Thailand visas
Whether you need a visa to enter Thailand depends on your nationality and the purpose and length of your stay — eligible nationalities can visit for tourism under the visa-exemption scheme or with a visa on arrival. Thailand's visas are handled by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kingdom of Thailand, with tourist, transit and non-immigrant visas available online through the official Thai eVisa system. This hub explains the main visa types in plain language and links to the official sources so you can confirm exactly what applies to you before you travel or apply.
Important information
Thai visa categories
Explore visa categories by the purpose of your trip.
- Visitor & short-stay visasShort stays in Thailand — tourism, visiting family or friends, business trips and transit, plus any visa-free or electronic-authorisation options.5 visas
- Work visasComing to Thailand to work — the employment and skilled-worker routes and the permits they require.2 visas
- Study visasStudying in Thailand — student visas and permits for accepted students, and what they let you do.1 visa
- Family visasJoining or sponsoring a family member in Thailand — spouse, partner, child and other relative routes.1 visa
- Business & investor visasInvesting, doing business or coming to Thailand as a highly skilled or exceptional individual.2 visas
- Residence & citizenshipLiving in Thailand long term — permanent residence and, where available, the path to citizenship.3 visas
Thai visa application at a glance
From start to finish in five simple steps.
- 01Choose the right visa
- 02Check eligibility & documents
- 03Apply online
- 04Provide biometrics
- 05Wait for a decision
Thailand — key facts
- Entry document
- Visa, exemption or VOA
- Depends on your nationality and purpose of travel
- Authority
- MFA (Thailand)
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kingdom of Thailand
- eVisa
- Apply at thaievisa.go.th
- Tourist, transit and non-immigrant visas
- Visa exemption
- Up to 30 days
- For tourism, eligible nationalities, per the MFA
Thai visas — people also ask
It depends on your nationality. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs operates a visa-exemption scheme (a stay not exceeding 30 days for tourism) and a visa on arrival (not exceeding 15 days) for eligible nationalities. Others must apply for a tourist visa. Check the official guidance for your nationality.
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official sources · last reviewed 2026-08-09. Information only — not legal advice.