing Thailand within 15 days of arrival. Airlines may also refuse to board you without proof of onward travel.
Can I enter Thailand multiple times on VOA?
Each VOA is a single entry. You can technically obtain a new VOA each time you arrive, but repeated entries may attract scrutiny from immigration officers, who could deny entry if they believe you are using VOA to live in Thailand.
What If the VOA Queue Causes a Missed Flight?
If you have a tight connection, the VOA queue is a real risk. Consider applying for a visa in advance through the e-Visa portal, or check whether your nationality now qualifies for visa exemption, which uses the regular immigration lines.
Is the VOA available 24/7?
At major international airports like Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang, VOA processing is available around the clock. At smaller airports and land borders, operating hours may be limited. Check before planning a late-night arrival.
Can I convert a VOA to a longer visa inside Thailand?
Generally, no. The VOA cannot be converted to a tourist visa or non-immigrant visa while inside Thailand. You would need to leave the country and apply for a different visa type. See our guide on changing visa type in Thailand for more details.
Sources
- TAT Newsroom — Thailand introduces new 30-day and 15-day visa exemption rules from 15 September (September 2026)
- Royal Thai Embassy, London — Visa Exemption and Visa on Arrival — VOA stay, fee, extension, documents and funds
- Nation Thailand — Thailand revises visa access for 65 countries and territories
- Khaosod English — Thailand reduces visa-free stay from 60 to 30 days (September 1, 2026)
- Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) — official arrival card portal
- Thai e-Visa — official visa application portal
