How to Apply for a Thailand Tourist Visa at an Embassy (2026)

You have been reading visa guides for two hours and you are more confused than when you started. Half the internet says "just fly in and get a stamp" and the other half says "you absolutely need to apply at an embassy." Here is the truth: most backpackers from Western countries do not need a tourist visa for Thailand. But some do, and if you are one of them -- or if you want the certainty of pre-approved documentation in your passport before you fly -- this guide walks you through the entire embassy application process from start to finish.

No filler. No "it depends." Just the documents you need, the steps to follow, the mistakes that get people rejected, and a clear answer to whether you should even bother.

Do You Even Need a Tourist Visa?

Before you spend a single minute gathering documents, answer this decision tree:

Step 1: Check visa exemption. Is your nationality on the 93-country visa exemption list? If yes, you can fly into Thailand and get 60 days stamped into your passport for free. Extend it once at a Thai immigration office for 1,900 THB and you get 90 days total. No embassy visit required.

Step 2: Check Visa on Arrival (VOA). If your country is not on the visa exemption list but is on the VOA list, you can get 15 days on arrival at the airport for 2,000 THB. This is limited and not extendable, but it exists.

Step 3: Only then consider an embassy application. You need a Tourist Visa (applied for at an embassy or consulate) if:

Your nationality is not on the visa exemption or VOA lists
You want more than 60 days with certainty before you leave home
You are doing the Southeast Asia circuit and need multiple entries into Thailand (METV)
You are entering by land more than twice per year (visa exemption land entries are capped at 2 per calendar year)
You want pre-approved documentation in your passport because your nationality sometimes faces extra scrutiny at immigration

The honest take for most Western backpackers: If you hold a US, UK, Australian, Canadian, or EU passport and you are staying under 90 days, the visa exemption is free and gives you the same 60+30 days as a tourist visa. The embassy application is an unnecessary expense and time sink. Skip it.

When it genuinely matters: If you hold a passport from India, China (mainland), most African nations, some Middle Eastern countries, or other nations not on the exemption list, the tourist visa is mandatory. If you are doing the backpacker circuit (Thailand to Laos to Thailand to Malaysia to Thailand) and need multiple entries, the METV saves you from land entry limits.

For a full breakdown of every visa type, see our complete Thailand visa guide for backpackers. For side-by-side comparisons, check the visa options comparison guide.

SETV vs METV: Which Tourist Visa Do You Need?

Thailand offers two types of tourist visa. They sound similar but serve different purposes and have very different requirements.

Single Entry Tourist Visa (SETV)

The SETV is the standard tourist visa. One entry, one stay, done.

| Detail | Info | |--------|------| | Stay per entry | 60 days | | Extension | +30 days at any immigration office (1,900 THB / ~$55 USD) | | Total possible stay | 90 days | | Validity | 3 months from issue (must enter within this window) | | Cost | 1,000 THB (~$30 USD / 25 GBP / 28 EUR / 45 AUD) — paid in local currency equivalent | | Entries | 1 | | Best for | Travelers from non-exempt countries, or anyone wanting pre-approved entry |

Once you enter Thailand on the SETV, the visa is used up. If you leave the country, you need a new visa or must rely on visa exemption to re-enter.

Multiple Entry Tourist Visa (METV)

The METV is the power-user visa for travelers bouncing in and out of Thailand as a Southeast Asia base.

| Detail | Info | |--------|------| | Stay per entry | 60 days | | Extension per entry | +30 days at any immigration office (1,900 THB / ~$55 USD each time) | | Total possible stay per entry | 90 days | | Validity | 6 months from issue | | Cost | 5,000 THB (~$145 USD / 115 GBP / 132 EUR / 220 AUD) — paid in local currency equivalent | | Entries | Unlimited within 6-month validity | | Best for | SE Asia circuit travelers entering Thailand 2+ times over 6 months |

Key METV advantage: Each time you re-enter Thailand, you get a fresh 60-day stay. Air or land, does not matter. And it does not count against the 2-land-entry-per-year limit that applies to visa exemption holders. If your itinerary looks like Bangkok, Vientiane, Bangkok, Penang, Bangkok, Yangon, Bangkok, the METV is built for you.

Key METV restriction: Most embassies require you to apply in your home country or country of legal residence. You usually cannot get an METV from a Thai consulate in a neighboring country while backpacking -- that is SETV territory. Some embassies make exceptions, but do not count on it.

Required Documents: SETV Application

Every Thai embassy has slightly different requirements, but the following list covers what the vast majority require. Always check your specific embassy's website before submitting, because the one document they want that is not on your pile is the one that gets your application delayed.

Mandatory Documents

1. Valid passport

At least 6 months validity remaining from your intended travel date
At least 2 blank visa pages (some embassies require more)
Original passport, not a copy. You will hand it over and get it back with the visa sticker inside.

2. Completed visa application form

Download from thaievisa.go.th or from your embassy's website
Fill out clearly in English using block capitals
Sign and date it

3. Two passport photos (4x6 cm)

Thai standard is 4cm wide by 6cm tall, which is different from US (2x2 inch) or UK (35x45mm) passport photos
White background, taken within the last 6 months
No sunglasses, no hats, no filters
Pro tip: get these done at a Thai photo shop for 100-200 THB if applying from Southeast Asia. Most Western photo booths produce the wrong size.

4. Flight itinerary

Proof of travel to Thailand (inbound flight booking or itinerary)
Does not have to be a confirmed, paid ticket. Most embassies accept a booking confirmation or itinerary printout. Some travelers use hold-a-flight services that reserve a ticket for 24-48 hours without paying.
Some embassies also require proof of onward travel (a flight out of Thailand before day 60). If not explicitly required, bring it anyway. It strengthens your application.

5. Proof of accommodation

Hotel or hostel booking for at least the first few nights
Does not need to cover your entire stay
A printed Booking.com or Hostelworld confirmation works fine
If staying with friends, a letter of invitation with their address and a copy of their Thai ID

6. Bank statement (last 3 months)

This is where most rejections happen. You need to show a minimum balance, and the amount varies by embassy:
- General guideline: 20,000 THB (~$580 USD / 460 GBP) equivalent per person
- UK embassy (London): Requires equivalent of 20,000 THB per person
- US consulates: Typically 20,000 THB equivalent but some request higher
- Some embassies: May ask for proof of 10,000-20,000 THB per person per trip
Must be an official bank statement or letter from your bank (not a screenshot of your banking app)
Statement should show consistent balance, not a last-minute lump deposit. Immigration officers can spot padding.
If you are a student or do not have much savings, a sponsor letter from a parent plus their bank statement can work at some embassies.

7. Visa fee

SETV: 1,000 THB equivalent in local currency (approximately $30 USD / 25 GBP / 28 EUR / 45 AUD)
Payment methods vary by embassy: some accept cash only, some accept bank transfer, some accept card. Check beforehand.
The fee is non-refundable if your application is rejected.

Sometimes Required (Check Your Embassy)

8. Cover letter

Some embassies (particularly in the UK and Germany) want a brief letter explaining the purpose of your visit, travel dates, and itinerary
Keep it simple: "I am planning a holiday in Thailand from [date] to [date]. I will be visiting Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and the southern islands. I have sufficient funds as shown in my bank statement."
One paragraph is enough. Do not write an essay.

9. Proof of employment or study

Employment letter stating your job title, salary, and approved leave dates
If self-employed: business registration or tax return
If a student: enrollment letter from your university
If retired: pension statement

10. Travel insurance

Not required by most embassies for tourist visas, but some request it
If you have it, include a copy. It makes your application look stronger regardless.
See our Thailand travel insurance guide for recommendations.

Required Documents: METV Application

The METV requires everything above, plus additional documentation to justify multiple entries. Embassies are stricter with METV applications because they want assurance you will actually leave Thailand between entries.

Additional METV Requirements

Higher bank balance

Typically 200,000 THB (~$5,800 USD / 4,600 GBP / 5,300 EUR) equivalent
Some embassies require this as a minimum balance over the past 6 months, not 3
Must show consistent balance, not a one-time transfer

Proof of employment or business

Employment letter with salary and confirmed leave/remote work arrangements
Business registration if self-employed
Embassies want to see you have ties to your home country and a reason to leave Thailand

Detailed cover letter

Explain why you need multiple entries (traveling the region, specific plans for each visit)
Include rough dates for each planned entry and exit
Be specific. "I plan to enter Thailand on [date], travel to Laos on [date], return to Thailand on [date]" is much better than "I want to travel around Southeast Asia."

Higher fee

5,000 THB equivalent in local currency (approximately $145 USD / 115 GBP / 132 EUR / 220 AUD)

Step-by-Step Application Process

Step 1: Research Your Specific Embassy

This is not optional. Thai embassies and consulates around the world have different requirements, different processes, and different quirks. The London embassy wants different documents from the Washington DC embassy, which wants different things from the Sydney consulate.

What to check on the embassy website:

Exact document list (some add requirements not on the standard list)
Whether appointments are required (many now use the e-visa system exclusively)
Accepted payment methods
Processing time at that specific location
Whether mail applications are accepted

Find your embassy: The Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs maintains a directory at thaiembassy.org. Search for the consulate nearest to you.

Step 2: Gather Your Documents

Give yourself at least 2 weeks before your planned submission date to collect everything. The items that take longest:

Bank statement: Your bank may take 3-5 business days to produce an official stamped statement. Online printouts are not accepted by all embassies. Request a hard copy with a bank stamp or letter.
Employment letter: Your HR department needs time. Request it early.
Photos: If you need Thai-standard 4x6 cm photos, not every Western photo booth offers this size. Check beforehand or bring a digital file to a print shop.
Application form: Download, print, and fill it out at home where you can double-check everything. Do not try to fill it out in a rush at the embassy.

Organize your documents in a clear folder. Embassy staff process hundreds of applications. Making their job easier makes your application smoother.

Step 3: Book an Appointment (If Required)

Many Thai embassies now require appointments booked through the e-visa portal or their own booking system. Walk-ins are accepted at some consulates but not all.

E-visa system: An increasing number of embassies process applications through thaievisa.go.th. You upload documents online and may still need to visit in person for biometrics or passport submission.
Some embassies have limited appointment slots, especially during peak travel season (November through February). Book 2-3 weeks ahead.
Walk-in consulates (common in Southeast Asia) typically have morning submission hours only, usually 9:00-11:30 AM. Arrive early. Lines form before the doors open.

Step 4: Submit Your Application

In person: Bring your complete document set. The consular officer will review your application at the counter, check for missing items, and issue a receipt with your collection date. This is your chance to ask questions if anything is unclear.

By mail (some embassies): The UK, US, and Australian consulates accept postal applications. You must include a prepaid return envelope (tracked and insured -- do not cheap out on this, your passport is inside). Processing takes longer for mail submissions, typically 7-10 business days instead of 3-5.

Online (e-visa): Upload all documents digitally. You may still need to mail or present your passport for the visa sticker to be affixed. The e-visa portal sends status updates by email.

Step 5: Wait for Processing

Standard processing: 3-5 business days for in-person submissions
Mail applications: 7-10 business days
E-visa: 5-15 business days (varies significantly)
Peak season: Add 2-3 extra business days during November through February

Do not book non-refundable flights before your visa is confirmed. If you need the visa urgently, some embassies offer express processing for an additional fee (typically double the standard fee). Not all embassies offer this.

Step 6: Collect Your Passport

In person: Return on the date shown on your receipt. Check the visa sticker immediately. Verify:

Your name is spelled correctly
The visa type is correct (TR for tourist, METV for multiple entry)
The validity dates are correct
The number of entries is correct (1 for SETV, M for METV)

By mail: Your passport will be returned to the address you provided. Track the delivery.

If there is any error on the visa sticker, do not leave the embassy. Point it out immediately. Errors are rare but correctable on the spot -- much harder to fix once you have left.

Embassy Variations: What Changes by Country

United Kingdom (London, Birmingham, Hull)

Appointments required through the e-visa portal
Cover letter is expected (not optional)
Bank statements must show GBP equivalent of 20,000 THB per person
Mail applications accepted with prepaid Royal Mail Special Delivery return envelope
Processing: 5-7 business days (longer during winter peak)
Fee: approximately 25 GBP for SETV

United States (Washington DC, Los Angeles, Chicago, New York)

Increasingly e-visa only -- check your nearest consulate
Proof of onward travel is almost always required
Bank statements in USD, minimum $580 equivalent per person
Some consulates accept money orders for fees, some do not
Processing: 3-5 business days in person, 10+ by mail
Fee: approximately $40 USD for SETV

Australia (Sydney, Canberra)

E-visa system is the primary application channel
Bank statements in AUD, typically require higher balance than the minimum
Proof of employment or enrollment strongly recommended
Processing: 5-10 business days
Fee: approximately 45 AUD for SETV

Germany (Berlin, Frankfurt, Munich)

Very thorough document review -- expect the full list to be required
Cover letter is mandatory
Health insurance proof is sometimes requested
Bank statements for 3 months with minimum 600 EUR balance
Appointment required
Processing: 5-7 business days
Fee: approximately 28 EUR for SETV

The universal rule: Whatever your embassy's website says is required, bring that plus one extra document you think they might ask for. Embassies have discretion, and a thorough application always beats a bare-minimum one.

Common Rejection Reasons (and How to Avoid Them)

Rejections happen, and they are almost always for preventable reasons. Here are the most common:

1. Insufficient bank balance The number one killer. If the embassy wants 20,000 THB equivalent and your account shows 18,000, you are getting rejected. Do not cut it close. Have at least 25-30% more than the minimum. And the balance needs to be consistent -- depositing a lump sum the day before applying is a red flag that some embassies specifically look for.

2. No proof of onward travel Even when not explicitly required, showing you have a plan to leave Thailand strengthens your application. A one-way ticket to Bangkok with no return flight can trigger questions. Book a refundable onward flight or use a flight reservation service.

3. Incomplete application Missing photos, unsigned forms, wrong photo size, no photocopies when required. Read the checklist twice and check everything off before you submit.

4. Passport validity too short Your passport must have at least 6 months validity from your intended entry date. If it expires in 5 months and 29 days, you will be rejected. Renew your passport before applying for the visa.

5. Wrong photo specifications Thai visa photos are 4x6 cm. Not 2x2 inches (US standard). Not 35x45 mm (UK/EU standard). Get the right size. White background. Recent.

6. Vague or missing cover letter (when required) If your embassy asks for a cover letter and you skip it, rejection. If you write one that says "I want to visit Thailand," rejection or at minimum a delay while they request more details. Be specific about dates, destinations, and why you are going.

7. No ties to home country This is more subjective but real. If you are young, unemployed, have no property, and your bank statement shows minimal savings, some embassies may question whether you will actually leave Thailand. Proof of employment, enrollment, or family ties helps.

8. Previous overstay record If you have overstayed a previous Thai visa (even by a day), it is noted in the system. This does not guarantee rejection, but it raises scrutiny significantly.

Third-Country Application: The Backpacker Hack

Already in Southeast Asia and need a Thai tourist visa? You do not have to fly home. Thai consulates in neighboring countries process tourist visa applications for non-residents, and backpackers have been using this route for decades.

Best Consulates for Third-Country Applications

Vientiane, Laos -- The classic. The Thai consulate in Vientiane is the most experienced at processing tourist visas for foreign backpackers. Wait times are longer than some other options (2-3 business days), and the queues can be brutal during peak season, but they know the drill.

Penang, Malaysia -- Popular with backpackers coming from or heading to southern Thailand. The consulate is efficient and relatively quick. Good option if you are traveling the Andaman coast.

Savannakhet, Laos -- Less crowded than Vientiane. Same process, shorter lines, but a less convenient city to reach.

Phnom Penh, Cambodia -- Processes SETV applications. Note that Thailand-Cambodia land borders are currently closed due to conflict, so you will need to fly between the two countries. This makes Cambodia a less practical option than it used to be.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia -- The Thai embassy in KL handles tourist visa applications and is a good option if you are already in peninsular Malaysia.

Third-Country Application Tips

Bring the same documents as you would at a home-country embassy. Third-country consulates are not more lenient -- some are stricter.
Budget 3-5 business days for processing. You will need accommodation in the city while you wait.
Apply for SETV only. Most third-country consulates will not issue METV to non-residents. Some will, but do not plan on it.
Monday morning lines at Vientiane and Penang are legendary. Submit on a Tuesday or Wednesday if you can.
Have a printed hotel booking in the city where you are applying. Some consulates want to see where you are staying during the processing period.

Cost of a Third-Country Application (Beyond the Fee)

Factor in the real cost before deciding this is worth it:

| Expense | Approximate Cost | |---------|-----------------| | Visa fee (SETV) | 1,000 THB (~$30 USD) | | Transport to consulate city | $15-80 depending on origin | | Accommodation (2-4 nights) | $20-60 total (hostel) | | Food and transport in city | $10-30 per day | | Total | $75-200+ |

Compare that to just flying into Thailand on a visa exemption for free. If your nationality allows visa exemption entry, the third-country embassy route is almost never worth the time and money unless you specifically need the SETV for border crossing purposes.

Thailand E-Visa: The Online Option

Thailand has been rolling out its electronic visa system over the past few years, and it is now the primary application channel for many embassies worldwide.

How the E-Visa Works

Portal: thaievisa.go.th

Process:

Create an account on the portal
Select your visa type (Tourist Visa - Single Entry or Multiple Entry)
Choose the embassy/consulate that covers your location
Upload all required documents as digital scans (PDF or JPEG)
Pay the fee online (credit card or bank transfer, depending on embassy)
Wait for processing (5-15 business days)
Receive approval notification by email
Some embassies require you to mail in your passport for the visa sticker; others issue an electronic visa that you print and carry

E-Visa Pros

No need to visit the embassy in person (at some locations)
Apply from anywhere with internet access
Track your application status online
Receive email notifications at each stage

E-Visa Cons

Processing times can be longer and less predictable than in-person
Document upload requirements are strict (file sizes, formats, resolution)
System glitches and downtime are not uncommon
Some embassies still require an in-person passport submission even after online approval
If there is an issue with your documents, back-and-forth by email is slower than resolving it at a counter

E-Visa Availability

Not all Thai embassies are on the e-visa system yet. As of early 2026, most major embassies (UK, US, Australia, Germany, France, Japan, South Korea) accept e-visa applications. Smaller consulates may still require in-person or mail submissions. Check the portal for your specific embassy.

Cost Comparison: Is the Tourist Visa Worth the Effort?

Let us do the math.

Scenario 1: SETV vs Visa Exemption (Single Trip, Under 90 Days)

| | Visa Exemption | SETV | |---|---|---| | Fee | Free | ~$30-40 USD | | Embassy visit | None | Half a day minimum | | Documents needed | Passport only | 7-10 documents | | Processing time | Instant (at airport) | 3-10 business days | | Max stay | 60 + 30 extension = 90 days | 60 + 30 extension = 90 days | | Extension cost | 1,900 THB (~$55 USD) | 1,900 THB (~$55 USD) |

Verdict: If your nationality qualifies for visa exemption, the SETV is a waste of time and money for a single trip. Same stay, same extension, zero paperwork.

Scenario 2: METV vs Multiple Visa Exemption Entries (6-Month Circuit)

| | Visa Exemption | METV | |---|---|---| | Fee | Free per entry | ~$145 USD (one-time) | | Land entries | Max 2 per year | Unlimited within 6 months | | Air entries | Technically unlimited (but scrutinized after 3-4) | Unlimited within 6 months | | Max stay per entry | 60 days (air) / 30 days (land) | 60 days + 30 extension | | Total cost (4 entries) | Free + potential denial risk | $145 + guaranteed entry |

Verdict: If you are entering Thailand 3+ times in 6 months, the METV pays for itself in peace of mind. No land entry caps, no immigration officer discretion, no sweating at the border.

Scenario 3: Tourist Visa vs DTV (Long Stay)

If you are considering staying longer than 90 days, the tourist visa is the wrong tool. Look at the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) instead. For 10,000 THB you get 180 days, extendable to 360, with multiple entries over 5 years. It costs more upfront but crushes any combination of tourist visas and border runs for long stays.

Tips from Someone Who Has Done This Too Many Times

Start the process 4-6 weeks before travel. Not 2 weeks. Not 1 week. Bank statements take time, embassy appointments fill up, and processing is never as fast as advertised during peak season.

Never submit original documents unless required. Bring originals to show, but submit copies. The only original that gets handed over is your passport. If an embassy wants to keep your original bank statement, that is unusual -- ask if a certified copy works.

Use the e-visa portal if available. Even with its quirks, it saves you a physical embassy trip. Just make sure your scans are clear, properly formatted, and under the file size limit.

Do not book non-refundable flights before visa approval. I know this is tempting, especially when you see a cheap fare. Resist. A rejected visa application with a non-refundable ticket is an expensive lesson.

Keep copies of everything. Photograph or scan every document you submit. If something goes wrong or gets lost, you want a record.

Be honest on the application. Lying about your employment, inflating your bank balance with a temporary loan, or providing fake accommodation bookings can result in a ban, not just a rejection. Thai immigration shares data with embassies.

If rejected, you can reapply. A single rejection does not blacklist you. Fix whatever caused the rejection (usually insufficient funds or missing documents) and submit again. There is no mandatory waiting period between applications at most embassies.

Quick Reference: Application Checklist

Print this and check items off as you gather them.

SETV Checklist

Passport (6+ months validity, 2+ blank pages)
Completed application form (signed and dated)
2 passport photos (4x6 cm, white background)
Flight itinerary to Thailand
Proof of onward travel (recommended even if not required)
Accommodation booking (at least first few nights)
Bank statement (3 months, minimum 20,000 THB equivalent per person)
Cover letter (if required by your embassy)
Proof of employment/study (if required by your embassy)
Visa fee in accepted payment method
Prepaid return envelope (if applying by mail)

METV Checklist (Everything Above Plus)

Bank statement showing 200,000 THB equivalent (6 months at some embassies)
Proof of employment or business registration
Detailed cover letter explaining need for multiple entries
Rough itinerary showing planned entries and exits
Higher visa fee (5,000 THB equivalent)

What Happens After You Get the Visa

Your tourist visa sticker has a "valid until" date. You must enter Thailand before that date or the visa expires unused. For SETV, this is typically 3 months from issue. For METV, 6 months.

Once you enter, your 60-day clock starts ticking from the date of entry, not from the visa issue date.

Want to extend your 60 days to 90? Head to any Thai immigration office and follow the TM.7 extension process. It costs 1,900 THB, takes a morning, and gives you 30 more days. We have a complete field-by-field walkthrough of the form.

If you end up needing even more time, check out the full visa options comparison or look into border runs -- though those come with their own risks and limitations in 2026.

And before all of this, always run your nationality through our visa checker tool to confirm exactly which options are available to you. Rules change, and a 30-second check beats a wasted embassy visit.

Bottom Line

For most Western backpackers, the tourist visa application process is something you can skip entirely. The visa exemption gives you the same 90-day window for free, with zero paperwork.

But if your nationality requires it, if you need multiple entries for a Southeast Asia circuit, or if you are applying from a third country while already on the road -- now you know exactly what to bring, what to expect, and what mistakes to avoid. The process is bureaucratic but not difficult. Get your documents right, apply early, and you will have that visa sticker in your passport well before your flight.

Safe travels.