Visa on Arrival (VOA) 2026 – 60-Day Tourist Visa Applied at Thai Airports

Who This Visa Is For

The Visa on Arrival is designed for tourists and short-stay visitors who do not hold a passport eligible for Thailand's visa-exempt entry. It allows entry into Thailand at the airport without visiting an embassy or consulate beforehand. The visa is single-entry and cannot be used for employment or long-term settlement.

The VOA is most practical for citizens of countries without Thai visa exemption agreements and those who decide to extend their stay after arriving in Thailand rather than planning a longer visa in advance.

Official Classification

The Visa on Arrival is a tourist category visa issued by the Royal Thai Immigration Bureau. It is issued at the airport by immigration officials upon application and payment. The VOA is classified as a separate visa category from the standard Tourist Visa obtained at embassies before arrival.

Validity and Extensions

The VOA grants a single-entry permit valid for 60 days from the date of entry. If the holder wishes to remain in Thailand beyond that period, a single in-country extension of 30 days can be applied for at a Thai Immigration office. The maximum total stay is therefore 90 days on a single VOA entry.

The VOA cannot be extended beyond this 30-day extension limit, and it is single-entry only. After the 90-day period ends, the holder must either depart Thailand or apply for a different visa type.

Financial Requirements

When applying for the VOA at the airport, applicants must demonstrate proof of financial sufficiency. The standard requirement is 10,000 Thai baht for individuals or 20,000 Thai baht for tourists traveling with family. This proof can be shown as cash, traveler's checks, or a valid credit card.

For extension applications at Immigration, proof of funds of similar amounts (10,000–20,000 THB) is typically required.

Required Documents

For VOA application at the airport:

• Valid passport with at least 6 months remaining validity
• Completed TM.8 form (Visa on Arrival application form, provided at the counter)
• One 4x6 cm passport-sized photograph
• Proof of funds (10,000–20,000 THB in cash, traveler's checks, or credit card)
• Return ticket or proof of onward travel

For extension at Immigration:

• Passport with valid VOA stamp
• TM.7 form (Application for Extension of Permitted Stay)
• One 4x6 cm passport-sized photograph
• Proof of funds
• Extension fee (1,900 THB)

Application Process

Obtaining the VOA at the Airport

1. Arrive at a Thai airport with a VOA counter. Major international airports (Bangkok Suvarnabhumi, Bangkok Don Mueang, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Samui) offer this service.
2. Locate the Visa on Arrival counter in the airport immigration area.
3. Complete the TM.8 form (available at the counter).
4. Prepare your passport, one photograph, and proof of funds.
5. Submit your documents to the VOA counter officer.
6. Pay the VOA fee (2,000 THB, approximately 60 USD).
7. Proceed to the regular immigration counter and have your passport stamped with the VOA entry permit.

Processing time at the VOA counter is typically 30–60 minutes. Queues can be long during peak arrival times. Plan accordingly if arriving on a busy flight.

Extending the VOA at Immigration

1. Visit your nearest Thai Immigration office (e.g., Chiang Mai Immigration Mae Rim Office) within 7 days of arrival or at any time before your 60-day period ends.
2. Apply at least 2 weeks before your permitted stay expires to allow processing time.
3. Bring your passport, TM.7 form, one photograph, proof of funds, and 1,900 THB fee.
4. Submit your application at the counter.
5. Pay the extension fee (1,900 THB).
6. Receive a receipt with a return date (usually the next business day).
7. Return to collect your passport with the extension stamp.

Chiang Mai Application Notes

Chiang Mai International Airport has a Visa on Arrival counter for applicants arriving at that airport. Processing occurs immediately upon arrival, though queues can be substantial during peak times.

For extensions, Chiang Mai Immigration (Mae Rim Office, located north of the city) handles VOA extension applications. The office opens at 8:30 AM and processes applications quickly. Morning submissions are typically completed by the next business day. Immigration staff speak Thai and limited English; bringing a translation app or Thai-speaking companion is helpful.

For immigration compliance and registration during your stay, see the immigration compliance guide and Chiang Mai immigration guide.

Ongoing Compliance Requirements

TM30 Registration

All foreign visitors, including VOA holders, must be registered with immigration within 24 hours of arrival. Your accommodation provider (hotel, guesthouse, or landlord) must file a TM30 form. See the TM30 registration guide for complete details.

90-Day Reporting

Most tourists on a VOA (even with extension, totaling 90 days) do not require 90-day reporting. If your stay extends beyond 90 days from initial entry, or if immigration assigns you a reporting requirement, you must report every 90 days. Confirm your situation with your local Immigration office.

Re-Entry Permits

If you intend to depart Thailand during your VOA validity period and then return, you must obtain a re-entry permit before leaving. Without it, your permission to stay is automatically revoked upon departure. The permit costs 1,000 THB (single entry) or 3,800 THB (multiple entries) and is obtained at Immigration. See the re-entry permit guide for details.

2026 Visa-Exempt Quota Note

The VOA does not count toward the 2026 visa-exempt entry limit of 2 per calendar year. The VOA is governed by its own separate single-entry rule. You can use a VOA and 2 visa-exempt entries in the same calendar year if your travel plans require multiple entries.

Common Reasons for Rejection

• Passport with less than 6 months validity remaining
• Criminal history or subject to Thai immigration bans
• Unable to demonstrate proof of funds
• Missing or incomplete documentation (photographs, forms)
• Nationality not eligible for VOA (check with immigration officer or Thai embassy)
• Previous overstay in Thailand or outstanding immigration fines
• Questionable intentions regarding purpose of stay

Fees

Alternatives

For tourists seeking different visa options, consider the Visa-Exempt Entry (free, 60 days, 2 per year limit), the Tourist Visa (applied at embassy, 2,000 THB), or the DTV Visa for longer stays of 6+ months. Each has different eligibility and cost structures.