thailand 3 month tourist visa

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Single Entry Tourist Visa for Thailand

Thailand has always been a popular holiday destination. Tourists return year after year to enjoy the rich culture, exquisite food, long warm beaches, and natural getaways in the mountains. Holidaymakers can enjoy short-term getaways of up to 60 days with a Single Entry Tourist Visa. The visa is easy to obtain and this article will provide all the information you need to simplify the process.

There are many ways for foreigners to visit Thailand. If they want to visit for up to 30 days, certain nationalities can enter the country under the bilateral-agreement Visa Exemption scheme. This scheme is open to 64 nationalities from around the world. If someone is not eligible for visa exemption, they may apply for a 15-day Visa on Arrival.

If you are entering Thailand for tourism, leisure, or medical purposes, are not intending to visit other Asian countries, and know that 30 days will not be long enough, then you can apply for a 60-day Single Entry Tourist Visa.

What is a Single Entry Tourist Visa?

A Single Entry Tourist Visa allows foreign nationals one entry into Thailand for tourism, leisure, or medical reasons. It is perfect for those who are looking to relax or maybe complete a scuba diving or Muay Thai training course. People can enter either by air, land, or sea.

The visa has a 3-month validity from the time of approval. This means that people have 3 months to use and enter Thailand from the date their visa is approved. People often confuse validity and the time they can spend in Thailand. Validity is how long you have to use or utilize the visa. When arriving in Thailand, a permit to stay stamp will be placed in your passport for 60 days, so a visitor can arrive on the last day of their valid time frame and still receive the full 60 days permit to stay.

How to apply for a Single Entry Tourist Visa

Many nationalities can now apply for their Thailand Tourist Visa online at https://thaievisa.go.th/home . When applying for a visa online, applicants need to create an account and apply as individuals. Once the account is created, individuals will need the following documents:

• A current passport with no less than 6 months validity and at least 2 blank pages. Applicants must fill in online visa applications with their given name(s) and surname as it appears on their passports.
• Printout of visa application form submitted online, with barcode
• Travel booking confirmation
• Proof of accommodation in Thailand, e.g. hotel booking, invitation letter from family or friend in Thailand
• Financial evidence, e.g. bank statements, proof of earnings, sponsorship letter
• Confirmation of legal residence in the country where you apply for the visa (if applicants are not nationals of these countries) e.g. long stay visa, residence permit, BRP card

E-Visa applicants do not need to submit their passport and original supporting documents in person at a Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate. After the e-Visa application has been approved, a confirmation email is sent to applicants. It is best practice to print a copy of the confirmation email to present to airlines and Thai Immigration officials when traveling to Thailand.

There are certain countries not eligible to apply for an E-Visa, as additional documents are needed for approval.

If you are unsure if eligible for an online visa or do not have access to the online application process, you can contact your local Thai Embassy and organize an appointment. Many embassies will not allow walk-ins, and immigration requirements may change without notice, so it is best to contact them beforehand and confirm what documents you need to provide.

Minimum documents needed:

• Passport with 6 months validity and at least 2 empty pages.
• Completed and signed visa application form
• Proof of travel booking
• Proof of Accommodation
• Financial evidence – Bank statement or proof of earnings (equivalent to 10,000 Thai Baht for individuals or 20,000 Thai Baht for families.)
• Letter of acceptance from institutes or companies organizing activities (if traveling for the purpose of scuba diving, martial arts, or culinary learning) 

All documents in a foreign language must be translated into English or Thai and certified before they will be approved.

The cost of a single-entry tourist visa can vary from country to country, but an estimated cost is $30 – $50 USD. It is important to note that many embassies will only accept payment in $USD. Confirm cost and currency with your local Embassy or Consulate when making an initial query.

If you are applying online, the E-Visa system will confirm the payment due and process the payment through their secure payment portal.

Assistance with Visa Applications

The process for applying is straightforward and can be done yourself. If you would like to confirm documents are correct or wish to receive approval without going back and forth to embassy appointments, you can enlist the services of a visa assistance agent . These agents are aware of all current immigration requirements and can confirm the correct details before lodging your application. They will liaise with embassies and consulates on your behalf.

Agents charge a fee for their service but will often save you time and money in the long run. They can streamline your application process and speed up your approval. Agents can assist with online applications, though you may be required to pay the visa fee directly through e-Visa’s secure payment portal.

Tourist Visa Restrictions

As noted above, Single Entry Tourist Visas are for tourism, leisure, or medical purposes only. Foreigners cannot earn income, study long-term, or conduct volunteer activities while in Thailand if they have entered with a tourist visa.

If you intend to take part in any of the above activities, there are long-term visa options available. You can contact your local Thai embassy to discuss options, or seek assistance from a Visa Agent to apply for a long-term visa.

Arriving in Thailand

When you arrive in Thailand, you will need to provide the following documents at Passport Control:

• Passport with approved visa attached (if you applied at an Embassy)
• Confirmation letter of visa approval (if you applied online)
• Confirmed exit flight from the country
• Confirmed accommodation (at least for the first night in the country)
• Financial statement or bank statement showing funds available (10,000 or 20,000 Thai Baht equivalent)

A good practice is to print copies of these documents. Entry approval is at the discretion of immigration officers and presenting hard copies of these documents will speed your processing through Passport Control and help ease congestion at the airport.

Extending your Tourist Visa

For some people, 60 days is never enough. If you enjoy your time in Thailand, it is possible to extend your stay. Visitors with a Single Entry Tourist visa can extend their time in the country by 30 days by visiting a local Thai Immigration Office. An extension of stay will cost 1900 Thai Baht and must be paid in cash (Thai Baht) when applying for the extension. 

You will need to visit the office before your tourist visa expires. Staying in the country past your exit date will cause an “overstay” and you will be fined 500 baht per day after your official exit date. An overstay is noted in your passport and can affect future visa applications. This extension of stay is only available once within the country.

Thai Immigration offices are not open on weekends.

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Thailand Tourist Visa Mastery: How to Stay for 3 Months

Published by mr. nomad numbers on january 26, 2024 january 26, 2024.

Thailand, with its lovely culture, stunning beaches, and delicious cuisine, continues to be a top destination for travelers worldwide, including ourselves (with our favorite destinations being Chiang Mai and Koh Samui for month-long stays). One month is simply not enough time for many nomads and slow travelers. In this detailed guide, we will go through how to stay in Thailand for 3 months on a tourist visa. We will go through all the types of tourist visas that are available and how to apply for them. We will also cover the visa extension process and share the recent online E-Extension Visa process.

Last update: January 2024

Type of Tourist Visas in Thailand

Visa exemption.

The Visa Exemption is a widely utilized option for tourists visiting Thailand, primarily because it requires only a passport valid for over 6 months upon entry, and best of all, it’s FREE! However, despite its convenience, this visa only permits a stay of up to 30 days. It’s imperative to verify if your nationality qualifies for this benefit before planning your trip.

As of October 2023, here are the 64 countries that are allowed to stay for 30 days in Thailand upon entering the country:

Note : Travelers from Korea, Brazil, Peru, Argentina, and Chile will receive permission to stay in Thailand for up to 90 days under the Tourist Visa Exemption Scheme.

Important : Passport holders who are not eligible to enter Thailand under the Tourist Visa Exemption Scheme or Visa on Arrival Scheme are required to get a tourist visa through a Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate prior to their visit.

Tourist Visa (TR)

The Tourist Visa (TR) is a great option for those planning a more extended stay in Thailand.

The Tourist Visa typically allows a stay of up to 60 days, which can be extended for an additional 30 days at the discretion of Thai immigration authorities for a total of 3 months. You can opt for either a single-entry or multiple-entry tourist visa, depending on your travel plans.

Single Entry Visa (SEV)

Single Entry Visa allows you to enter Thailand once and can be extended up to 3 months

• Validity:  Usually valid for entering Thailand within 3 months from the date of issue.
• Duration:  Once you enter Thailand, you can stay for up to 60 days.
• Extension:  It’s possible to apply for an extension of stay for another 30 days at an immigration office in Thailand, making the total potential duration of stay up to 90 days.

Multiple Entry Visa (MEV)

Multiple Entry Visa allows you to enter Thailand as many time as you’d like over a 6 month period and can be extended up to 3 months per visit.

• Validity:  Allows multiple entries into Thailand over a 6-month period from the date of issue.
• Duration:  Each entry allows a 60 day stay, meaning you can come and go as many times as you want during the 6 month validity, but each stay can’t exceed 60 days.
• Extension:  Like the Single-Entry Tourist Visa, each entry can potentially be extended for an additional 30 days at a Thai immigration office.

How to Apply

There is no application required for this visa if you qualify.

Keep in mind that you must provide the address of your hotel / airbnb once you enter the country . You might also be required to provide the following information:

• Proof of a return ticket exiting Thailand within 30 days
• Proof of funds of at least 10,000 THB for single travelers, or 20,000 THB per family during your stay in Thailand

Note: On the few Visa Exemption we got, we never had to provide a proof of return ticket or proof of funds as we entered by air through either Bangkok or Chiang Mai airports. Let us know if you had to provide these by leaving us a comment in the comments section below.

Tourist Visa (Single & Multiple Entry)

You need to apply for these visas at your local Thai Embassy!

Important: Do not try to apply for a Single or Multiple Entry Visa at an Thai Embassy outside of your country of residency, as you will likely get your visa declined.

You also need to apply within 3 months of your entry to Thailand, so don’t apply too early as well.

Documents Required

• Passport or travel document with an expiry date of no less than 6 months
• Visa application form (filled out)
• One recent 4 x 6 cm. photograph of the applicant
• Round-trip air ticket or e-ticket (paid in full)
• Proof of financial means (10,000 baht per person/20,000 baht per family) such as bank statement
• Proof of Hotel or private accommodation booking

30 USD Note: Fee is subject to change, so make sure to always double check with your local Thai Embassy!

Tips for the Thailand Tourist Visa Application

Here are our tips to ensure a smooth visa application process and approval

• Plan Ahead: Start the visa application process well in advance to avoid last-minute hassles. (You want usually to apply within 3 month of your entry to Thailand).
• Check Requirements: Review the specific requirements for your chosen visa type and ensure you have all necessary documents.
• Be Honest: Provide accurate information during the application process to prevent any complications later on.
• Stay Updated: Always double check the latest information on your local Thai Embassy website as these policy do change from time to time.

How to Extend your Visa

Once you have entered the country you can usually extend your stay for a final 30 days extension.

Online Application

Important: Thailand is rolling out an E-Extension Visa program that lets you apply for your extension online. We have not tried this yet as it was launched in early 2024. Feel free to check it out: Thailand Official E-Extension Website ( news related to this announcement)

We will update this post with our experience once we have the chance to try out this process. In the meantime if you were able to extend your Visa Except or Tourist Visa that way, we would love to hear from you. Please leave us a comment in the comment section below.

In-Person Application

Based on our multiple experiences in Chiang Mai (2019, 2022, 2023), here’s what the application process looks like:

• Head to the Immigration Bureau in the city of your stay. These bureaus are situated in major cities across the country, including Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket. (major locations listed below)
• Bring along the required documents & money (list provided below)
• Complete the requisite forms, readily available at the Immigration Bureau or downloadable online. People will check that these form are filled property before let you submit them at the office. Tip: download these forms (link below) and fill them out at home, as you will save a lot of precious time .
• Submit your application and pay the necessary fee.
• Wait for your extension to be processed (this could take between 30 minutes to a few hours based on how many people are applying)
• Retrieve your passport and updated visa. Once your extension request is approved, collect your passport and the new visa from the Immigration Bureau. Tip: Double-check the visa’s expiration date for accuracy.

Our tip: Plan to spend at least half a day doing this, and do it as soon as you can because your extension will be added to the last day you’re allowed to stay according to your latest visa stamp in your passport.

Required documents:

• Your passport
• The personal information page, showing your picture, name, expiry/issue date, etc.
• The page showing your Visa
• One passport-sized photo (4 x 6 cm)
• Form TM30 (should be filed by your landlord)
• 1,900 THB (in cash) to pay for the 30 days extension fee

Here are the forms you need to fill out:

• Form TM30 (note: there is an immigration app that your landlord should use to provide you with this form that will looks very different)

Major Immigration Offices in Thailand

• ChiangMai Immigration Office (Centra Festival Branch) Business Hours: 9am to 12pm – 1pm-5pm Monday to Friday
• Bangkok Immigration Office Business Hours: 8:30am to 12am – 1pm-5pm Monday to Friday
• Phuket Immigration Office Business Hours: 10am to 12pm – 1pm-3pm Monday to Friday
• Koh Samui Immigration Office Business Hours: 8:30am to 12am – 1pm-4:30pm Monday to Friday

Our Bottom Line

Navigating Thailand’s visa requirements doesn’t have to be daunting. By understanding the different types of tourist visas available and following the application guidelines diligently, you can set off on your Thai adventure with confidence and easily stay up to 3 months on a tourist visa in this wonderful country.

Whether you’re soaking up the sun on pristine beaches or exploring ancient temples, let your visa be the least of your worries as you immerse yourself in the wonders of Thailand.

For more information and updates on Thailand’s visa policies, visit the official website of the Royal Thai Embassy or consult with authorized visa agencies in your country. We suggest the following pages that should hopefully stay updated with the latest information:

• Visa Exemptions and Bilateral Agreements
• Tourist Visa For Thailand
• Thai Embassies Around The World
• Thai Immigration Forms

Planning a trip to Thailand? Check out our guides for some of the best places in Thailand:  Chiang Mai , Mae Hong Son Loop ,  Koh Lanta ,  Koh Samui  and  Koh Tao . If you want to explore via motorbike, check out  The Ultimate Guide to Obtaining a Thai Motorcycle License in Thailand .

Of course, feel free to leave us a comment in the comments section below if you have any questions for us as we will be happy to answer any we can based on our own experience.

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Mr. Nomad Numbers

We are a couple who travel the world and want to inspire people to think differently about the life they can design for themselves through our journey.

Kylie · January 29, 2024 at 1:16 pm

Thanks for sharing! Am I understanding correctly that on a Multiple Entry Visa you could possibly stay up to 6 months by:

1) Entering for the first time and being successful to extend stay by 30 days (total 90 days)

2) Leaving and entering a second time and being successful to extend stay by 30 days (total 90 days, cumulative 180 days)

Thanks! Kylie

Mr. Nomad Numbers · February 4, 2024 at 2:10 am

You are correct! Are you considering applying for a multiple entry visa?

Flipflops & Jandals · January 29, 2024 at 9:03 pm

Helpful info thanks as I have just been looking into this over the last week. Do you have recommendations or advice if we wanted to stay 3.5 months? And I keep seeing conflicting info on how many times in a year we can go back to Thailand – do you know the current restrictions?

Mr. Nomad Numbers · January 30, 2024 at 1:49 am

Hi Flipflops & Jandals.

I haven’t heard anything about doing more than 3 month in a single shot in Thailand at the moment on a tourist visa. You could consider a student visa for a year but you will need to make sure you take some classes (learning Thai being a very common on) that would get you 12 months stay in the country.

That being said visa run are quite common and most people will do these (with as little as 24 hrs between te-entry) to reset their visa clock. Though I heard story of people getting black listed from entering Thailand (for up to 5 years) from doing too many. So like with everything if you don’t abuse the system you should be fine.

Since you can get 3 months on a SEV why do you need 3.5? Could you get a MEV, spend a week outside of Thailand (probably less than that) and re-enter again for another 3 months?

The Ultimate Guide to Obtaining a Thai Motorcycle License in Thailand · June 3, 2024 at 5:33 am

[…] Hong Son Loop, Koh Lanta, Koh Samui and Koh Tao. If you need to extend your tourist visa, check out this guide on how to stay in Thailand for 3 […]

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