Thailand's Visa on Arrival (VOA) program allows citizens of eligible countries to obtain a short-stay visa directly at the port of entry — whether that is an international airport or a designated land border checkpoint. The VOA is designed for travelers who do not qualify for Thailand's visa exemption scheme and need a quick, simple way to enter the country for a brief visit.
The VOA grants a 15-day stay (not 15 nights — the day of arrival counts as day one), making it suitable for short holidays, transit stays, or brief business visits. It is not ideal for extended travel; for longer stays, consider the Tourist Visa (TR) or visa exemption if your nationality qualifies.
Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Visa Type | Visa on Arrival (VOA) |
| Stay Duration | 15 days |
| Extension | 15-day extension available at Thai Immigration |
| Cost | 2,000 THB (cash only at the counter) |
| Eligible Nationalities | ~19 countries (see list below) |
| Application | At the airport/border upon arrival |
| Work Permitted | No |
| Entry Points | Designated international airports and land borders |
Who Is Eligible for Visa on Arrival?
The Visa on Arrival is available to passport holders from countries that do not qualify for visa-free entry but have been granted VOA privileges by the Thai government. The list is periodically updated.
Eligible Countries (2026)
As of 2026, the following nationalities are eligible for Thailand's Visa on Arrival. Always verify the current list before traveling, as countries are occasionally added or removed.
- Bhutan
- Bulgaria
- China
- Cyprus
- Ethiopia
- Fiji
- Georgia
- India
- Kazakhstan
- Malta
- Mexico
- Nauru
- Papua New Guinea
- Romania
- Saudi Arabia
- Taiwan
- Uzbekistan
- Vanuatu
Important note: Several countries on this list have been granted visa exemption status in recent years (including China, India, Taiwan, and others). If your country has been moved to the visa-exempt list, you do not need to use the VOA process — you can enter under the visa exemption instead. Always check the latest Thai government announcements.
Required Documents
Have the following ready before you arrive at the VOA counter. Incomplete documentation can result in denial of entry.
- Valid Passport — At least 6 months validity remaining, with at least 1 blank page for the visa sticker and entry stamp (see passport requirements)
- Completed VOA Application Form (TM.88) — Available at the VOA counter or downloadable in advance from the Thai Immigration website. Filling it out before arrival saves significant time.
- Recent Passport Photo — 4x6 cm, taken within 6 months (see photo requirements). Bring one photo; some checkpoints may have photo booths available, but do not rely on this.
- Confirmed Return/Onward Ticket — Showing departure from Thailand within 15 days of arrival. This is strictly checked.
- Proof of Accommodation — Hotel booking, hostel reservation, or address where you will stay in Thailand
- Proof of Sufficient Funds — You must be able to show at least 10,000 THB per person or 20,000 THB per family in cash or equivalent. Immigration officers may conduct random cash checks.
- Visa Fee — 2,000 THB in cash. Credit cards, foreign currency, and other payment methods are generally not accepted at the VOA counter. Bring exact change in Thai baht.
The VOA Process: Step by Step
Before Your Flight
Step 1: Confirm your eligibility. Verify that your nationality is on the current VOA-eligible list and has not been upgraded to visa-exempt status.
Step 2: Pre-fill the application form. Download and print the TM.88 form from the Thai Immigration website. Filling it out at home saves 10–15 minutes at the airport.
Step 3: Prepare all documents. Organize your passport, photo, return ticket printout, hotel booking, and cash in an easily accessible folder or envelope.
Step 4: Get Thai baht. Ensure you have at least 2,000 THB for the visa fee plus 10,000 THB for the funds check, for a total of at least 12,000 THB in cash. You can exchange money at your departure airport.
At the Airport
Step 5: Follow signs to "Visa on Arrival." After your plane lands and before you reach the main immigration counters, look for signs directing you to the VOA area. Every major Thai international airport has a dedicated VOA section.
Step 6: Submit your documents. Hand over your completed TM.88 form, passport, photo, return ticket, and accommodation proof to the VOA officer.
Step 7: Pay the fee. Pay 2,000 THB in cash. You will receive a receipt.
Step 8: Wait for processing. Processing time varies depending on queues:
- Quiet periods: 15–30 minutes
- Peak hours (multiple international flights arriving): 1–3 hours
Step 9: Receive your visa and entry stamp. The VOA sticker will be placed in your passport, along with an entry stamp showing your permitted stay (15 days from arrival). Verify the dates are correct before leaving the counter.
Step 10: Proceed to baggage claim. You are now officially in Thailand.
At Land Borders
The process at land borders is identical in principle but facilities may be more basic. Land border VOA counters may have shorter queues but less infrastructure (no photo booths, limited change-making ability). Arrive with everything prepared.
Designated Entry Points
VOA is not available at every border crossing. It is available at:
International Airports
- Suvarnabhumi Airport (Bangkok)
- Don Mueang Airport (Bangkok)
- Chiang Mai International Airport
- Phuket International Airport
- Hat Yai International Airport
- Krabi International Airport
- Samui International Airport
- U-Tapao International Airport (Pattaya)
Land Border Checkpoints
Select land border checkpoints also offer VOA. These include major crossings with Malaysia, Laos, Cambodia, and Myanmar. Confirm with the specific checkpoint before traveling, as not all crossings have VOA facilities.
Extending Your VOA Stay
You can extend your 15-day VOA stay by an additional 15 days at a Thai Immigration office, giving you a maximum of 30 days in Thailand.
Extension Process
- Visit a Thai Immigration office before your 15-day stay expires
- Bring:
- Passport with VOA sticker and entry stamp
- Completed TM.7 extension application form
- 4x6 cm passport photo
- Photocopies of passport bio page and VOA/entry stamp pages
- 1,900 THB extension fee
- Extensions are typically processed the same day
Important Timing
Your 15-day stay includes the day of arrival. If you arrive on March 1, your stay expires on March 15 (at midnight). You must apply for an extension before March 15 — not on March 16.
Cost Breakdown
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival | 2,000 THB (~$58 USD) |
| 15-Day Extension | 1,900 THB (~$55 USD) |
| Photos at airport booth | 100–200 THB |
| Total (VOA + extension) | 3,900 THB (~$113 USD) |
Fee Waivers
Thailand has occasionally offered temporary VOA fee waivers (reducing the fee to 0 THB) as a tourism promotion measure, particularly after periods of reduced tourism. Check current Thai government announcements to see if a fee waiver is in effect during your travel dates.
Tips to Minimize Wait Times
The VOA queue can be one of the most frustrating parts of arriving in Thailand. Here is how to minimize your wait:
-
Arrive on off-peak flights. Early morning and midday arrivals tend to have shorter VOA queues than evening flights when multiple international flights arrive simultaneously.
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Pre-fill the TM.88 form. This alone can save you significant time. Have it completed, with your photo attached, before you join the queue.
-
Have exact change. Fumbling with large bills or asking for change slows down the process for everyone.
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Organize documents in order. Place your passport (open to the bio page), form, photo, return ticket, and hotel booking in a neat stack. The faster the officer can process you, the shorter the queue moves.
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Consider applying for a visa in advance. If you know you are traveling to Thailand well ahead of time, applying for a Tourist Visa (TR) at a consulate eliminates the VOA queue entirely and gives you a longer 60-day stay.
-
Use the Fast Track service (if available). Some airports offer paid fast-track immigration services that may include expedited VOA processing. Check with the airport in advance.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. No return ticket. A confirmed departure ticket within 15 days is mandatory. Without it, you may be denied the VOA and put on a return flight. Book a ticket before arriving.
2. Insufficient cash. The 10,000 THB proof of funds is checked randomly but enforced strictly when it is. Do not arrive with only enough for the visa fee.
3. Wrong photo specifications. Bring a proper 4x6 cm passport photo. Phone selfies and informal photos will not be accepted. Airport photo booths may be available but are not guaranteed.
4. No Thai baht for the fee. The VOA counter accepts Thai baht cash only. Exchange money before you fly or at a currency exchange in the arrivals hall before joining the VOA queue (if available before the VOA area).
5. Arriving at a non-VOA checkpoint. Not all land borders offer VOA. If you arrive at a small border crossing without VOA facilities, you will be turned away. Verify in advance.
6. Confusing VOA with visa exemption. If your country qualifies for visa exemption, you do not need to queue at the VOA counter — proceed directly to the regular immigration lines. The VOA counter is only for VOA-eligible nationalities.
7. Overstaying. The 15-day VOA stay is strictly enforced. Overstaying results in a 500 THB/day fine, potential detention, and entry bans for future visits.
VOA vs. Other Entry Options
| Feature | Visa on Arrival | Visa Exemption | Tourist Visa (TR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-Application | None | None | Required |
| Stay Duration | 15 days | 30–60 days | 60 days |
| Extension | +15 days | +30 days | +30 days |
| Cost | 2,000 THB | Free | 1,000 THB+ |
| Queue at Airport | VOA queue (can be long) | Regular immigration | Regular immigration |
| Best For | Short trips, eligible nationalities | Qualifying passport holders | Extended holidays |
Important Notes and Warnings
- The VOA is not a tourist visa. It is a separate, shorter-stay entry permission. Do not confuse it with the Tourist Visa (TR), which offers 60 days and must be applied for at a consulate.
- No work permitted. The VOA does not allow any form of employment. For work, you need a Non-Immigrant B Visa.
- Single entry only. The VOA permits one entry. If you leave Thailand, you need a new VOA or another valid entry permission to return.
- Re-entry permits are not applicable. Unlike long-stay visas, you cannot get a re-entry permit on a VOA. Leaving the country ends your permission to stay.
- Policy changes. The VOA eligible country list, fee amounts, and duration are subject to change by Thai government announcement. Always verify current conditions before traveling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a VOA if I have a one-way ticket?
No. You must show a confirmed ticket departing Thailand within 15 days of arrival. Airlines may also refuse to board you without proof of onward travel.
Can I enter Thailand multiple times on VOA?
Each VOA is a single entry. You can technically obtain a new VOA each time you arrive, but repeated entries may attract scrutiny from immigration officers, who could deny entry if they believe you are using VOA to live in Thailand.
What If the VOA Queue Causes a Missed Flight?
If you have a tight connection, the VOA queue is a real risk. Consider applying for a visa in advance at a consulate or checking if your nationality now qualifies for visa exemption, which uses the faster regular immigration lines.
Is the VOA available 24/7?
At major international airports like Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang, VOA processing is available around the clock. At smaller airports and land borders, operating hours may be limited. Check before planning a late-night arrival.
Can I convert a VOA to a longer visa inside Thailand?
Generally, no. The VOA cannot be converted to a tourist visa or non-immigrant visa while inside Thailand. You would need to leave the country and apply at a Thai consulate abroad for a different visa type. See our guide on changing visa type in Thailand for more details.
