Thailand visa types

Thailand visa types offer flexibility for a wide range of travelers—from tourists and students to remote workers, retirees, and business professionals. With each visa designed to suit a specific purpose, it's important to understand which one aligns best with your travel plans. In addition to selecting the right visa, all non-Thai nationals must now complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC)—a mandatory online form that replaces the old paper-based TM6 arrival card.

In this Thailand visa guide, we’ll break down the different types of Thailand visas and help you find the one that’s right for you!

Overview of Thailand visa types, fees, and validity

Thailand offers a variety of visa options catering to different purposes of travel, such as:

Tourism
Business
Education
Medical treatment
Retirement
Long-term stays

Thailand offers a visa to match nearly every need—let’s take a closer look and find the one that’s right for you!

Thailand tourist visas

Tourist visas are intended for individuals traveling to Thailand for leisure, family visits, or short-term activities.

Type	Purpose of Visit	Single-Entry Fee	Multiple-Entry Fee	Validity
MT	Medical treatment (less than 60 days)	40 USD	N/A	90 days
TR	Football Trial	40 USD	N/A	90 days
TR	Recreation training (scuba diving, boxing, etc.)	40 USD	N/A	90 days
TR	Tourism/leisure	40 USD	200 USD	90 days (S) / 6 months (M)
TR	Visiting family (less than 60 days)	40 USD	N/A	90 days
Tourist (MICE)	Participants of MICE industry (Meeting, Incentives, Convention, Exhibitions)	40 USD	N/A	90 days

Thailand transit visas

Transit visas are for travelers who are passing through Thailand to reach another destination.

Type	Purpose of Visit	Single-Entry Fee	Multiple-Entry Fee	Validity
C	Pilots, captains, and crews	35 USD	N/A	90 days
S	Athletes participating in events	35 USD	N/A	90 days
TS	Transit (stopover longer than 12 hours)	35 USD	N/A	90 days

Non-immigrant visas

These visas are for individuals intending to stay in Thailand for work, education, or other long-term purposes.

Type	Purpose of Visit	Single-Entry Fee	Multiple-Entry Fee	Validity
B	Employment (business, teaching, internships, etc.)	80 USD	200 USD	90 days (S) / 1 year (M)
ED	Education (attending workshops, schools, universities)	80 USD	N/A	90 days
F	Family or dependents of diplomats/officials	80 USD	N/A	90 days
IB	Investment in a BOI-registered company	80 USD	200 USD	90 days (S) / 1 year (M)
O	Retirement (50+ with pension)	80 USD	N/A	90 days
O-A	Long-term stay (Retirement for 50+)	N/A	200 USD	1 year
O-X	Long-term stay (Retirement for 50+)	N/A	400 USD	5 years

Specialized visas

Type	Purpose of Visit	Single-Entry Fee	Multiple-Entry Fee	Validity
R	Religious activities (with approval)	80 USD	N/A	90 days
RS	Research and Science	80 USD	N/A	90 days
LTR Visa (H)	Professionals in targeted industries	1600 USD	N/A	10 years
SMART Visa (T)	Talent	N/A	400 USD	1-4 years
SMART Visa (I)	Investment	N/A	400 USD	1-4 years

Official and diplomatic visas

Type	Purpose of Visit	Single-Entry Fee	Multiple-Entry Fee	Validity
F	Official mission or UN mission	Exempt	N/A	90 days (S) / 6 months (M)
D	Diplomatic mission	Exempt	N/A	90 days (S) / 6 months (M)

Elite visa

The Elite Visa is designed for high-net-worth individuals who seek long-term residency in Thailand.

Type	Purpose of Visit	Single-Entry Fee	Multiple-Entry Fee	Validity
Elite	Thailand Privilege Card for long-term residency	N/A	Varies	Varies (up to 20 years)

Thailand’s newest visa options

Type	Purpose of Visit	Single-Entry Fee	Multiple-Entry Fee	Validity
DTV	Workcation (Remote workers)	N/A	400 USD	5 years
DTV	Soft power-related activities (Muay Thai, Thai culinary, etc.)	N/A	400 USD	5 years

How many visa types are there in Thailand?

Thailand offers a wide range of visa types to accommodate various travel purposes. The number of visa types can be categorized based on the purpose of visit, and it includes over 20 distinct categories.

What is the best visa for Thailand?

The best visa for Thailand depends entirely on the purpose of your visit. Here’s a breakdown of the most common and suitable visas for various types of travelers:

Thailand for tourists

Tourist Visa (TR): If you're visiting Thailand for leisure or tourism purposes, the Tourist Visa is the most straightforward choice. It allows for a stay of up to 90 days. You can extend this visa once for an additional 30 days, allowing you to stay for up to 6 months total.
Medical Treatment Visa (MT): If you're visiting for medical treatment, this visa allows stays of up to 90 days.

Thailand for business or work

Non-Immigrant Business Visa (B): If you're coming to Thailand for business meetings, exhibitions, or to work for a company, this is the best option. It’s typically valid for 90 days, with the possibility of extensions.
Special Business Visa (SB): If you're involved in a long-term business project or have business partnerships in Thailand, you might be eligible for this visa.
SMART Visa: If you're a highly skilled professional in targeted industries like technology or healthcare, this is a great option. It offers long-term stays of up to 4 years.

Thailand for education

Education Visa (ED): If you're planning to study in Thailand, including attending a university, language school, or vocational training, the Education Visa is the best choice. It allows for stays of 90 days, with the option to extend.
Student Visa (Non-Immigrant ED): This is for anyone attending full-time educational courses at recognized institutions.

Thailand for retirees

Retirement Visa (O): If you are aged 50 or above and want to retire in Thailand, this visa allows you to stay for an extended period. You’ll need to meet certain financial requirements, like having a minimum amount in a Thai bank account.
Long Stay Visa (O-A): This visa is designed for retirees and allows for stays of up to 1 year.

Thailand for digital nomads/remote workers

Destination Thailand Visa (DTV): Specifically designed for remote workers or digital nomads, this visa is ideal for people working online while living in Thailand. It allows long-term stays of up to 5 years.
Smart Visa (T): If you are a professional working for a foreign company in Thailand, the Smart Visa can be beneficial for long-term stays and work flexibility.

Thailand for long-term stays or investments

Investment Visa (IB): If you're planning to invest in a Thai business or property, this visa is best suited for you. It allows stays of up to 1 year, with the possibility of extension.
Long-Term Resident Visa (LTR): This visa is designed for retirees, wealthy individuals, professionals, and those making a significant economic impact in Thailand. It allows for a stay of up to 10 years.

Thailand for family & dependents

Family Visa (O): If you're staying in Thailand with a Thai spouse or family members, you can apply for a family visa.
Spouse Visa: For those married to Thai nationals, this visa is the best option for long-term residency.

Thailand for special programs or expertise

Elite Visa: If you're looking for an exclusive long-term visa, the Thailand Elite Visa offers privileges like expedited immigration processing and multiple-year stays.
SMART Visa (S, T, I, E): If you are a talent, investor, executive, or entrepreneur, the Smart Visa allows for extended stays and work options in Thailand’s targeted industries.

Start your Thai trip the right way

From bustling cities to tranquil beaches, Thailand is ready to welcome you. With the right visa and a completed TDAC, you’re just steps away from exploring it all.

Need assistance with your visa or Thailand visa application? Global Law provides quick, dependable support to get you travel-ready without the hassle.

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