Visa Exemption vs Visa on Arrival (VOA)
Visa Exemption and Visa on Arrival (VOA) are not the same.
Visa Exemption allows eligible passport holders to enter Thailand without applying for a visa in advance and without paying a visa fee. Visa on Arrival (VOA) requires eligible travellers to apply for a short-term visa at the airport or border checkpoint upon arrival and pay a fee.
Always check your passport’s eligibility and permitted length of stay before travelling.
Key Differences
Permitted stay lengths vary by nationality and entry point.
What to Prepare (Both Options)
- Passport (recommended minimum 6 months validity)
- Onward or return ticket
- Accommodation details
- Proof of funds if requested (typically 10,000 THB per person)
- Complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) before arrival
Visa on Arrival - Additional Requirements
- Completed VOA application form
- One passport photo (4 x 6 cm, taken within 6 months)
- Visa fee (2,000 THB, cash recommended)
Want to Stay Longer?
If eligible, you may apply for a 30-day tourist extension at a local immigration office before your permitted stay expires.
Visa on Arrival extensions are more limited and not always guaranteed.
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