Thailand Tourist Visa
Thailand's traditional tourist visa for planned visits. Single Entry (60+30 days) or Multiple Entry (180 days over 6 months). Better than visa exempt for frequent visitors with smoother immigration and less scrutiny.
What is Thailand Tourist Visa?
Thailand's tourist visa is the traditional route for planned visits requiring advance application at a Thai embassy or consulate. Unlike visa exempt entry (which is free and instant but limited), tourist visas offer more flexibility and significantly less immigration scrutiny.
Two types: Single Entry Tourist Visa (SETV) gives one 60-day entry extendable to 90 days. Multiple Entry Tourist Visa (METV) gives unlimited entries for 6 months with each entry giving 60 days (extendable to 90), allowing up to 180 days total in Thailand.
Tourist visa is ideal for those making 3+ visits per year, wanting 60-90 day stays, or who have had previous questioning/issues with visa exempt entries. The small cost (1,000-5,000 THB) provides peace of mind and smooth immigration experience.
Tourist Visa Types
Single Entry (SETV)
Best for:
- â Single 60-90 day trip
- â Third+ visit this year
- â Had visa exempt issues
- â Want smoother entry
Multiple Entry (METV)
Best for:
- â Multiple trips (3+ in 6 months)
- â Want maximum flexibility
- â Digital nomad lifestyle
- â Living part-time in Thailand
ðĄ Pro tip: METV requires proof of employment or stable income and 200,000 THB bank balance. If you don't meet these requirements, either apply for Single Entry or consider the DTV visa which has different qualification criteria.
Complete Tourist Visa Guides
Thailand Tourist Visa Application Guide
Step-by-step guide to applying for Thai tourist visa. Documents, embassy tips, and approval strategies.
Multiple Entry Tourist Visa (METV) Complete Guide
Get 180 days over 6 months with METV. Requirements, costs, and how to maximize your stay.
Tourist Visa Requirements
Single Entry (SETV)
- âPassport: 6+ months validity, 2 blank pages
- âBank statements: 6 months, 20,000+ THB balance
- âFlight booking: Return or onward ticket
- âAccommodation: Hotel bookings or invitation letter
- âPhotos: 2 passport photos (4x6 cm)
- âApplication form: Completed visa application
- âFee: 1,000 THB (~$30 USD)
Multiple Entry (METV)
- âAll SETV requirements, plus:
- !Bank statements: 200,000+ THB for 6 months (strict)
- !Employment proof: Company letter or business registration
- !Income proof: Pay slips or tax documents
- !Ties to home: Property, family, stable employment
- âFee: 5,000 THB (~$150 USD)
Common Questions
Should I get tourist visa or use visa exempt?
Use visa exempt for first 1-2 short trips per year (free and instant). Get tourist visa if it's your third+ visit this year, you want 60-90 days, you've had previous questioning, or you want smoother immigration. Read our complete comparison guide.
How long does tourist visa processing take?
3-10 days depending on embassy. Some embassies offer 3-day processing, others take up to 2 weeks. Apply at least 2-3 weeks before travel to be safe. Online applications (e-visa) are typically faster than in-person.
Can I apply for tourist visa while in Thailand?
No. Tourist visa must be applied for outside Thailand at a Thai embassy or consulate. Popular locations for tourist visa applications include neighboring countries (Laos, Cambodia, Malaysia) or your home country.
Can I convert tourist visa to DTV inside Thailand?
No. You must exit Thailand and apply for DTV at a Thai embassy abroad. You cannot convert or upgrade visa types inside Thailand. Plan your visa strategy before entering.
What's the maximum days I can get with METV?
180 days over 6 months. Strategy: Enter on day 1 (60 days) â extend (30 days) = 90 days â Exit and re-enter (60 days) â extend (30 days) = total 180 days. Must use all entries within 6 months of visa issue date.
Need Help Choosing the Right Visa?
Unsure if you should get Single Entry, Multiple Entry, or stick with visa exempt? Our $12 Sanity Check analyzes your travel pattern and gives you a clear recommendation tailored to your situation.