Thailand’s eVisa is the official online visa system at www.thaievisa.go.th, allowing travelers to apply for a Thai visa before arrival without visiting an embassy. In 2026, major policy changes make the eVisa essential for most nationalities. You must apply at least 14 days before travel and also complete the mandatory TDAC digital arrival card — two separate steps now required for Thailand entry.
What Is the Thailand eVisa?
The Thailand eVisa is an official electronic visa application system operated by Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA). Through the portal at www.thaievisa.go.th, eligible foreign nationals can apply for Thai visas online before travel — no in-person embassy visit required for the initial application.
The system allows applicants to submit their visa application, upload supporting documents, pay fees, and schedule a passport submission appointment — all digitally. The eVisa replaced the older process where travelers had to physically visit a Thai embassy or consulate to apply.
The Thailand eVisa covers multiple visa categories including:
- Type TR — Tourist Visa (60 days, extendable)
- Type B — Non-Immigrant Visa for Business
- Type O — Non-Immigrant Visa for Family/Retirement
- Type O-A — Long-Stay Retirement Visa
- Type ED — Non-Immigrant Visa for Education/Study
Both single-entry and multiple-entry options are available depending on visa type. The official portal is exclusively at www.thaievisa.go.th — any other website claiming to offer Thailand eVisa services is a third-party agent, not the official government system.
Thailand eVisa vs Visa on Arrival vs e-VOA
It’s important not to confuse the three main entry systems. The Thailand eVisa (thaievisa.go.th) allows stays of 30–90 days depending on visa type. The Visa on Arrival (VoA) was available at airports for 31 countries — but as of May 2026, it’s been reduced to only 4 countries. The e-VOA (evisa.govt.in.th) is a separate electronic Visa on Arrival program allowing 15-day stays for eligible nationals. When in doubt, apply through the official eVisa system.
Do You Need a Thailand eVisa in 2026? (Major Policy Update)
On May 19, 2026, Thailand’s Cabinet approved sweeping changes to the country’s visa exemption and Visa on Arrival schemes. These changes have a direct impact on millions of international travelers:
- ✅ 60-day visa exemption REVOKED for all 93 countries/territories that previously had it
- ✅ 30-day visa exemption REDUCED from 57 to 54 countries/territories
- ✅ New 15-day exemption introduced for 3 specific countries
- ✅ Visa on Arrival REDUCED from 31 to only 4 countries/territories
The changes take effect 15 days after official publication in the Royal Gazette. Travelers already in Thailand under previous exemption schemes may remain until their current permitted period expires. After the effective date, most nationalities must enter via Thailand’s official eVisa system.
What This Means for Your Nationality
| Situation | Old Rule (pre-2026) | New Rule (2026) | Action Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Had 60-day visa exemption | Free 60 days | Exemption revoked | Apply for eVisa |
| Had 30-day visa exemption | Free 30 days (57 countries) | 30 days (54 countries) | Check if still exempt |
| Had Visa on Arrival | VoA at airport (31 countries) | VoA only 4 countries | Apply for eVisa if removed |
| US citizens | 30-day exemption | Likely 30-day (verify) | Check official source |
| UK citizens | 30-day exemption | Verify current status | Check thaievisa.go.th |
| Indian nationals | Visa on Arrival | VoA may be removed | Apply for Thailand eVisa |
Important: Always verify your specific nationality’s current status at www.thaievisa.go.th or your nearest Royal Thai Embassy, as details depend on the final Royal Gazette announcement. For full details on the 2026 policy update, see our dedicated guide.
How to Apply for Thailand eVisa — Step by Step (10 Steps)
Applying for Thailand eVisa involves 10 steps at www.thaievisa.go.th. All forms must be completed in English. Prepare your documents as JPG files (maximum 200kb each) before starting. It’s recommended to apply at least 1 month before travel.
- Visit www.thaievisa.go.th — the official Thailand eVisa portal operated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
- Register an account — click “Sign Up” then “Sign Up for Individual” at the top right corner.
- Create your profile — fill in your name, date of birth, nationality, gender, contact number, and current address. All in English except your native name.
- Activate your account via email — check your inbox within 30 minutes. If not received, check spam/junk folder. You can request a resend from the login page.
- Log in and click “Apply for visa” — select your travel document issuing country and current residency location.
- Select visa type — choose purpose of visit (tourism, business, study, etc.) and number of entries (single/multiple). The system automatically shows the appropriate visa type.
- Complete the application form — enter personal information in English. You can save and return later. For other travelers, you can add up to 10 people per batch.
- Sign the declaration — print the declaration, sign it physically, scan it as JPG (max 200kb), and upload with other documents.
- Upload supporting documents — all files must be in JPG format, maximum 200kb each. See document checklist below.
- Schedule appointment and pay — select your embassy/consulate appointment date and time, pay the fee by credit/debit card, and receive confirmation by email. Attend your appointment to submit your passport.
For the complete official portal guide with screenshots, see our dedicated step-by-step article.
Thailand eVisa Requirements — Complete Document Checklist
The Thailand eVisa requirements include both universal documents (required for all visa types) and type-specific documents. All uploaded files must be in JPG format, maximum 200kb.
Universal Requirements (All Visa Types)
- ✅ Valid passport — minimum 6 months validity remaining
- ✅ Passport photo — JPG format, max 200kb, white background, recent (within 6 months)
- ✅ Signed declaration form — printed from the portal, signed by hand, scanned as JPG
- ✅ Proof of accommodation — hotel booking confirmation or Thai host’s address
- ✅ Return/onward ticket — confirmed airline booking showing departure from Thailand
- ✅ Proof of financial means — recent bank statement showing sufficient funds
Additional Requirements by Visa Type
| Visa Type | Additional Documents |
|---|---|
| Tourist (Type TR) | Bank statement with adequate funds, travel itinerary |
| Business (Type B) | Business registration, invitation letter from Thai company |
| Retirement (Type O-A) | Police clearance certificate, medical certificate, proof of insurance |
| Education (Type ED) | Enrollment confirmation from Thai institution |
| Family/Relative (Type O) | Proof of relationship, Thai relative’s documents |
For the full complete requirements guide including exact specifications, download samples, and country-specific requirements, see our dedicated page.
Thailand eVisa Fees — Cost Breakdown by Visa Type
The Thailand eVisa fees vary by visa type and number of entries. All fees are paid online by credit or debit card through the official portal. The fee must be paid to complete the application — it is not refundable if the visa is rejected.
| Visa Type | Purpose | Entries | Stay Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type TR (Tourist) | Tourism | Single or Multiple | 60 days |
| Type B (Business) | Business/Work | Single or Multiple | 90 days |
| Type O (Family) | Family/Retirement | Single or Multiple | 90 days |
| Type O-A (Retirement) | Long-stay retirement | Multiple | 1 year |
| Type ED (Education) | Study | Single | Per enrollment |
Important: Always use the official portal www.thaievisa.go.th for payment. Third-party websites and agents charge additional service fees on top of the government fee. For a detailed complete fee breakdown including current amounts in USD and THB, visit our dedicated cost guide.
Thailand eVisa Processing Time & Validity Explained
Understanding Thailand eVisa processing time is essential for planning your trip. There are three distinct time concepts travelers often confuse: processing time, visa validity, and permitted stay duration.
| Concept | Duration | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Processing time | 3–5 business days | Time from payment to approval decision |
| Application window | 14–90 days before travel | When you can submit your application |
| Visa validity | Typically 3 months from issue | Period in which you can use the visa to enter Thailand |
| Permitted stay | 60 days (Type TR tourist) | How long you can stay once you enter Thailand |
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs recommends applying 1 month before your intended travel date. The visa must be submitted online no more than 90 days and no later than 14 days before travel. Consular officers reserve the right to request additional documents or reject any application.
For the complete processing time guide including per-embassy timelines and what to do if your visa hasn’t arrived in time, see our dedicated page.
TDAC — Thailand’s Mandatory Digital Arrival Card (Required Since May 2025)
Since May 1, 2025, all visitors entering Thailand must complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) — a new online system that replaced the traditional TM.6 paper arrival card. TDAC is separate from and required in addition to your visa or visa exemption. Even if you have an approved Thailand eVisa, you still need to complete TDAC.
Complete TDAC at: www.tdac.immigration.go.th
TDAC must be submitted within 72 hours before your arrival in Thailand. Here’s how to complete it:
- Visit www.tdac.immigration.go.th and click “Arrival Card” or scan the QR code at the airport.
- Enter your passport information — either upload a photo of your passport or manually enter your details.
- Provide your travel itinerary: flight number, arrival date, and accommodation address in Thailand.
- If you’ve visited any high-risk disease areas in the past 14 days, complete the health declaration section.
TDAC is part of Thailand’s Smart Tourism initiative, integrating immigration, health, visa, and customs data. It supports multiple languages and takes approximately 5 minutes to complete. For the complete TDAC guide including common issues and solutions, see our dedicated article.
The Official Thailand eVisa Website — How to Identify and Avoid Scams
The only legitimate Thailand eVisa website is www.thaievisa.go.th, operated by Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Always verify you are on the official government domain before entering personal information or making payment.
How to identify the official site:
- ✅ Domain: thaievisa.go.th (Thai government domain — .go.th)
- ✅ Operated by: Ministry of Foreign Affairs Thailand
- ✅ No upfront “processing fee” to browse or start an application
Warning signs of unofficial sites:
- ❌ Domain is NOT .go.th (e.g., evisa-thailand.net, thaivisamfa.com)
- ❌ Charges high “service fees” or “processing fees” beyond official government fees
- ❌ Requests unnecessary personal data (credit card stored, unnecessary copies)
- ❌ No official Thai government branding or MFA logo
Third-party agents are legitimate businesses but charge extra for services you can do yourself for free on the official portal. If you choose to use an agent, verify they are authorized by the Royal Thai Embassy.
Frequently Asked Questions — Thailand eVisa 2026
Do US citizens need an eVisa for Thailand in 2026?
US citizens have historically enjoyed 30-day visa-free entry to Thailand. Following the May 19, 2026 Cabinet decision, Thailand revised its exemption schemes — most 30-day exemptions remain for countries that previously had them, but this should be verified. Check your current status at www.thaievisa.go.th or the Royal Thai Embassy before travel.
How long does Thailand eVisa take to process?
Standard Thailand eVisa processing takes 3 to 5 business days from the date of payment. The MFA recommends applying 1 month before travel. You can apply between 14 and 90 days before your intended travel date.
When should I fill the TDAC for Thailand?
The TDAC (Thailand Digital Arrival Card) must be completed at www.tdac.immigration.go.th within 72 hours before your arrival in Thailand. It takes about 5 minutes to complete and requires your passport details, flight information, and accommodation address.
Can I apply for Thailand eVisa for my whole family?
Yes — one account on www.thaievisa.go.th can process applications for up to 10 people in a single batch. You’ll need to indicate your relationship (family member, colleague, or friend) and provide separate documents for each applicant.
What is the difference between Thailand eVisa and e-VOA?
They are separate systems. The Thailand eVisa (thaievisa.go.th) covers multiple visa types and longer stays (60–90 days). The e-VOA (evisa.govt.in.th) is an electronic Visa on Arrival for eligible nationalities, limited to 15-day stays. In 2026, the e-VOA is only available to 4 countries following policy changes.
What happens if my Thailand eVisa application is rejected?
If your Thailand eVisa is rejected, the fee is not refunded. You may reapply after addressing the reason for rejection. Consular officers are not required to provide a reason for rejection. Common causes include incomplete documents, insufficient financial proof, or invalid travel history.
Can I extend my Thailand eVisa once I’m in Thailand?
You cannot extend the eVisa itself, but you can extend your permitted period of stay at a Thai Immigration office inside Thailand. Tourist visa extensions are typically 30 additional days at a cost of 1,900 THB. You must apply before your current permission expires.
What is the official Thailand eVisa website?
The official Thailand eVisa website is www.thaievisa.go.th, operated by Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Any other site offering Thailand eVisa services is a third-party agent, not the official government portal. Always use the .go.th domain for authentic government services.
How much does the Thailand tourist eVisa cost?
The Thailand tourist eVisa (Type TR) fee is paid online via credit or debit card at the official portal. Fees vary by visa type and number of entries. Always use www.thaievisa.go.th for the official fee schedule. See our complete fee guide for current prices and payment methods.
Do I need both a Thailand eVisa and a TDAC?
Yes — if you require a visa to enter Thailand, you need both an approved Thailand eVisa (from thaievisa.go.th) AND a completed TDAC digital arrival card (from tdac.immigration.go.th). Even travelers entering with visa exemptions must complete the TDAC. Both are mandatory for Thailand entry as of 2026.
