What are the available Thailand Visas for Foreigners?
Depending on the type of visa that you would like to acquire, there are various Thailand visas that you can choose from. You can get a Thailand visa to get into the country as a tourist, a businessman, or even a retiree. You can also get a Thailand visa to get into the elite society, or even to get married to someone from Thailand.
Thai Tourist Visa
Obtaining a Thai Tourist Visa is an important step before traveling to Thailand. You will need to provide all necessary documents and you will need to pass an interview with a Thai Immigration Officer. You will also need to have proof of accommodation and a valid passport.
You can apply for a tourist visa from a Thai consulate in your home country or you can apply for a visa from the Thai Embassy abroad. In most cases, a visa application takes 5-10 business days to process.
Thai Tourist Visas are available to foreigners of all nationalities. You will be asked about your background and religion and you will be recorded introducing yourself in Thai. You will also need to pass a Pro-ATK test and a vaccination test. If you fail the vaccination test, you will not be allowed to enter Thailand.
Thai Marriage Visa
Getting a Thai marriage visa is not a difficult process. If you are legally married to a Thai national, you can apply for a long-term visa to stay in Thailand.
Firstly, you need to provide the following documents which need to be copied and signed with a blue pen.
- Copy of your passport
- Copy of your Thai marriage certificate
- Copy of your Thai wife’s ID card
- Copy of your Thai wife’s house papers
- Copy of your Thai child’s birth certificate
- Copy of a map of your house/apartment
- Copy of photos of you and your Thai wife together
You will need to submit those documents to the Thai embassy. The photo will help in verifying that you are indeed married. This process normally takes 3-4 weeks to complete
Thai Retirement Visa
Getting a Thai Retirement Visa is a fairly simple process. The requirements are relatively simple and require only a few bureaucratic steps. Applicants must be at least 50 years old and have a valid passport. They must also show that they have sufficient funds to meet their needs while staying in Thailand.
The simplest way to prove you have enough money in Thailand is to open a bank account. You will need to be a resident of Thailand for a minimum of six months prior to applying for your visa. You will need a letter from your bank stating the funds you have in your account at the time of application. This can be obtained for a few hundred baht at a bank branch.
Thai Business Visa
Those who intend to engage in labor activity in Thailand need a work permit. The type of visa you need depends on your circumstances. The Non-Immigrant "B" Visa is the most common. Applicants must also secure a valid passport. The Thai embassy or consulate overseas can issue the visa. Applicants may also apply for a "SMART" Startup Visa (S). The SMART Visa is a special type of startup visa for entrepreneurs who want to set up a business in Thailand. The visa comes with benefits, including a four-year stay.
To apply for a Thai business visa, you need to fill out an application form. You can download the form from the Thai embassy's website or apply in person. You may also have to provide additional documents.
Thailand Elite Visa
Designed to attract more visitors, the Thailand Elite Visa Program offers a long-term visa for 5 years, 10 years, or 20 years. Participants in the program receive exclusive VIP services and perks.
The program is designed to attract businesspeople, families, retirees, and digital nomads. In addition to allowing members to stay in Thailand for up to one year, the program provides a wide range of VIP services and extravagance at hotels, restaurants, and golf courses.
Members of the program are provided with an airport shuttle, limousine, and airport check-in. They can also access VIP services at golf courses, spas, and other exclusive venues. They are also given a tax identification number when they earn income from Thailand.
Thailand Elite Visa is offered by a group of accredited agents who work with the Thailand Elite Office and the Immigration Bureau.