What Is Thailand's Visa on Arrival?
Thailand's Visa on Arrival (VOA) is a short-term entry permit available to citizens of 18 countries who do not qualify for Thailand's visa exemption program. It allows a maximum stay of 15 days and is issued at the point of entry, meaning you do not need to visit an embassy or consulate before traveling.
The VOA is designed for brief tourist visits. It cannot be used for work, study, or business activities. If you need to stay longer than 15 days, you should consider applying for a tourist visa at a Thai embassy before your trip.
Eligible Countries
As of 2026, citizens of the following 18 countries and territories are eligible for Thailand's Visa on Arrival: Bhutan, Bulgaria, China, Cyprus, Ethiopia, Fiji, Georgia, India, Kazakhstan, Malta, Mexico, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Taiwan, Uzbekistan, and Vanuatu.
This list is updated periodically by the Thai government. If your country is not listed here, check whether you qualify for the 30-day visa exemption instead, which covers 57 countries. If you qualify for neither, you must apply for a visa at a Thai embassy or consulate before traveling.
Required Documents
To apply for a Visa on Arrival in Thailand, you must present the following documents at the VOA counter:
A passport valid for at least 30 days from the date of entry with at least one blank page for the visa stamp. One recent passport-sized photograph (4x6 cm) with a white background. A completed arrival/departure card (TM.6), which is distributed on your flight or available at the airport. A completed Visa on Arrival application form (available at the VOA counter).
A confirmed return or onward ticket departing Thailand within 15 days of arrival. Proof of accommodation in Thailand such as a hotel booking confirmation or an address where you will be staying. The equivalent of at least 10,000 baht in cash per person or 20,000 baht per family. This can be in Thai baht or any other major currency.
The visa fee of 2,000 baht in Thai currency only.
Fee & Payment
The Visa on Arrival fee is 2,000 baht, payable in cash only at the VOA immigration counter. Credit cards, debit cards, and foreign currencies are not accepted for the visa fee itself. Make sure you have the exact amount or close to it in Thai baht before you arrive at the counter.
You can exchange money at airport currency exchange booths before proceeding to the VOA line. ATMs are also available in the arrivals hall at all major Thai airports if you need to withdraw baht.
Thailand has occasionally offered temporary fee waivers on the Visa on Arrival during promotional periods. Check current announcements from Thai immigration before traveling.
Where to Apply
Visa on Arrival is available at the following international airports in Thailand: Suvarnabhumi Airport (Bangkok), Don Mueang Airport (Bangkok), Phuket International Airport, Chiang Mai International Airport, Chiang Rai International Airport (Mae Fah Luang), Hat Yai International Airport, and U-Tapao International Airport (Pattaya).
VOA is also available at designated land border crossings throughout the country, though availability may vary. If entering by land, confirm that your specific border crossing offers the Visa on Arrival service before traveling.
Processing Time & What to Expect
The Visa on Arrival process typically takes 15 to 45 minutes depending on the length of the queue. At Suvarnabhumi Airport, the VOA counter is located before the main immigration hall, clearly signposted after you exit the jet bridge.
The process involves the following steps. First, pick up and complete the VOA application form available at the counter. Attach your passport photo to the form. Present the form along with your passport, return ticket, accommodation proof, and visa fee to the immigration officer. Wait for your number to be called. Once processed, you receive a stamp in your passport permitting a 15-day stay.
During peak tourist season (November to February) and holidays like Chinese New Year and Songkran, queues can be much longer, sometimes exceeding one hour. Arrive with all documents filled out and organized to speed up the process.
Common Reasons for Rejection
While most VOA applications are approved, rejections do happen. The most common reasons include:
Insufficient cash. Immigration may ask to see your money and count it. If you do not have the equivalent of 10,000 baht per person, you can be denied entry. This rule is enforced more strictly at land borders than airports, but it applies everywhere.
No return or onward ticket. A confirmed booking showing you will leave Thailand within 15 days is mandatory. Saying you plan to book one later is not accepted.
Passport validity too short. Your passport must be valid for at least 30 days from your date of arrival. If it expires sooner, you will be turned away.
Incomplete application. Missing photos, unsigned forms, or incorrect information can delay or derail your application. Double-check everything before submitting.
Previous overstays or immigration issues. If you have a record of overstaying a Thai visa in the past, your VOA application may be denied and you may be placed on a watch list.
How to Extend from 15 to 30 Days
If you entered Thailand on a Visa on Arrival and want to stay longer, you can apply for a one-time extension of up to 15 additional days at any Thai immigration office. This extends your total stay from 15 to a maximum of 30 days.
To apply for the extension, visit a Thai immigration office with the following: your passport, a completed TM.7 extension form (available at the office), one passport-sized photo (4x6 cm), a photocopy of your passport bio page, your current visa stamp, and your TM.6 departure card. The extension fee is 1,900 baht in cash.
The Bangkok Immigration Office is located at the Government Center on Chaeng Wattana Road and is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Smaller immigration offices in Chiang Mai, Phuket, Pattaya, and other tourist areas tend to have shorter wait times.
Apply for the extension at least a few days before your current permission expires. Do not wait until the last day, as unexpected issues or office closures could leave you in an overstay situation. Overstaying incurs a fine of 500 baht per day and can lead to more serious consequences including detention and future entry bans.