Visa for Thailand: whether it is required and how to apply for it

Planning a trip to Thailand? Then it is important to familiarize yourself with the visa rules of this country in advance. The purpose of your trip will determine whether you need a visa and which type to choose.

Special features of visas for Thailand:

• Do I need a visa? – Citizens of 90+ countries, including Germany and Kazakhstan, can enter Thailand without a visa for up to 60 days (from July 15, 2024). Read more below.
• What types of visas are available? – Electronic visa (e-Visa), visa on arrival, tourist, business, student, and retirement visas.
• How to apply? – Online, at the consulate, at the airport, or through an accredited visa agency such as buch-dein-visum.de.
• Visa processing time: from 1 hour to 5 working days, depending on the type of visa.

Below is a list of countries whose nationals can enter Thailand without a visa for up to 60 days for tourism or short-term business purposes. The list of 93 countries and territories includes:

Also, a visa-free visit to Thailand can be extended once for an additional period not exceeding 30 days at the discretion of Thai Immigration for an additional fee.

A visa to enter Thailand is an official permit allowing foreign citizens to stay in the country for a certain period of time.

There are two main options for tourist trips: an electronic visa (e-visa) and a visa on arrival (Visa on Arrival).

Electronic tourist visa to Thailand (e-Visa)

• Number of entries: single
• Length of stay in the country: up to 60 days
• Visa validity: 3 months from the date of issue
• Application processing time: 3–5 business days
• Application method: online

Visa on arrival in Thailand (Visa on Arrival)

• Number of entries: single
• Length of stay in the country: up to 15 days
• Visa validity: 15 days from the date of issue
• Processing time: directly at the airport upon arrival
• Processing time: several hours (issued on site)

Although both methods of obtaining a visa are valid, we recommend that you apply for a visa in advance. This will help you avoid waiting in lines upon arrival, reduce the risk of errors, and take into account possible changes in the country's visa policy.

Entry into Thailand for foreign citizens is regulated by various types of visas, each of which is intended for specific purposes of stay. Each type of visa has its own characteristics in terms of validity, number of entries, and documents required for processing.

Tourist visa

• Purpose of trip: tourism, vacation, visiting friends or relatives
• Number of entries: single or multiple
• Length of stay in the country: up to 60 days with the possibility of extension
• Visa validity:
• 3 months (single)
• 6 months (multiple)

Transit visa

• Purpose of trip: transit through Thailand to a third country
• Number of entries: single
• Length of stay in the country: up to 30 days
• Visa validity: 3 months

SMART Visa

• Purpose of trip: work or investment in priority sectors of the Thai economy
• Number of entries: multiple
• Length of stay: up to 4 years with the possibility of extension
• Visa validity: 4 years

Non-immigrant visa

• Purpose of travel: work, study, business, marriage, long-term residence, and other purposes
• Number of entries: single or multiple
• Length of stay in the country: up to 90 days with the possibility of extension
• Visa validity: 1 year (with the possibility of extension for certain categories)

If you need help choosing the type of visa or applying for it, contact our visa agency. We will advise you on the best option, prepare the documents, and accompany you through all stages of the visa application process.

The cost of a visa for July 2025 starts at €109, but may vary depending on the type of visa, citizenship, urgency of processing, and additional services selected. You can always find the current prices on the “Cost” page.

If you are unsure which type of visa is right for you, we recommend contacting our managers. This will help you avoid mistakes during the application process and save you time.

Main documents required for a visa to Thailand:

• Foreign passport
• Must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry.
• Must have at least 2 blank pages for visas and stamps.
• Photograph
• Color, on a white background, 3.5 x 4.5 cm in size.
• The photograph must be no more than 6 months old.
• Completed application form
• The visa application form must be completed in English.
• It can be completed online or by hand, depending on the consulate's requirements.
• Airline ticket reservation
• Confirmation of round-trip ticket reservations (entry and exit from Thailand).
• Confirmation of accommodation
• Confirmation of hotel reservation or invitation from a private individual if you plan to stay with friends/relatives.
• Financial documents
• Bank statement or income statement.
• The account must have at least 20,000 baht (approximately 500 euros) per person.
• The document must be issued no earlier than 1 month before submitting the documents.
• Medical insurance (recommended)
• Not required for a short-term tourist visa, but highly recommended. Can be obtained on the “Insurance” page.
• Must cover the entire period of stay and have an insurance amount of at least $50,000 (may be mandatory for long-term visas).

Additional documents for other types of visas:

• Business visa:
• Invitation from a Thai company stating the purpose and duration of the trip.
• Copy of the host organization's license.
• Letter from the employer on company letterhead stating the position and purpose of the trip.
• Educational visa (ED visa):
• Letter of acceptance from a Thai educational institution.
• Proof of payment for courses.
• Documents from the educational institution, license.
• Multi-entry visa/long-term visa (e.g., O-A):
• Health certificate.
• Financial documents confirming stable income or savings.
• Insurance with coverage of at least $100,000.

The exact list may vary depending on the applicant's citizenship. Therefore, we recommend that you contact our managers before submitting your documents.