People all over the world dream of visiting Thailand. Looking at the picturesque landscapes, ancient culture and friendly nature of our people, it is not difficult to understand why. However, getting a visa can be a little tricky for first-time visitors. This article will cover everything you need to know about getting a tourist visa in Thailand so that you can make your dream come true.
What is a visa for tourists in Thailand?
A visa for tourists in Thailand is a document issued by the Thai government that allows you to visit the country for a certain period. You will also need this visa to stay in Thailand along with you are travelling and visiting the country as a tourist. So if you are planning to visit Thailand as a backpacker or a digital nomad, this article is for you. Tourist visas are available in two different categories
- business and tourist – and are valid for a single entry. If you are a digital nomad, then the process of getting a tourist visa may not be very difficult. Once you get it, the rest is up to you to enjoy your visit to Thailand. In short, a visa for tourists in Thailand is a document that allows you to enter the country for tourist purposes.
How to get a tourist visa in Thailand?
Getting a tourist visa in Thailand is an easy task for most people as the procedure is quite simple. Many online services can help you get your tourist visa quickly and hassle-free. Unfortunately, you can’t get your tourist visa at the Thai embassy. You will have to apply for a tourist visa at an Embassy of Thailand-approved Thai Visa Application Center (TVAC).
If you are visiting the country for sightseeing, business, or medical purposes, you do not have to get a tourist visa. However, if you want to stay in Thailand longer or if you want to work or extend your stay as a tourist, then you will have to get a tourist visa.
To renew a Thai visa or not?
Normally, a tourist visa can be extended for a single entry at the Thai embassy or a Thai visa application centre (TVAC). However, if you want to renew the visa, you will have to go through the same process again. Thus, instead of just extending the validity of your visa, you will have to apply for it again.
This means that you will have to submit the same application form, pay the same amount of fees and undergo the same process all over again. Therefore, if you are planning to stay in Thailand longer or you want to get a multiple-entry tourist visa, you should apply for it at a Thai visa application centre. This way, you will be able to renew your visa only once and extend it multiple times.
How long does a tourist visa valid in Thailand?
Tourist visas in Thailand are single-entry visas and can be extended once for an additional three months inside the country. For example, let’s say you get a one-month tourist visa that can be extended twice for a total of three months inside the country.
After these three months, you will have to apply for a new tourist visa and re-depart the country. It’s important to note that the visa extension is only valid inside the country. So, if you want to travel outside the country with this visa, you will have to get a new visa again.
Should you apply online to get a Thai visa?
We strongly recommend applying for a Thai visa online as it is much faster and more convenient than applying in person at the Thai embassy. Nowadays, most embassy offices are open from 9 am to 5 pm on weekdays and close for a lunch break from 12 pm to 1 pm. If you want to apply for a tourist visa at an embassy office, you will have to wait in line and deal with all the rush and crowd at that time.
Online services, on the other hand, are open 24/7 and provide you with a virtual application form that you can fill out and submit online. This way, you will not have to wait in line or rush when applying for a visa. You can also apply for different types of visas such as business visas, tourist visas, and student visas without having to wait in line at any embassy office.
How to submit your application successfully.
Once you have gathered all of the required documents and fees, you can apply for a Thai visa online. Depending on the website where you apply, you can also get your passport photo, application form, and other required documents digitally. Now, you will have to follow the online application procedure.
You will have to enter all your details like your name, passport number, address, and contact information. You will also have to select the type of visa you want to apply for such as a tourist visa or a business visa. Next, you will have to upload all your documents such as your passport, proof of payment, and documents related to your business or tourist visit.
If you are applying for a tourist visa, you will also have to select your country of visit and provide your flight details. Next, you will have to pay the complete fee using your chosen payment method. After this step, you will have to submit your application and await a response.
Tips on how to submit your online application successfully.
- Check that your application is received. You can track the progress of your application online.
- Ensure that you have all the required documents with you when applying for a Thai visa. If you don’t, you won’t be able to submit your application.
- Make sure your application is error-free, otherwise, it will be rejected.
- Make sure that you submit your application during the specified time of the day as the embassy will close for a lunch break during this time.
- Your application will need to be approved before you can submit it to the embassy. Once approved, you will be directed to the next stage of visa application.
Conclusion
The procedure for getting a tourist visa in Thailand is simple. It can be done at an embassy or a TVAC. Unlike a business visa, the process of getting a tourist visa for tourists is simple and you don’t have to attend any interviews or presentations. You will just have to submit the required documents and pay the required fees.
Once you get it, the rest is up to you to enjoy your visit to Thailand. Tourist visas are valid for a single entry. You can extend the validity of the visa, but you can’t get a new tourist visa once you have an Indian passport. Therefore, a tourist, visa is the best option for Thai nationals who want to travel to India on a single occasion.
