Thailand Visa on Arrival (VOA)
Thailand Visa on Arrival explained: who can use VOA, cost (2,000 THB), stay length (up to 15 days), what to prepare at the airport, and when a tourist visa or visa exemption is better.
Last updated: 22 Feb 2026.
Thailand’s Visa on Arrival (VOA) is a short‑stay option for travelers from specific countries who are visiting Thailand mainly for tourism.
If your passport qualifies for the 60‑day visa exemption (visa‑free), that’s usually easier:
VOA at a glance
- Stay: not exceeding 15 days (single stay)
- Entry: single entry
- Fee: commonly 2,000 THB (paid at the border/airport)
Requirements and payment methods can vary by entry point. Always confirm with official Thai sources if your trip is time-sensitive.
Who can use Visa on Arrival?
VOA eligibility is based on your passport nationality and can be updated.
Some official Thai embassy/consulate sources publish a list of 31 countries/territories eligible for VOA under the updated measures.
Because eligibility lists change, we recommend:
- Verify via an official Thai embassy/consulate source (see “Official sources” below), and
- If your passport is also in the 60‑day visa exemption list, consider visa exemption instead (it’s longer and simpler).
What to prepare (VOA checklist)
Travelers commonly need:
Documents
- Passport (in good condition)
- A recent passport-style photo (some airports have photo booths)
- Proof of accommodation (first-night address / booking)
- Proof of onward travel (ticket leaving Thailand within your permitted stay)
- Evidence of sufficient funds (sometimes requested)
Arrival admin
- TDAC confirmation (digital arrival card) → TDAC guide
Practical tip
- Carry printed copies or offline screenshots — airport Wi‑Fi can be slow.
How VOA works on arrival (typical flow)
1) Follow signs to the Visa on Arrival area
2) Fill forms (or present your completed forms if you prepared them)
3) Submit passport + documents + photo
4) Pay the fee
5) Receive your visa/stamp → proceed through immigration
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Time planning:
- In peak season, VOA lines can be long. Budget extra time.
When VOA is a good idea (and when it isn’t)
VOA makes sense if:
- Your trip is ≤ 15 days
- You are arriving at a major airport with a dedicated VOA process
Consider a tourist visa instead if:
- You want to stay longer than 15 days
- You want more certainty before traveling
- You want to avoid airport VOA queues
See:
Official sources (recommended)
- MFA overview of Thailand’s newer visa measures: https://www.mfa.go.th/en/content/thailandnewvisa-en
- Royal Thai Consulate-General (Los Angeles) summary including VOA expansion: https://thaiconsulatela.thaiembassy.org/en/content/thailand-s-new-visa-measures-now-effective
AFFILIATE SLOT (future): Travel insurance banner — placed near “What to prepare”.
Return to hub: Entry & Visas