Planning a trip to Thailand involves navigating through
various visa options and requirements to ensure a seamless travel experience.
This guide provides an overview of Thailand's visa types, covering essential
information from visa on arrival to different types of long-term visas.
Specifically focusing on tourist visas, we detail the application process for
individuals applying from Indonesia.
Short-Term Visa Types
Visa-on-Arrival
Visitors arriving in Thailand can obtain a 30-day visa on arrival,
extendable for an additional 30 days at the immigration office. This initial
option caters to short-term stays and provides flexibility for tourists
exploring the country's vibrant culture and attractions.
Tourist Visa
Applying for a tourist visa to Thailand can be done online if you are located in one of the countries listed below.
If you are applying from Indonesia, the electronic visa is not available. You can either apply by visiting the embassy or via a specialized visa agency.
In what follows, we outline the process of applying for a tourist visa at the Thai Embassy in Jakarta, Indonesia, as well as the simplified process of applying via Legal Indonesia Visa Agency.
Getting a tourist visa takes about 3-4 days, so if you want
to process your visa within the same week, it's best to submit documents on
Monday.
Visa application submission hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 9 am – 11:30 am
Document collection hours:
- Monday to Friday: 1:30 pm to 3 pm
Important Notes:
- Visa requirements may change, and the Embassy is closed
on Thai holidays, so it is advisable to call ahead of your visit.
- For inquiries, you can call +62 21 2932 819094 between 9
am and 12 pm, or email consular.jkt@mfa.go.th.
There are two types of tourist visas:
Single-entry Visa: Allows a 60-day stay in the
country with the possibility to extend your stay for a further 30 days.
Multiple-entry Visa: Valid for 6 months, allowing the
holder to stay in the country for a period of 2 months per entry. After this
period, the visa holder must exit Thailand and can re-enter as long as they
return within the designated 6-month period. Note that if applying for this
type of visa from Indonesia, you must hold an Indonesian residence permit (KITAS).
The purpose of your visit should be tourism.
You can enter
Thailand within 90 days from the date of the visa issue.
The documents required for obtaining a tourist visa are as
follows:
1. Completed application form
2. Photographs: 2 recent photographs (size 3.5 x 4.5 cm)
3. Passport: Valid for at least 6 months
4. Return Ticket: Confirmed return ticket
5. Proof of Sufficient Financial Means:
- For single-entry
tourist visa: Bank statement showing at least 20,000 baht per person or 40,000
baht per family, or equivalent in other currencies
- For multiple-entry
tourist visa: Bank statement showing at least 80,000,000 IDR (7,000 USD) over
the last 6 months and a proof of employment
6. Accommodation Confirmation: Evidence of confirmed
accommodation in Thailand covering the entire stay period (hotel booking or
invitation to stay, along with the host's ID)
7. Temporary Stay Permit (KITAS) or Permanent Stay Permit
(KITAP): mandatory only for applicants for multiple-entry tourist visa
8. Application Fee (cash only in Indonesian Rupiah,
non-refundable):
- Single-entry
tourist visa: 560,000 IDR
- Multiple-entry
tourist visa: 2,800,000 IDR
All of these documents should be placed in an envelope for
submission.
It's important not to ignore the document checklist, as an
incomplete set may lead to visa denial.
Streamlined Visa Processing with Legal Indonesia Agency
If you do not want to spend time and energy traveling to Jakarta to apply
for your Thai visa, consider using the services of Legal Indonesia Agency. They
specialize in streamlining the visa application process, ensuring a smooth and
hassle-free experience.
Here’s what they offer:
- Visa processing cost for a 60-day visa: 2,000,000 IDR.
- Processing time: 4-7 working days. There is no need to visit the embassy.
Applying for a tourist visa to Thailand with Legal Indonesia is a
straightforward process. Simply provide the following documents, and the
company will handle the rest for you:
- 2 recent photographs (size 3.5×4.5 cm)
- Original passport (valid for at least 6 months)
- Bank statement in English showing a balance of at least 700 USD per person or equivalent in another currency (recommended to show transactions for the last 3 months)
Long-Term Visa Types
Thailand also offers several options for long-term visas tailored to
different needs.
Spouse Visa
The Spouse Visa is ideal for individuals married to Thai citizens, allowing
spouses to reside in Thailand for an extended period.
Retirement Visa
The Retirement Visa is designed for individuals aged 50 and above, providing
retirees with the opportunity for a long-term stay in Thailand. It offers
access to various amenities and benefits to support a fulfilling retirement
lifestyle.
Long-Term Resident Visa (LTR)
The Long-Term Resident Visa is aimed at boosting foreign investments and
economic development. It grants holders the right to live and work in Thailand
for up to 10 years.
This visa type is particularly suitable for digital nomads, allowing them to
legally work in Thailand for extended periods, provided they meet all
requirements.
Benefits:
- Access to healthcare, educational opportunities, and the ability to open local bank accounts.
- Eligibility to apply for a work permit to engage in employment within Thailand.
Holders of the LTR visa can bring their spouse and children under 21 years
of age to reside with them in Thailand.
Elite Visa
The Elite Visa is designed for affluent individuals seeking privileged
residency in Thailand. It offers:
- Visa Validity: Ranges from 5 to 20 years, allowing continuous stay in the country.
- Fees: Range from 500,000 to 2 million Thai baht (approximately 16,000 to 65,000 USD) depending on the visa duration.
- Benefits: Include visa facilitation, VIP airport services, unlimited stay in Thailand, special discounts at hotels, restaurants, and shopping centers, as well as other exclusive privileges.
The Elite Visa is popular among retirees, entrepreneurs, and frequent
travelers who seek long-term residency benefits in Thailand without the hassle
of regular visa extensions. Note that it does not grant a work permit, and visa
holders must still comply with Thailand's immigration laws and regulations.
We hope this guide has provided you with valuable insights into the various visa options available for your trip to Thailand.
Remember, each visa type serves different purposes and comes with specific requirements, so choose the one that best fits your travel plans.
As you embark on your journey, we wish you the very best experiences exploring Thailand's rich culture, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality.
Safe travels and enjoy your time in the Land of Smiles!
You can add one right now!