Thailand Visa on Arrival: Eligible Countries, Process, and 2026 Rules

Every week I see someone in a travel forum say "I will just get a visa on arrival in Thailand" when they actually mean a visa exemption. These are not the same thing. Mixing them up will not get you arrested, but it could leave you standing in the wrong line at the airport, paying a fee you did not need to pay, or worse -- discovering at the counter that you do not qualify for the entry method you thought you did.

Thailand's Visa on Arrival is a specific entry mechanism for 31 nationalities. It costs 2,000 THB, gives you 15 days, and involves a separate counter at the airport with its own paperwork and queue. If your passport is from the US, UK, Australia, Canada, or most European countries, you do not need a VOA at all -- you qualify for the visa exemption, which is free and gives you 60 days. This guide is for the people who actually need the VOA, plus anyone who wants to understand how the system works.

VOA vs Visa Exemption: The Difference That Matters

This is the single most important distinction in Thai immigration for backpackers, and the internet gets it wrong constantly.

| Feature | Visa on Arrival (VOA) | Visa Exemption | |---------|----------------------|----------------| | Countries eligible | 31 | 93 | | Duration (air) | 15 days | 60 days | | Duration (land) | 15 days | 30 days | | Cost | 2,000 THB (~$57 USD) | Free | | Process | Separate counter, TM.88 form, photo, documents | Walk to regular immigration, get stamped | | Extension | 7 days for 1,900 THB (22 days total max) | 30 days for 1,900 THB (90 days total max) | | Form | TM.88 (at VOA counter) | None (just TDAC) | | Passport validity required | 30 days minimum (but airlines enforce 6 months) | 6 months |

The bottom line: The visa exemption is better in every way -- longer stay, no fee, simpler process, longer extension. The VOA exists for nationalities that do not qualify for visa exemption. If your country is on the 93-country exemption list, skip the VOA counter entirely and walk straight to regular immigration.

Not sure which one applies to you? Check our visa checker tool or read the full visa exemption guide.

Quick Facts: Thailand VOA at a Glance

| Detail | Info | |--------|------| | Eligible countries | 31 | | Stay duration | 15 days (including entry and exit day) | | Cost | 2,000 THB (~$57 USD), cash only | | Extension | 7 days for 1,900 THB at immigration office | | Maximum total stay | 22 days (15 + 7 extension) | | Available at | 48 immigration checkpoints (airports + land borders) | | Form required | TM.88 (Application for Visa on Arrival) | | TDAC required | Yes, completed within 72 hours before arrival | | Passport validity | Officially 30 days; airlines typically enforce 6 months | | Proof of funds | 10,000 THB per person / 20,000 THB per family |

All 31 VOA-Eligible Countries

Thailand expanded the Visa on Arrival program from 19 to 31 countries in mid-2024. Here is the complete list, organized by region.

Asia (7 countries)

Bhutan
China (also visa exempt -- see note below)
India (also visa exempt -- see note below)
Kazakhstan (also visa exempt)
Kyrgyzstan
Taiwan
Uzbekistan (also visa exempt)

Europe (8 countries)

Armenia
Belarus
Bulgaria (also visa exempt)
Cyprus (also visa exempt)
Georgia
Malta (also visa exempt)
Romania (also visa exempt)
Russia (also visa exempt)
Serbia

Americas (5 countries)

Bolivia
Costa Rica (also visa exempt)
El Salvador
Paraguay
Venezuela

Africa and Middle East (6 countries)

Ethiopia (also visa exempt)
Namibia
Saudi Arabia (also visa exempt)
Seychelles (also visa exempt)
Tunisia (also visa exempt)

Oceania (4 countries)

Fiji (also visa exempt)
Nauru
Papua New Guinea (also visa exempt)
Vanuatu

Important Note: Dual Eligibility

You will notice several countries appear on both the VOA list and the visa exemption list. This happened because Thailand expanded visa exemption to 93 countries in 2024, upgrading many former VOA-only countries to visa-free status. If your country has dual eligibility -- China, India, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Bulgaria, Romania, Cyprus, Malta, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Costa Rica, Ethiopia, Seychelles, Tunisia, Fiji, and Papua New Guinea -- always use the visa exemption. It is free, gives you 60 days instead of 15, and the immigration line is shorter.

The VOA still exists as a fallback, but for dual-eligible countries it is objectively worse in every respect. Walk past the VOA counter to regular immigration and save yourself 2,000 THB and 45 days of potential stay.

Countries That Only Have VOA (No Exemption)

If your country is one of the following, the VOA is your only option for entering Thailand without a pre-arranged visa:

Armenia, Belarus, Bhutan, Bolivia, El Salvador, Georgia, Kyrgyzstan, Namibia, Nauru, Paraguay, Serbia, Taiwan, Vanuatu, Venezuela

These 14 nationalities can only enter Thailand by obtaining a VOA at the airport or applying for a Tourist Visa (TR) at a Thai embassy beforehand. There is no free entry option.

Required Documents: The Complete List

Immigration officers at the VOA counter check every item on this list. Missing even one document can mean a rejection. Here is everything you need.

1. Valid Passport

Your passport must have at least 30 days of validity remaining from your date of entry. That is the official Thai Immigration rule for VOA applicants -- lower than the 6-month requirement for visa exemption holders. However, your airline may refuse to board you if your passport has less than 6 months of validity. Many carriers enforce their own rules regardless of what Thai immigration says. Do not risk a 30-day passport hoping the airline will not notice. Renew it before you travel.

You also need at least one blank page for the visa stamp.

2. Completed TM.88 Form

The TM.88 is the official "Application for Visa on Arrival" form. You can pick one up at the VOA counter when you land, but filling it out in advance saves time. The form asks for:

Full name (as written in your passport)
Nationality
Passport number and date of issue
Date of birth
Address in Thailand (your hotel or hostel name and address)
Arrival flight number
Purpose of visit (select "Tourism")
Signature

Pro tip: Download and print the TM.88 before your flight. Fill it out at home or on the plane. The counters at the airport are crowded and the pens are terrible. You can find the form on the official Thai Immigration website or ThaiEmbassy.com.

3. One Passport-Sized Photo

Size: 4 x 6 cm (slightly larger than standard US passport photos). It must have been taken within the last 6 months. You paste or clip it to the TM.88 form.

If you forget the photo: Some airports have photo booths near the VOA area, but the price is inflated and the queue adds time. At Suvarnabhumi there is a photo kiosk near the VOA counters charging 200 THB. At smaller airports, there may be nothing available. Do not gamble on this -- bring the photo with you.

4. Confirmed Return or Onward Ticket

You must show a ticket proving you will leave Thailand within 15 days of arrival. This is strictly enforced at the VOA counter. A booking confirmation printed on paper is ideal. A screenshot on your phone sometimes works, sometimes does not -- depends on the officer.

What counts:

A return flight booking (printed)
An onward flight to another country (printed)
A bus or train ticket out of Thailand (printed -- less commonly accepted, bring a backup)

What does not count:

"I am planning to book something later"
A flight booked for 30 days from now (it must be within 15 days)
A refundable ticket you plan to cancel (immigration officers have seen this trick before)

5. Proof of Funds

You must demonstrate that you have enough money for your 15-day stay:

10,000 THB per person (~$285 USD)
20,000 THB per family (~$570 USD)

Cash is the easiest way to prove this. Thai baht is preferred, but immigration officers generally accept equivalent amounts in other currencies (USD, EUR, GBP). A bank statement on your phone is a backup option, but cash in hand is what they want to see.

This is not checked every time, but when it is checked, they are serious about it. I have personally watched a traveler get turned away at Suvarnabhumi for not having enough cash. He had plenty in his bank account but nothing in his wallet. Do not be that person.

6. Accommodation Address

The TM.88 form requires a Thai address. Your hotel, hostel, or guesthouse name and street address is sufficient. Have this written down or printed before you land. "I will figure it out when I get there" is not an answer that works at the VOA counter.

7. Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC)

Since May 2025, every foreign national entering Thailand -- including VOA applicants -- must complete the TDAC before arrival. This is the digital replacement for the old paper TM.6 form.

Complete it within 72 hours before arrival
Use the official portal only: tdac.immigration.go.th (it is free)
You will need your passport number, flight details, and accommodation address
Save or screenshot the confirmation -- you may need to show it
Any website or service charging a fee for TDAC is a scam

If you arrive without completing the TDAC: You will need to fill it out at a kiosk in the airport before clearing immigration. This adds significant time on top of an already long VOA process.

VOA Packing Checklist

Print this or screenshot it before you board your flight. You need every item on this list in your carry-on (not your checked luggage):

Passport (30+ days validity, 1 blank page)
Completed TM.88 form (printed and filled out)
1 passport photo, 4 x 6 cm
Printed return/onward ticket (within 15 days)
2,000 THB in cash (Thai baht, exact amount or close)
10,000 THB equivalent in cash (proof of funds)
Accommodation name and address (written down or printed)
TDAC confirmation (screenshot or printout)
Pen (black ink -- the airport pens are always missing)

Step-by-Step Airport Process

Here is exactly what happens when you land at a Thai airport and need a VOA. I will use Suvarnabhumi (BKK) as the example because it is where the vast majority of VOA applicants arrive, but the process is identical at Don Mueang, Chiang Mai, Phuket, and all other international airports.

Step 1: Follow the Signs After Exiting the Aircraft

After you deplane and walk through the jet bridge, follow signs toward "Immigration" or "Arrivals." At Suvarnabhumi, you will also see signs for "Visa on Arrival" -- follow these. The VOA area is located before the main immigration hall, about 100 meters past the arrival gates. Do not join the regular immigration queue.

Step 2: Locate the VOA Counter Area

At Suvarnabhumi, the VOA section has two sets of counters:

Regular service (right side) -- standard processing
Fast track service (left side) -- same price, theoretically quicker, but availability varies

There is a document check desk near the entrance where an officer does a preliminary review of your paperwork. This is not the actual visa issuance -- it is a screening to make sure you have everything before you join the main queue.

Step 3: Get the TM.88 Form (If You Did Not Bring One)

Forms are available at a desk near the entrance of the VOA area. If you already have yours filled out, skip this step and join the document check line directly. If not, grab a form, find a flat surface, and fill it out completely. There is also a currency exchange booth nearby if you need Thai baht.

Step 4: Submit Your Documents at the Counter

Hand the officer your complete set of documents:

Passport
Completed TM.88 form with photo attached
Return ticket
Proof of funds (if asked)
TDAC confirmation (if asked)

The officer will review everything, take your biometrics (fingerprint scan), and process the visa. You will pay the 2,000 THB fee in cash at this point. Thai baht only. No cards, no USD, no exceptions at the counter.

Step 5: Wait for Processing

Processing takes anywhere from 15 minutes to 2 hours depending on how many people are in the queue. Late-night arrivals from Indian subcontinent and Chinese flights create the biggest surges. If your flight lands between 10 PM and 2 AM at Suvarnabhumi, expect the longer end of that range.

While you wait: There are seats in the VOA area but limited amenities. No shops, no food, no phone charging. Make sure your phone is charged and you have already completed the TDAC.

Step 6: Collect Your Passport and Proceed

When your name is called (or your passport number appears on a screen), collect your stamped passport. The VOA stamp shows your entry date and the date you must leave by (15 days from entry). Count the days carefully -- the entry day counts as day one.

After receiving your passport, walk to the regular immigration counter for the standard entry stamp. This is a quick formality since your VOA has already been processed. Then proceed to baggage claim.

Cost Breakdown

| Item | Cost | |------|------| | Visa on Arrival fee | 2,000 THB (~$57 USD) | | 7-day extension (optional, at immigration office) | 1,900 THB (~$54 USD) | | TDAC | Free | | Total (VOA only) | 2,000 THB (~$57 USD) | | Total (VOA + extension) | 3,900 THB (~$111 USD) |

The VOA fee must be paid in cash, in Thai baht at the counter. Credit cards are not accepted. Some travelers report that officers occasionally accept USD, but this is not guaranteed and exchange rates at the counter are terrible. Exchange money before you get in line. Suvarnabhumi has a currency exchange booth right outside the VOA area.

Extending Your VOA: Getting 7 More Days

The 15-day Visa on Arrival can be extended once for an additional 7 days at any Thai immigration office. This gives you a maximum total stay of 22 days.

How the VOA Extension Works

| Detail | Info | |--------|------| | Extension length | 7 days | | Cost | 1,900 THB (~$54 USD) | | Form | TM.7 (same form as all visa extensions) | | Where | Any immigration office in Thailand | | Processing time | Same day, usually 1-3 hours |

What You Need for the Extension

Passport with current VOA stamp
Completed TM.7 form (available at the immigration office)
One passport photo, 4 x 6 cm
Photocopies of your passport information page, VOA stamp page, and departure card
1,900 THB in cash
Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or address)

Timing Matters

Go to the immigration office 1-2 days before your VOA expires. The extension starts from the date you apply, not from your original expiry date. If you go 5 days early, you lose those 5 days. If your VOA expires on March 15 and you apply on March 14, your new expiry is March 21.

For a detailed walkthrough of the extension process, including how to fill out the TM.7 form field by field, read our TM.7 visa extension guide.

VOA at Land Border Crossings

The Visa on Arrival is not airport-only. It is available at 48 immigration checkpoints across Thailand, including land borders with Laos, Myanmar, Malaysia, and Cambodia.

Key Land Border Checkpoints With VOA

From Laos:

Nong Khai (Friendship Bridge from Vientiane) -- the busiest
Mukdahan (Friendship Bridge 2 from Savannakhet)
Nakhon Phanom (from Tha Khaek)
Chong Mek, Ubon Ratchathani (from Vang Tao)

From Myanmar:

Mae Sai, Chiang Rai (from Tachilek) -- the most popular
Mae Sot, Tak (from Myawaddy)
Phu Nam Ron, Kanchanaburi (from Htee Kee)

From Malaysia:

Sadao/Padang Besar (from Bukit Kayu Hitam) -- major crossing
Sungai Kolok (from Rantau Panjang)
Betong, Yala (from Bukit Berapit)

From Cambodia:

All Thailand-Cambodia land border crossings are currently closed due to the armed conflict that began in mid-2025. This includes the formerly popular Aranyaprathet/Poipet crossing. As of February 2026, there is no overland route between Thailand and Cambodia. Flights between Bangkok and Phnom Penh/Siem Reap still operate normally.

Land Border VOA Requirements

The requirements are identical to the airport process: passport, TM.88 form, photo, return ticket within 15 days, proof of funds, 2,000 THB cash, and TDAC completion. The main practical difference is that land border VOA counters tend to be smaller with fewer staff, so processing can be slower during peak hours (morning rush) or faster during off-peak times.

Important: Proving onward travel within 15 days can be trickier at land borders. If you crossed overland, you may not have a flight booking to show. A printed bus ticket to a neighboring country or a confirmed onward flight from a Thai airport works. Have something concrete and printed.

Common Mistakes and Rejections

Immigration officers at the VOA counter can and do reject applications. Here are the most frequent reasons, all of which are avoidable.

1. No Passport Photo

This is the number-one rejection reason for VOA applications. The TM.88 form requires a photo attached to it. If you do not have one, you cannot submit the form. Some airports have photo booths nearby. Some do not. Do not leave this to chance.

2. No Printed Return Ticket

Showing a flight confirmation email on your phone works sometimes but is not reliable. Print your return ticket. If your airline sent you a PDF confirmation, print it. If you booked through an app, screenshot the confirmation page and print that. Officers want paper.

3. Not Enough Cash

The 10,000 THB proof of funds is spot-checked. If you are asked and cannot produce the cash, you will be denied. ATMs are on the other side of immigration, so you cannot "go get money and come back." Carry the cash through the VOA process and hit the ATM later.

4. Passport Validity Too Short

While the official VOA rule requires only 30 days of passport validity, many airlines enforce a 6-month rule at check-in. You could be denied boarding before you even reach Thailand. Additionally, some immigration officers at the VOA counter apply the 6-month standard regardless of the published rule. Renew your passport if it has less than 6 months remaining.

5. Country Not on the VOA List

If your country qualifies for visa exemption but not VOA, you are in the wrong line. More critically, if your country is on neither the VOA nor the visa exemption list, you will be turned away entirely -- you need a Tourist Visa obtained from a Thai embassy before travel. Check your eligibility on our visa checker tool before you fly.

6. Return Ticket More Than 15 Days Out

Your return or onward ticket must show departure within 15 days. A flight home 30 days from now does not satisfy the requirement, even if you plan to leave by bus before then. Book something within the 15-day window.

7. TDAC Not Completed

Since May 2025, showing up without a completed TDAC means filling it out at a kiosk before processing can begin. This is not a rejection per se, but it adds significant delay to an already slow process. Complete it before you board your flight.

When to Skip the VOA and Get a Tourist Visa Instead

The VOA gives you 15 days with a possible 7-day extension. That is 22 days maximum. If you already know you want to stay longer, the VOA is not the right tool.

Get a Tourist Visa (TR) at a Thai Embassy When:

You want more than 22 days. A Single Entry Tourist Visa (SETV) gives you 60 days, extendable by 30 more at immigration for 1,900 THB. That is 90 days total vs 22.
You want a smoother arrival. With a pre-arranged visa, you skip the VOA queue entirely and go through regular immigration. No TM.88 form, no VOA fee, no separate counter.
You are unsure about your return date. The VOA requires a confirmed return ticket within 15 days. A tourist visa does not have that requirement (you just need to leave before it expires).
You plan to visit multiple times. A Multiple Entry Tourist Visa (METV) costs more upfront (~5,000 THB) but is valid for 6 months with 60 days per entry. If you are doing a Southeast Asia circuit and entering Thailand two or three times, it is cheaper and more convenient than paying 2,000 THB per VOA entry.

The Tourist Visa Costs More Upfront But Saves Money Overall

| Entry Method | Cost | Days | Cost Per Day | |---|---|---|---| | VOA (no extension) | 2,000 THB | 15 | 133 THB/day | | VOA + extension | 3,900 THB | 22 | 177 THB/day | | Tourist Visa (SETV) | ~1,500 THB (varies by embassy) | 60 | ~25 THB/day | | Tourist Visa (SETV) + extension | ~3,400 THB | 90 | ~38 THB/day |

The math is clear. If you have access to a Thai embassy and have the time to apply (typically 3-5 business days), the Tourist Visa is almost always the smarter choice for VOA-eligible nationalities planning to stay more than a few days.

For a full breakdown of all visa options, see our Thailand visa guide for backpackers.

The TDAC Situation in 2026

The Thailand Digital Arrival Card replaced the paper TM.6 form in May 2025 and is now fully mandatory for all foreign arrivals, including VOA applicants. Here is what you need to know.

Key TDAC Facts for VOA Travelers

When to complete it: Within 72 hours before your arrival. You can do it right up until you reach the immigration counter, but completing it early avoids stress.
Official portal: tdac.immigration.go.th -- this is the only legitimate site. It is free. Any third-party site charging money is a scam.
What you need: Passport number, flight details, first accommodation address in Thailand.
Can you edit it? Core details (name, passport number) cannot be changed after submission. Minor details (flight time) can be updated. If you make a serious mistake, submit a new TDAC for free.
Group submissions: You can submit for up to 10 people in one session, useful for families.
Languages: Available in English, Chinese, Korean, Russian, and Japanese.
Applies to: Air, land, and sea arrivals. Everyone. No exceptions.
What if you forget? You fill it out at an airport kiosk before immigration processing. At land borders, expect delays while an officer helps you complete it on the spot.

Pro tip: Complete the TDAC while you are waiting for your flight at the departure gate. You will need your phone anyway, and it takes about 5 minutes.

E-Visa on Arrival: The Online Alternative

Thailand also offers an E-Visa on Arrival (E-VOA) service at select airports (Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Chiang Mai, Phuket). This lets you apply online before your trip and skip part of the queue on arrival. The fee is higher than the standard VOA (typically 2,500 THB including a service charge), but it can save significant time during peak hours.

The E-VOA is processed through a third-party provider authorized by Thai Immigration. Check the official Thai e-Visa portal at thaievisa.go.th for current availability and pricing.

Is it worth the extra cost? If your flight lands during a busy period (10 PM to 2 AM at Suvarnabhumi) and you want to avoid a 2-hour queue, yes. If you are arriving at a quiet time or at a smaller airport, probably not.

Overstay Penalties

Do not overstay your VOA. Thailand takes overstays seriously and the penalties are steep.

| Overstay Duration | Penalty | |---|---| | 1 day | 500 THB fine | | Per day thereafter | 500 THB/day | | Maximum fine | 20,000 THB | | 90+ days overstay | 1-year re-entry ban | | 1+ year overstay | 3-year re-entry ban | | 3+ years overstay | 5-year re-entry ban | | 5+ years overstay | 10-year re-entry ban |

With a 15-day VOA (or 22 days with extension), it is easy to lose track. The entry day counts as day one, and you must exit on or before the date stamped in your passport. Set a phone reminder for 2 days before your expiry date.

For a full breakdown of overstay consequences and what to do if you accidentally overstay, read our overstay fines and bans guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work on a VOA?

No. The Visa on Arrival is strictly for tourism. Working, volunteering for pay, or any form of employment is illegal on a VOA. If you plan to work remotely, look into the DTV (Destination Thailand Visa).

Can I re-enter Thailand on another VOA immediately after my first one expires?

Technically yes. There is no published limit on the number of VOA entries per year. However, immigration officers have discretion to deny entry if they suspect you are using back-to-back VOAs to live in Thailand. Doing this more than twice in a row will raise flags.

Is the VOA available 24/7 at the airport?

Yes. The VOA counter at Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang operates around the clock. However, staffing levels drop during overnight hours, which can mean longer waits despite fewer arrivals.

What if my VOA application is denied?

You will be put on the next available flight back to your departure city, at your own expense. Denied VOA applicants are not allowed to enter Thailand or apply for a different visa at the airport. This is why having all documents ready -- especially the photo and return ticket -- is critical.

Can I convert a VOA to a different visa type while in Thailand?

No. You cannot convert a VOA to a tourist visa, education visa, or any other visa type from inside Thailand. You would need to exit the country and apply at a Thai embassy abroad.

The Bottom Line

The Thailand Visa on Arrival is a functional but limited entry method. It works for short trips of 15 days or less, it is available at airports and land borders, and the process is straightforward if you come prepared. But it is not the best option for most travelers -- if your country qualifies for visa exemption, use that instead. If you need more than 22 days, apply for a Tourist Visa at a Thai embassy before your trip.

For the 14 nationalities where the VOA is the only no-visa option, the key to a smooth experience is preparation. Bring every document on the checklist, have your cash ready, fill out the TM.88 before you land, and complete the TDAC before you board your flight. The queue at the VOA counter is long enough without adding paperwork delays on top of it.

Related Guides

Thailand Visa Guide for Backpackers: Which Visa Do You Actually Need? -- the master overview of all visa options
Thailand Visa Exemption Rules 2026 -- full details on the 93-country free entry
How to Extend Your Thailand Visa: TM.7 Form Guide -- step-by-step extension process
Thailand Overstay Fines and Bans -- what happens if you stay too long
Thailand Border Run Guide -- when and how to do a border run
Visa Checker Tool -- instant check for your nationality