Visa & Entry Requirements by Country in Bangkok, Thailand

1. Thailand Tourist Visa

A Thailand Tourist Visa allows travelers to stay in Bangkok for leisure. This visa is typically valid for 60 days and can often be extended. It is perfect for those planning a more extended vacation.

Entry Duration: It allows a stay of up to 60 days.
Extension Possibility: Visitors can extend their stay for an additional 30 days.
Purpose: It's best suited for holiday or recreational activities.

2. Visa Exemption Rule

Many countries' citizens can visit Bangkok without a visa for up to 30 days. This is a convenient option for short trips enabling hassle-free travel. It eliminates the need for pre-arrival paperwork.

Duration of Stay: Valid for up to 30 days.
Eligible Countries: Includes the USA, UK, Australia, and many European nations.
Multiple Entries: Apply for an entry permit if visiting multiple times within a six-month period.

3. Visa on Arrival

Eligible travelers from specific countries can obtain a visa on arrival. This visa grants a stay of up to 15 days, suitable for short visits. Ideal for impromptu trips without prior planning.

Duration: Offers a short 15-day stay.
Eligibility: Mostly for select Asian and Middle Eastern countries.
Application: Requires supporting documents, such as onward travel tickets.

4. Thai eVisa

The eVisa is a convenient option for electronically applying before travel. It can save time compared to applying at an embassy. Particularly useful for business travelers or those needing quick entry.

Easy Application: Apply from the comfort of your home.
Processing Time: Generally faster than regular visas.
Required Technology: Internet access for submission and tracking.

5. Retirement Visa (O-A)

Designed for seniors over 50 years old to enjoy a long-term stay. It allows retirees to enjoy lifestyle comforts in Bangkok. This visa greatly aids those with no intention of returning home soon.

Entry Period: Valid for a 1-year stay, renewable annually.
Financial Proof: Requires evidence of sufficient funds.
Age Requirement: Must be over 50 years old.

6. Non-Immigrant Visa

Suitable for work, education, or family residence. It permits a longer stay for those with official ties to Bangkok. Ideal for those attending educational courses or business conferences.

Multiple Categories: Covers work, study, or family visits.
Stay Length: Generally allows a 90-day stay, extendable.
Documentation: Requires proof of purpose like a business invitation.

7. Education Visa

This visa supports students pursuing long-term education in Bangkok. Perfect for those attending universities or language schools. Allows a deep cultural immersion through educational pursuits.

Duration: Valid up to 1 year, often renewable.
Course Enrolment: Proof of study admission is mandatory.
Documentation: Requires submission of course and accommodation details.

8. Work Permit & Visa

Facilitates legal employment in Bangkok. Ensures smooth residency for professionals contributing to the Thai economy. Critical for expatriates aiming for career advancement.

Validity: Generally issued for 1 year.
Employer Sponsorship: Requires a job offer from a Thai company.
Government Approval: Involves several administrative steps.

9. Digital Nomad Visa

Caters to remote workers wishing to explore Bangkok while working. Promotes a flexible work-life balance in a vibrant city. Particularly advantageous for freelancers.

Duration: Usually short-term, with possibilities for extension.
Work Nature: Suitable for remote or freelance work.
Country-Specific: Still in pilot phase; may have limited availability.

10. Spousal Visa

Enables spouses of Thai citizens to stay and live in Bangkok. Supports family unity and residency without frequent renewals. Gives peace of mind to foreign partners through residency stability.

Duration: Typically 1-year validity, renewable.
Relationship Proof: Marriage certificate documentation required.
Financial Requirements: May need proof of income for visa eligibility.

11. Dependent Visa

Intended for dependents of a primary visa holder residing in Bangkok. Permits children and family members to join their breadwinner. Facilitates family life transition into a new cultural environment.

Eligibility: Open for children and relatives of a primary visa holder.
Duration: Mirrors the validity of the main application.
Documentation: Requires evidence of family ties.

12. Permanent Residency

This non-visa grant allows indefinate residency within Bangkok. Often pursued by those planning to stay in Thailand for the long haul. It eventually opens a pathway to Thai citizenship.

Eligibility: Various categories, including employment and family ties.
Application: Requires an extensive evaluation.
Residency Proof: Must show substantial ties to Thailand.

13. Humanitarian Visa

Special consideration is given for humanitarian concerns like natural disasters. It offers refuge in Bangkok for individuals affected by emergencies. Facilitates short-term relief and safety.

Purpose: Primarily for those affected by crises.
Duration: Temporary until safe return possible.
Supporting Agencies: Usually processed through specific channels like embassies.

14. Re-entry Permit

Required for those with valid visas wishing to exit and return to Bangkok. Ensures validity without cancellation upon leaving. Protects against visa forfeiture.

Need Case: Mandatory for medium to long-stay visa holders.
Single or Multiple: Choose based on trip frequency.
Expiry: Only applicable during the original visa's validity.

15. SMART Visa

Aimed at professionals in technology, engineering, and innovation sectors. Supports moving to Bangkok for career opportunities that benefit the local economy. Facilitates ease of living for highly skilled workers.

Eligibility: Professionals in sectors like tech and engineering.
Validity: Initially issued for up to 4 years.
Qualification: Requires meeting strict criteria for skills verification.

16. Business Visa (Non-B)

Meant for business participants including meetings, investments, and networking in Bangkok. Allows active engagement in professional pursuits. Expands business horizons through active participation.

Visa Purpose: Primarily for professional meetings and conferences.
Single or Multiple: Both entry options available.
Processing Time: Typically requires a longer timeline for setup.

17. Volunteer Visa

Facilitates volunteers looking to support community projects in Bangkok. Encourages global collaboration in social work. Offers a meaningful experiential stay, improving regional welfare.

Visa Validity: Covers the length of volunteer services.
Sponsorship: Requires affiliation with a registered NGO.
Application Essentials: Proof of volunteering and residency.

18. Religious Visa

Supports religious officials planning to practice or preach in Bangkok. Upheld by individuals linked to religious institutions. Offers integration possibilities into the local religious community.

Eligible Applicants: Religious figures and missionaries.
Duration: Usually long-term, based on mission length.
Approval: Requires affiliation with recognized agencies.

19. Scientific Research Visa

Designed for researchers or scientists undertaking studies in Bangkok. Supports academic growth and international exchange of knowledge. Enables valuable contributions to global scientific research.

Entry Duration: Matches the research project's timeframe.
Sponsorship: Often requires institutional backing.
Research Parameters: Explicit details of the project needed.

20. Transit Visa

Useful for individuals transiting through Bangkok en route to another destination. Grants temporary passage, simplifying logistics for long-haul travelers. Suitable for layovers when continuing journeys beyond Thailand.

Validity: Limited to short stays for flight connections.
Restrictions: No exit from airport beyond certain hours.
Suitable Airports: Issued typically at main entry points like Suvarnabhumi Airport.
These different visa types cater to various travel intentions and durations, ensuring a match for practically any traveller's needs in Bangkok. Always double-check the latest requirements and visa policies as they may have updates based on current laws or travel advisories.