Thailand Visa For US Citizens: How To Apply For Thailand Visa From The US
Thailand continues to draw in travelers from all over the world, and US citizens want to know how to apply for a Thailand visa so they too can visit the tropical paradise. From visa exemptions and requirements to processes and more, we’ve got you covered.
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Did you know that Thailand is one of the most visited countries in Southeast Asia? Even though travel restrictions affected the country during the COVID-19 pandemic, the economy is picking back up and travelers are once again eager to make the trip.
This is great news for US citizens that have their travel plans set on the Land of Smiles. So without further ado, let’s take a closer look at how to apply for a Thailand visa from the US.
What Visa Do I Need As A US Citizen?
Good news! US citizens are allowed to enter Thailand without a visa since the US is included in the country’s Visa Exemption List. Even so, US citizens (and citizens from other countries on the list) are only permitted to stay for 30 days.
If you wish to stay in Thailand for less than 30 days as a US citizen, all you need to enter the country is your passport, which should be valid for 6 more months at a minimum, and an onward or return flight ticket. The latter proves that you’ll leave Thailand after your trip.
Thai Visa Exemptions And Extensions
US citizens holding a passport with at least six months validity and a return/onward ticket don’t need a visa to enter Thailand. Upon entering the country by air or land, local immigration officials will stamp your passport with an immigration stamp, allowing you to stay in the country for 30 days.
It’s possible to extend your visa in Thailand by an extra 30 days by paying a THB ฿1,900 fee to the Thai Immigration Bureau office. Visit the Thai Immigration Bureau website to find Thai Immigration Bureau locations and additional information.
If you’re a US citizen carrying an official or diplomatic passport, it’s advisable to secure a visa before arriving in Thailand. While some official or diplomatic passport holders may enter the kingdom without a visa, the decision is up to the airline and/or immigration personnel.
With that said, if you’re planning to stay in Thailand for over 30 days, you’ll need to obtain a Thailand visa for US citizens.
Thailand Visa For US Citizens
As a US citizen, it’s advisable to obtain a visa before booking a trip to Thailand if you wish to stay for over 30 days. Let’s take a closer look at the most common types of visas for US citizens traveling to Thailand, which include tourist visa, work visa, and retirement visa.
Tourist Visa
If you’re heading to Thailand to enjoy all the country has to offer (without working or studying) for more than 30 days, then obtaining a tourist visa at the Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate in the US is your best bet. This visa permits US citizens to stay in Thailand for an initial 60 days.
Once you arrive in Thailand, you can extend the tourist visa at the discretion of the immigration officer for an additional 30 days. However, this can only be done once, making the total period of stay no more than 90 days. The extension costs THB ฿1,900.
In general, tourist visas must be used within 90 days from the issuing date. If you wish to stay in Thailand for more than 90 days during a 6-month period, you’ll have to obtain a valid Thai visa through a Thai Consulate or Embassy that issues visas to avoid being denied entry at the border.
Work Visa
US citizens who plan to work in Thailand are required to obtain a Thai work permit which has a one-year validity. Note that you will have to get a work permit from an employer from Thailand before obtaining a work visa.
Similarly, a company, foreign government, or other organization in Thailand has to file a work permit application on behalf of the work visa applicant.
Retirement Visa
Are you a US citizen who is 50 years of age or older and looking to retire in Thailand? Then a retirement visa could be your best option. These visas have one-year validity and prohibit any type of employment.
While we have a comprehensive guide to Thailand Retirement Visa for US Citizens, here’s a quick look at the qualifications you’ll need to apply:
- Proof of pension or regular income from a source outside of Thailand that is no less than THB ฿65,000 per month.
- Meet the financial requirement by opening and maintaining a Thai bank account with at least THB ฿800,000.
There are several other visas that you can apply for when traveling to Thailand, depending on your reason for entering the country. It’s important to make note of the number of days you’re permitted to stay in Thailand to avoid visa overstays.
How To Apply For Thailand Visa From The US
If you’re traveling to Thailand as a US citizen and wish to obtain a Thailand tourist visa, you can apply online via the official Thailand e-Visa page. Locate the “Do I need a tourist visa?” section or fill in the details on the website to find out exactly which visa you should apply for.
Applying for a tourist visa is necessary if your trip is longer than 30 days.
During the online visa application process, you can choose the Thai Embassy within your area, including:
- Royal Thai Consulate-General, Chicago
- Royal Thai Consulate-General, Los Angeles
- Royal Thai Consulate-General, New York
- Royal Thai Embassy, Washington D.C.
Thanks to the new e-Visa service (which has been in place since September 27, 2021), you won’t have to mail your passport and original documents to the Royal Thai Embassy.
Single Entry Vs. Multiple Entry Tourist Visa
Typically, you will apply for a single entry tourist visa, which permits you to enter the country once. If you need to enter Thailand more than once, apply for a multiple entry visa. Keep in mind that you’ll have to provide proof of regular travel to Thailand upon applying for the latter.
For US citizens, a single entry tourist visa costs USD $40 while a multiple entry tourist visa costs USD $200.
Required Documents
All the required documents for applying for a Thailand tourist visa are listed at the end of the online application. These include financial evidence, proof of accommodation in Thailand, and travel booking confirmation, as well as several other requirements.
While it’s advisable to double check the exact requirements for the type of Thai visa you’re applying for, the most common required documents for these visas include:
- Biodata page of Passport or Travel Document
- Photograph taken within the last 6 months
- Declaration
- Travel booking confirmation (i.e. air ticket paid in full)
- Proof of accommodation in Thailand
- Financial evidence (e.g. bank statements)
Be sure to scan and save your documents onto your computer or phone so you can easily upload them when applying online.
Financial Requirements
Most countries require you to prove that you have enough money to financially support yourself during your travels, and Thailand is no exception. According to the Thai e-Visa Official Website, you must prove you have at least THB ฿20,000 per person or THB ฿40,000 per family.
Visa Processing Time
Once you complete the visa application, all you have to do is wait for it to be processed. This takes around 15 business days. In the meantime, you can check the status of your application under the “Check Status” tab of the application dashboard.
You will receive a confirmation email once your visa has been approved. Congratulations, Thailand awaits!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I obtain a 60-day visa upon arrival in Thailand?
While it’s possible for travelers from certain countries to get a 30-day visa upon arrival in Thailand, there is no option to obtain a 60-day visa upon arrival.
Is it possible to obtain a 90-day tourist visa for Thailand?
Certain travelers are allowed to stay in Thailand for up to 90 days from the date of arrival. It’s important to always check the immigration stamp in your passport to avoid overstaying.
What are my options for staying in Thailand for 6 months?
A multiple entry tourist visa permits eligible foreign nationals to enter Thailand as frequently as desired within a 6-month period, with each visit lasting up to 60 days.
How much does a visa for Thailand cost for US citizens?
US citizens are required to pay USD $40 for a single entry tourist visa and USD $200 for a multiple entry tourist visa.
Conclusion
While waiting for your visa application to process, take the time to compare your health insurance options for Thailand. Note that the minimum coverage your health insurance must provide varies depending on the type of visa you need.
Comparing health insurance plans can be time-consuming and daunting, which is why many people prefer to work with a reputable insurance broker like Pacific Prime.
That way, you can rest assured that the health insurance plan you choose is based on your unique needs and within your budget. Plus, you’ll receive value-added services that you typically wouldn’t when going straight to an insurer.
Learn what the cost of health insurance in Thailand is today!
Are you thinking about calling Thailand home? Check out our comprehensive guide on the best places to live in Thailand before making the move.
Jantra curates and reports on the results of Pacific Prime’s monthly newsletters, as well as manages Pacific Prime’s Deputy Global CEO’s LinkedIn posts. Complemented by her background in business writing, Jantra’s passion for health, insurance, and employee benefits helps her create engaging content - no matter how complex the subject is.
Growing up as a third-culture kid has given her a multicultural perspective that helps her relate to expats and their families while 8 years of working remotely have given her unique insight into hybrid work arrangements and enthusiasm for employee benefits.
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What are the most common challenges US citizens face when adjusting to life in Thailand? Are there any specific expat communities or support groups in Thailand that can help with the transition?
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