Check whether a visa exemption fits a short tourist stay before applying. Visa validity is the time you can use it to enter. The permitted length of stay is determined when you enter.
Holidays and touring
Tourist Visa (TR)
A TR visa suits a holiday or a longer stay for tourism. If you plan to visit a neighbouring country and return to Thailand, work out how many times you will enter Thailand before choosing an option.
Length of stay and options
Single Entry: one entry, with three months of visa validity. Multiple Entry (METV): several entries, with six months of validity. Your permitted length of stay is determined on arrival.
What to prepare
The portal lists a passport, recent photograph, evidence of your current location, travel booking, proof of accommodation and financial evidence of at least THB 20,000. The responsible embassy may ask for further documents depending on your option.
Workcation and eligible activities
Destination Thailand Visa (DTV)
DTV can suit remote employees of overseas companies and freelancers. Eligible activities such as Muay Thai or a Thai cooking course offer another route. Choose the reason you can support with your documents.
Length of stay and options
Valid for five years, with multiple entries and stays of up to 180 days per entry. DTV routes cover workcation, eligible activities and spouses or children under 20 of DTV holders.
What to prepare
Financial evidence: at least THB 500,000 or the equivalent. The portal lists bank statements from the last three months and gives sponsorship as a possible alternative. You also need proof of permanent residence, a criminal record clearance certificate and evidence of your reason for applying, such as an employment contract, activity confirmation or marriage or birth certificate.
Study, education and training
Education Visa (Non-Immigrant ED)
ED can suit a documented study or training stay, such as a degree programme or recognised training. Ask the institution which letters and supporting documents it can provide.
Length of stay and options
The portal distinguishes school, university, language courses, Muay Thai training, certain internships and exchange programmes, among other options. The correct category and stay conditions depend on your programme.
What to prepare
Alongside your passport, photo and proof of current location, prepare confirmation from your institution. For university study, the portal also lists financial evidence covering tuition and living costs and a signed letter confirming enrolment.
A first or shorter retirement stay
Retirement Visa (Non-Immigrant O)
The retirement route under Non-Immigrant O can suit eligible applicants aged 50 or over who plan a limited stay in Thailand.
Length of stay and options
Age 50 or over, with a stay of up to 90 days. This category can suit a shorter retirement stay.
What to prepare
The portal lists monthly income of at least THB 65,000 or a balance of at least THB 800,000, or the equivalent. It also lists the identity and location evidence for the application.
Up to one year
Long-stay Retirement Visa (O-A)
O-A is intended for a longer stay without employment. It may suit eligible applicants aged 50 or over who want to spend up to one year in Thailand.
Length of stay and options
Age 50 or over, with a stay of up to one year. This category is intended for retirement without employment.
What to prepare
The portal lists monthly income of THB 65,000 or a balance of THB 800,000, or the equivalent. It also requires health insurance evidence, a medical certificate and a criminal record clearance certificate.
Up to ten years in two periods
Long-stay Retirement Visa (O-X)
O-X is for eligible applicants aged 50 or over who hold a passport from a qualifying country. Germany, Switzerland and the United Kingdom are on the official list. Residence in a qualifying country alone is insufficient.
Length of stay and options
Age 50 or over, for five years with the possibility of another five. This category is available to selected nationalities.
What to prepare
The portal lists a fixed deposit at a bank in Thailand of at least THB 3,000,000, or at least THB 1,800,000 together with an annual income of at least THB 1,200,000. Health insurance and criminal record clearance are among the other requirements.
Other categories in the official e‑Visa portal
- Transit
- For transit, certain sports activities or crew members.
- Work and business
- For employment, business visits or certain investment activities.
- Staying with family
- For eligible stays with family members in Thailand.
- Medical treatment
- For treatment in Thailand, depending on duration and eligibility.
- Media and film
- For journalism and film production.
- Religious activities
- For certain religious activities.
- Research and science
- For eligible research and scientific visits.
- SMART Visa
- For selected specialists, investors, executives and startups.
- Long-Term Resident Visa (LTR)
- For eligible groups seeking to live or work in Thailand long term.
- Thailand Privilege
- A stay option under the Thailand Privilege membership programme.
- Diplomatic, official and courtesy visas
- For eligible official occasions, missions or special invitations.
- Other visas
- Other special cases listed by purpose in the e‑Visa portal.
These additional categories are listed for guidance. Check the official Thai e‑Visa portal for current eligibility rules and visa exemptions.