Thailand Visa Basics & Immigration Phrases
Know your visa options. Understand what they ask. Respond with confidence.
Visa Types at a Glance
Most tourists enter Thailand without a pre-arranged visa. Here's what you need to know.
Visa Exemption
Citizens of many countries (including USA, UK, Australia, most EU countries) can enter Thailand without a visa for tourism. Duration varies by nationality - commonly 30 or 60 days.
- No advance application needed
- Just show up with valid passport
- Passport must be valid 6+ months
- May need proof of onward travel
Tourist Visa (TR)
Apply at a Thai embassy before your trip. Good option if you want a longer initial stay or your country isn't eligible for visa exemption.
- Apply at Thai embassy/consulate
- Single or multiple entry options
- 60 days per entry
- Can extend by 30 days in Thailand
Visa Extension
Running out of time? You can extend your stay at any Immigration office in Thailand. The extension costs 1,900 THB and adds 30 days.
- Visit Immigration office before visa expires
- Bring passport, photo, 1,900 THB
- Apply a few days before expiry
- Same-day processing (usually)
Essential Immigration Phrases
Immigration officers usually speak English, but these phrases help if you need them or want to be polite.
Filling Out Your Arrival Card
You'll receive a TM.6 arrival/departure card on the plane. Here's what each field means.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Date format: Use DD/MM/YYYY (day first), not the American MM/DD/YYYY
- Use BLOCK LETTERS: Write in all capitals for clarity
- Keep the departure card: It's stapled to your passport - don't lose it!
- Blue or black pen only: Don't use pencil or other colors
At the Immigration Counter
What to expect and how to respond when you reach the officer.
Have Documents Ready
- Passport open to photo page
- Completed arrival card
- Return/onward ticket (on phone is fine)
- Hotel booking confirmation
Common Questions
After Approval
- You'll get a stamp in your passport
- Check the date - that's when you must leave by
- The departure card stays stapled in your passport
- Proceed to baggage claim
Don't stress. Thai immigration is generally efficient and welcoming to tourists. Most people are through in a few minutes. Just be patient, polite, and have your documents ready.
Extending Your Stay
Love Thailand too much to leave? Here's how to get 30 more days.
What You'll Need
- Passport (valid 6+ months)
- Photocopy of passport photo page
- Photocopy of current visa stamp/entry stamp
- Photocopy of departure card (TM.6)
- One passport photo (4x6 cm)
- 1,900 THB cash (extension fee)
- TM.7 application form (available at office)
Where to Go
Every major city has an Immigration office. Popular locations include:
- Bangkok: Chaeng Wattana Government Complex (main office)
- Chiang Mai: Promenada Mall area
- Phuket: Phuket Town
- Pattaya: Jomtien (Soi 5)
- Koh Samui: Nathon
Tip: Go early (before 10am) and on weekdays. Avoid the last few days of the month - everyone's visa expires around the same time!
Useful Phrases at the Office
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