Visa Rules Change Frequently
Quick Answer
What is the Thailand Tourist Visa (TR)?
Pre-applied visa granting 60 days on arrival, extendable to 90 days at immigration.
The Thailand Tourist Visa (officially coded TR) is the go-to option for travellers from countries that do not qualify for visa exemption, or for anyone who wants a guaranteed 60-day stay without worrying about border officers' discretion. You apply at a Thai embassy or consulate in your home country before departure and arrive with a visa sticker already in your passport.
Single-entry tourist visas cost around ฿1,000–฿2,000 equivalent at most posts and grant 60 days from the date of first entry. Once in Thailand you can visit your local immigration office and extend for a further 30 days, giving a total of 90 days on one visa cycle. Multiple-entry tourist visas (METV) are also available and allow repeated 60-day stays within a six-month window — useful for people making short trips to neighbouring countries.
Required Documents
| Document | Required |
|---|---|
| Valid passport (6+ months validity) | |
| Completed visa application form | |
| Recent passport photo (4×6 cm, white background) | |
| Proof of onward/return travel | |
| Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or invitation letter) | |
| Proof of sufficient funds (฿20,000+ per person) | |
| Travel insurance (some embassies require) | Optional |
Fees
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Single-entry TR visa | ~$40 USD |
| Multiple-entry TR visa (METV) | ~$200 USD |
| Extension at immigration (30 days) | ฿1,900 |
Step-by-Step Process
Find your nearest Thai embassy or consulate
Visit the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs website to find the embassy with jurisdiction over your country of residence. You must apply through the embassy that covers your area.
Download and complete the application form
Thai embassies use their own application forms. Download the correct form from the embassy website, fill it in neatly, and sign it. Do not leave any section blank.
Gather supporting documents
Assemble your passport, photos, flight itinerary, hotel bookings, bank statements, and any other documents listed on the specific embassy's requirements page. Requirements vary slightly between posts.
Submit your application
Either visit the embassy in person or mail your documents (passport included) according to the embassy's postal application instructions. Pay the visa fee.
Receive your visa
Once approved, the embassy will stamp a TR visa sticker into your passport. Check all details — name, date of birth, number of entries — are correct before leaving the counter.
Extend at immigration (optional)
If you want to stay beyond 60 days, visit any provincial immigration office before your permission-to-stay date expires. Bring your passport, a completed TM.7 form, one 4×6 cm photo, and ฿1,900. You will be issued a 30-day extension stamp.
Expert Tips
- Apply for a multiple-entry tourist visa (METV) if you plan to visit neighbouring countries during your trip — it saves time and money on repeated applications.
- Keep photocopies of your visa page and TM.6 departure card (if applicable) stored separately from your passport.
- Online check-in with airlines sometimes requires your visa details; have the number and expiry date handy.
- Some embassies have stricter financial-proof requirements than others — check the specific requirements for your embassy before applying.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Applying too late — some embassies have processing times of a week or more, especially during Thai public holidays.
- Booking non-refundable flights before the visa is approved — always use refundable or changeable tickets until the visa is in hand.
- Assuming the extension will be approved automatically — immigration officers have discretion and can refuse extensions.
Important Warnings
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Visa Guides
Thailand Visa Exemption
Free entry for 93+ nationalities — 30 or 60 days with no pre-application required.
Thailand e-Visa
Apply online for a Tourist Visa without visiting an embassy — available in 26+ countries.
Thailand Visa Extension Guide
How to extend any Thailand visa or stamp at immigration — step-by-step process and tips.
Thailand Re-Entry Permit Guide
Leaving Thailand temporarily? Protect your visa extension with a re-entry permit.
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Visa & Legal Specialist · Phuket · 15+ years in Thailand
Tom is a former immigration consultant who has helped over 2,000 foreigners navigate Thailand's visa system. Based in Phuket since 2011, he maintains direct relationships with Thai immigration offices and stays current on policy changes. He writes ThailandKnowledge's visa guides, nationality-specific entry requirements, and long-stay documentation guides.
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