When planning a journey to another country, a passport essentially acts like your local ID, showcasing your identity. A visa, on the other hand, is like getting a pass to enter a country where you aren’t a citizen. This important document is issued by authorities such as the Consular Department of a Ministry of Foreign Affairs or an Immigration Office. Once approved, your passport gets adorned with a stamp or a stickered visa.
It’s interesting to see that some destinations welcome us without needing a visa, whereas others require us to get one before we set off. Similarly, if you’re not from Thailand and wish to visit, you’ll need to apply for a Thai visa. At BkkClub, we have compiled the types of Thai visas and their suitable durations, explained by the Thailand Department of Consular Affairs, to help our friends who are planning to come to Thailand or those who are already enjoying their stay to be well informed.
7 Types of Thai Visa
Transit Visa (VISA-TS)
- Visa Validity: 3 months
- Period of Stay: A maximum of 30 days with each entry
- Designed for those in traverse through Thailand, encompassing leisure travelers, athletes, or members of transportation crews.
Tourist Visa (VISA-TR)
- Visa Validity: Ranges from 3 to 6 months
- Period of Stay: A maximum of 60 days with each entry
- Specifically aimed at travelers wishing to immerse themselves in the touristic splendors of Thailand.
Non-Immigrant Visa (Non-Imm VISA)
- Visa Validity: 3 months for single entry; 1 year for multiple entries
- Period of Stay: A maximum of 90 days with each entry
- Tailored for individuals with varied objectives including employment, entrepreneurial pursuits, academics, or media endeavors.
Diplomatic Visa
- Visa Validity: Specified as per individual diplomatic agreements
- Period of Stay: A maximum of 90 days with each entry
- Reserved for diplomatic personages or government officials engaged in formal functions.
Official Visa
- Visa Validity: Defined on a case-by-case basis
- Period of Stay: A maximum of 90 days with each entry
- Issued to government representatives or entities conducting official assignments.
Courtesy Visa
- Visa Validity: 3 to 6 months, with provisions for multiple entries
- Period of Stay: A maximum of 90 days with each entry
- Bestowed for a variety of reasons, encompassing official duties or representation of international organizations.
Non-Immigrant Visa Long Stay (Non-VISA O to A)
- Visa Validity: 1 year
- Period of Stay: A maximum of 90 days with each entry
- Intended for individuals aged 50 and beyond, seeking a sojourn in Thailand for protracted periods.
Upon arrival in Thailand, compliance with immigration policies is paramount. This entails registering your presence with immigration authorities every 90 days. Should the whisper of Thailand’s charms entice you to prolong your stay, you can seek an extension through the local immigration office.
Equipping oneself with the knowledge of these diverse visa types, alongside their respective entry and stay directives, empowers travelers to meticulously orchestrate their Thai expedition. I invite you to remain abreast of updates and insights pertinent to your sojourn in Thailand through BkkClub—an initiative to enlighten and enhance your Thai experience.
Interested in extending your stay in Thailand? Explore our comprehensive guide to visa extensions in Thailand!
