thailand travel visa application form

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How to Fill Thailand Visa Application Form? Filled Sample

Thailand visa application form is one of the main documents that you need to submit when applying for Thailand tourist visa . To avoid misunderstandings, learn how to fill Thailand visa application form correctly, find Thai visa form PDF to download and Thailand visa application form filled sample for your convenience.

Thailand visa can be obtained at one of the many Thai embassies and consulates found in most of the countries around the world. If the purpose of your visit is tourism, you can get a Single Entry Tourist Visa  (at any embassy or consulate) or Multiple Entry Tourist Visa (only at the embassy or consulate in your country). Thailand visa application form TM.87 is used for all types of Thailand visa, except Visa on Arrival .

Thailand Visa Application Form

Thailand Visa application form isn’t complicated but it needs to be completed correctly. Otherwise, your visa application can be refused.

The exact application form can vary depending on Thai embassy / consulate as they like to add the name of the institution on it or change a layout a bit. However, the requested data is the same everywhere. It is strongly recommended to use the application form provided by Thai embassy or consulate you are going to apply for visa at as it will help you to avoid misunderstandings and double work filling the form.

Note! Pay attention that Thai embassies and consulates in many countries now only accept online applications so filling Thailand visa application form by hand in many cases is not needed.

The standard Thai visa application form is as seen below.

Thailand Visa Application Form PDF

Thailand visa application form pdf examples from different Thai embassies and consulates:

Penang - Thailand visa application form pdf

Vientiane - Thailand visa application form pdf

Washington D.C. - Thailand visa application form pdf

How to Fill Thailand Visa Application Form

Below you will find a detailed information about how to fill Thailand visa application form correctly.

When applying for Thailand visa, you need to submit your personal information and details about your visit. Normally the form should be filled up in English. In some cases it can be filled up in local language but you need to reconfirm with Thai embassy or consulate you are going to apply at.

On the top left side of application form you need to attach 2 photographs taken within the last 6 months (3.5 x 4.5 cm). On the top right side tick the type of visa you are applying for - in most cases it will be “Tourist Visa”. Number of Entries Requested should be 1 for a single-entry visa and 2 or more if you are applying for a multiple-entry visa.

Then you need to choose your status (Miss, Mr or Mrs) and tick the correct one. When it comes to your name, you need to write it in capital letters. Provide your first name, middle name and family name . Don’t forget to fill the former name if you have one (e.g. maiden name).

For the nationality , write the name of the country which passport you are using. If you have changed your nationality, provide information about your nationality at birth too. The birth place is the city where you’ve been born. Name your marital status , if you are married, divorced, widowed or single. Provide your date of birth . When it comes to writing dates, we would recommend using date format like in your passport – it will help you to avoid misunderstandings.

Type of travel document should be “passport” as it’s mandatory for entering Thailand. Passport No. should be written clear and exactly the same as on your travel document. Double check it! Date and place of issue can be found on your passport as well as your passport’s expiry date .

At the occupation section you need to specify your present position and the name of employer. If you are unemployed, double check with the embassy or consulate as they might ask you to provide extra documents proving that you have funds for traveling. 

Provide your current address , phone number and e-mail. Permanent address is your address in your home country and needs to be filled-in only if it’s different from your current address.

If you are traveling with minor children who are traveling on the same passport, you need to provide their names, last names and birthdays in the designated area.

Date of arrival in Thailand should be the same as on your flight ticket, especially if you need to submit a proof of traveling with visa application documents. Traveling by is the name of the airline or type of transportation that you will be using - airplane, train, bus, car, ferry or cruise. Flight No. must be filled with the details of your arrival flight and it can be easily found on your flight ticket. If you will be arriving by train or bus, can leave this part empty.

Duration of proposed stay in Thailand shouldn’t be longer than 60 days when applying for Thailand tourist visa. If it’s not your first visit to Thailand, provide the date of previous visit to Thailand . The purpose of visit should be “Tourism”, if you will be applying for Single Entry Tourist Visa or Multiple Entry Tourist Visa .

Countries for which travel document is valid – in most cases it should be “all” unless your passport is really exclusive.

When providing proposed address in Thailand , be sure to give not only the name of your hotel but its address as well. Fill it with details from your accommodation booking confirmation as the officers might check if the details of your booking comply with details provided on the visa application form.

Name and address of local guarantor are the details of a contact person in your home country. It should be your family member or the representative of tour company, if you are traveling with a tour.

Name and Address of Guarantor in Thailand normally can be left blank unless you will be stating that there will be a person who will provide accommodation for you or you will be applying for Non-Immigrant Visa.

Don’t forget to sign Thailand visa application form in two designated areas and write the current date nearby respectively. You would be surprised how many people miss it!

The last part of Thailand Visa application form should be left for official use only and shouldn’t be filled with any information.

Thailand Visa Application Form Filled Sample

Thailand visa application form filled sample as provided by the Royal Thai Consulate-General in Osaka, Japan.

Take the worry out of your arrival at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport after a long flight, and enjoy a VIP service through the airport formalities . Take advantage of a premium Bangkok Airport Fast Track Immigration Service that fast tracks you through immigration and lets you avoid waiting in long lines.

Your stay in Thailand  can be extended  once per entry. In most cases it can be extended by 30 days. For more information check:  Thai Visa Extension .

Any Questions?

Check our Frequently Asked Questions about getting Thailand Visa at Thai Embassies and Consulates and ask your own question if it's not answered there yet.

FAQ - Thai Visa at Embassy / Consulate

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How to apply for a tourist visa in Thailand

       Thailand is one of the top destinations for tourists from around the world. There are major destinations that attract visitors in Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai, and Hua Hin, to name only a few.

       Foreigners entering Thailand are required to apply for a tourist visa. Supporting documents for the application are the following: 

       Passport or travel document with validity of not less than 6 months;

• A completed and signed visa application form
• Two 2½-inch photos taken with in the past 6 months, with no hat and no sunglasses;
• Evidence showing the applicant will leave Thailand within a certain period of time after finishing traveling in Thailand, such as a confirmed travel ticket or proof of onward travel to a third country;
• Documents from a travel agency or tour operator, in the case of traveling with a tour group;
• The applicant may be asked to submit additional documents or may be interviewed. 

       There are 2 types of tourist visa, namely single entry visa (valid for 3 months), with a fee of 1,000 baht, and multiple entry visa (valid for 12 months), with a fee of 5,000 baht. For both types of visa, upon arrival, travelers are permitted to stay in the Kingdom 60 days per time and must have evidence of adequate finances: 20,000 baht for an individual or 40,000 baht per family.

       For further inquiries, applicants should please contact the nearest Royal Thai Embassy or Royal Thai Consulate-General in the their area.

Source : Ministry of Foreign Affairs Tel : +66 2203-5000

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Visa Traveler

Exploring the world one country at a time

Thailand tourist visa: Requirements and application procedure

Updated: April 6, 2023

Thailand has a liberal visa policy offering Visa EXEMPTION and Visa ON ARRIVAL to many nationalities in the world. For those who REQUIRE a visa, Thailand tourist visa is the easiest to obtain if you understand and follow the visa requirements properly.

There 5 ways you can enter Thailand as a tourist.

• Visa Exemption
• Visa on Arrival (VOA)
• Pre-approved visa from Thai embassy

A Thailand tourist visa is only for visiting Thailand for the purpose of tourism for a short period of time. If you plan to stay longer, look into Thai ED Visa , which allows you to study and live in Thailand for up to one year.

Without further delay, let’s dive into Thailand visa requirements, eligibility, application procedure and entry-exit formalities at the airport.

Table of Contents

Thailand tourist visa requirements by nationality.

Minimum passport validity required to enter Thailand as a tourist

For visa EXEMPT and visa REQUIRED nationalities, the passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day of arrival in Thailand.

For visa ON ARRIVAL eligible nationalities, the passport must be valid for at least 30 days from the day of arrival in Thailand. 

VISA EXEMPT nationalities

90-day entry.

• South Korea

30-day entry

• Czech Republic
• Liechtenstein
• Myanmar (* only if entering by air)
• Netherlands
• New Zealand
• Philippines
• South Africa
• Switzerland
• United Arab Emirates
• United Kingdom
• United States

Visa ON ARRIVAL or e-VOA eligible nationalities

15-day entry.

• Papua New Guinea
• Saudi Arabia

E-VISA eligible nationalities

60-day entry.

• Citizens or permanent residents of the following countries are eligible for E-Visa.
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Congo, Rep. of
• Congo, Dem. Rep. of
• Dominican Republic
• North Korea
• Trinidad and Tobago
• Vatican City

Visa REQUIRED nationalities

• Afghanistan
• Antigua and Barbuda
• Burkina Faso
• Cayman Islands
• Central African Republic
• Cote d’Ivoire
• El Salvador
• Equatorial Guinea
• Guinea-Bissau
• Marshall Islands
• North Macedonia
• Saint Kitts and Nevis
• Saint Lucia
• Saint Vincent And The Grenadines
• Sao Tome and Principe
• Sierra Leone
• Sint Maarten
• Solomon Islands
• South Sudan
• Timor-Leste
• Turkmenistan

THAILAND VISA EXEMPTION

Currently, Thailand offers visa exemption to 64 countries. Most countries in that list get a 30-day entry. Just a handful of countries in South America and South Korea get 90-day entry.

How long can you stay in Thailand with visa exemption

Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Peru and South Korea nationals can stay up to 90 days in Thailand. All other visa-exempt nationalities can stay up to 30 days in Thailand. 

Except for G7 countries (Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, United Kingdom, and the United States), all other nationalities will be granted only a 30-day entry if entering by land.

Malaysia passport holders are granted 30-day entry when entering by land from Malaysia.

How many times can you enter Thailand with visa exemption

There are no restrictions on entering Thailand by air. But you can only enter 2 times in a given year by land.

Passport validity required for visa exemption

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day of arrival in Thailand.

Documents to carry for visa exemption

• Original passport
• Proof of onward ticket
• Proof of funds (20,000 THB for individuals and 40,000 THB for families)

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day of arrival in Thailand. 

Your proof of onward ticket can be a print or a copy on your phone. This cannot be a bus or train ticket. This must a flight ticket. If you are traveling on a one-way ticket or planning to take a bus or train to Laos or Cambodia, get a dummy proof of an onward flight ticket .

Proof of funds can be cash, ATM cards or credit cards. There were incidents where tourists were forced to show proof of funds in the form of cash. To avoid unnecessary trouble, I suggest carrying a bit of cash on you in Thai Baht or any major currency.

THAILAND VISA ON ARRIVAL (VOA)

Thailand is a popular tourist destination in South East Asia, partly due to its liberal visa-exemption and Visa on Arrival policies. Currently, 18 nationalities can obtain Thailand Visa on Arrival at all international airports and land checkpoints with minimal documentation.

How long can you stay in Thailand with Visa on Arrival (VOA)

You can stay up to 15 days on Visa on Arrival (VOA). No visa extensions are allowed.

How many times can you obtain Visa on Arrival (VOA)

If you are traveling to many countries in South East Asia, you may have to enter Thailand multiple times. You can obtain Visa on Arrival multiple times on your trip without any problems. 

PERSONAL EXPERIENCE I obtained Visa on Arrival (VOA) at the airport and later at a land border in Thailand on my South East Asia trip and I was fine.

Passport validity required for Visa on Arrival (VOA)

Your passport must be valid for at least 30 days from the day of arrival in Thailand.

Documents required for Visa on Arrival (VOA)

The following documents are required for Visa on Arrival (VOA).

• Completed Thailand Visa on Arrival application form
• One passport-size photo (4×6 cm)
• Return/onward flight ticket (must be within 15 days of arrival in Thailand)
• Hotel booking confirmation (minimum 5 nights)
• Proof of funds (10,000 THB for individuals and 20,000 THB for families)

Print and complete your Thailand Visa on Arrival application form before heading on your trip to Thailand. If you can’t print it, you can always grab one at the airport and fill it out.

A return/onward flight ticket is mandatory and it must be within 15 days of arrival in Thailand. If your return ticket is over 15 days, you will be forced to rebook another flight ticket by the Visa on Arrival staff. You will end up spending a lot on rebooking so make sure your flight ticket is within 15 days.

Your return or onward ticket must be a flight ticket. Bus or train tickets are not acceptable. If you plan to travel to a neighboring country by land, you must still provide a flight ticket as proof of onward travel .

If you plan on traveling to a neighboring country by bus or train, get a dummy onward flight ticket for your Visa on Arrival. 

Hotel booking is mandatory. A minimum of 5 nights or more is required. Booking a hotel for the first 1 or 2 nights will not work. You will be forced to book the remaining nights by the VOA staff at the airport.

Proof of funds must be a minimum of 10,000 THB for individuals and 20,000 THB for families. You would need to show proof of funds in cash. You can get away by saying that you have your debit and credit cards on you. But, I strongly suggest you have at least 5,000 THB on your and for the remaining, you can show your debit card, credit card and bank statements.

Visa on Arrival (VOA) photo size

The photo must be of size 4 x 6 cm. It must have been taken within the last 6 months. You may need 1-2 photos for your visa depending on the checkpoint. Carry at least 2 photos for Visa on Arrival at the land borders.

Visa on Arrival (VOA) fee

Thailand Visa ON ARRIVAL fee is 2,000 THB. This fee must be paid in cash in Thai Baht (THB) only. 

You may be forced to pay an additional 200 THB as an express fee for fast processing of your VOA. Sometimes you will not have a choice but to pay this express fee.

Money exchanges are available near the Visa on Arrival sections in the airports. No ATMs are available, so make sure to carry cash in THB or any major currency.

Visa on Arrival (VOA) processing time

Visa on Arrival process at airports is quick these days. It used to take at least an hour before. Either way, account for an additional one hour for your Visa on Arrival process at the airport just in case.

To save time, you can download and fill out the Visa on Arrival application form prior to your arrival.

RELATED: How to get a 15-day Thailand Visa on Arrival (VOA) in 2023 – A complete guide

THAILAND ONLINE VISA ON ARRIVAL (e-VOA)

Thailand e-VOA speeds up the process of obtaining Visa on Arrival (VOA) at the airport. If you hold an e-VOA, you can skip the regular Visa on Arrival lines at the airports. 

All 18 nationalities that are eligible for Visa on Arrival can obtain e-VOA online. 

There are special counters set up at the airports just for e-VOA holders for obtaining Visa on Arrival. You do not need to carry supporting documents or the visa fee. All you need is your original passport, e-VOA approval and proof of funds.

IMPORTANT e-VOA is NOT eVISA. Even with an e-VOA, you still have to go through the Visa on Arrival process and obtain your VOA stamp at the airport. It ONLY speeds up the process of obtaining Visa on Arrival at the airport since your document check and visa fee payment were already done online.

Hong long can you stay in Thailand with e-VOA

You can stay up to 15 days using e-VOA. No visa extensions are allowed.

Passport validity required for e-VOA

Blank pages needed in the passport for e-voa.

You must have at least 1 blank page in your passport.

Where to enter Thailand with e-VOA

With an approved e-VOA, you can only enter Thailand from the below 4 international airports. 

• Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok (BKK)
• Don Mueang International Airport in Bangkok (DMK)
• Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX)
• Phuket International Airport (HKT)

NOTE If you plan to enter Thailand from an airport other than the above 4 or from a land border, you must opt for the regular Visa on Arrival. You CANNOT use e-VOA.

Thailand e-VOA application procedure

To obtain Thailand e-VOA, you must fill out an online visa application and upload the required documents. Pay the Visa on Arrival fee, service charge and tax. You will receive your e-VOA result in 1-3 working days.

Once your e-VOA is approved, print your e-VOA approval. You must present your passport, e-VOA approval and arrival/departure card at the Visa on Arrival counters at the airport. The 15-day Visa on Arrival will be stamped in your passport.

You can apply for e-VOA from any one of the two authorized visa agents. These are the only 2 agents authorized by Thai immigration.

• eVisa Thailand E-Visa on Arrival | THB 495.33 processing fee plus 7% VAT
• Thailand eVisa on Arrival by VFS Global | THB 500 processing fee

Documents required for e-VOA

The following documents are required for e-VOA.

• Passport cover page
• Passport ID page
• Digital photo (4×6 cm)
• Round trip flight tickets (return flight must be within 15 days of arrival in Thailand)
• Hotel booking confirmations for the entire stay

Thailand e-VOA fee

The fee for e-VOA is 2,000 THB. The visa agent will charge a service fee of 500 THB and tax on top of the visa fee. The visa fee can only be paid in Thai Baht using a credit/debit card. 

The additional THB 500 service fee is non-refundable in case of e-VOA rejection.

e-VOA processing time

The processing time for e-VOA is 1-3 working days. Express processing is also available for an additional fee where the application will be processed within 24 hours.

e-VOA application tracking

Both eVisa Thailand and VFS Global offer visa application status tracking. 

THAILAND E-VISA

Thailand E-Visa is an initiative from Thai immigration to move the Thai visa process online. The idea is to replace the regular pre-approved visa from the embassy with the new E-Visa. The visa validity and entry are exactly the same as the pre-approved visa from the embassy. 

Thailand’s E-Visa portal offers both single and multiple-entry visas. You can apply for either one. But if the officers are not convinced that you need a multiple-entry visa, they may simply issue a single-entry visa. The fee for the multiple-entry visa is not refunded in that case.

Validity of Thailand E-Visa

Thailand E-Visa is valid for 3 months or 6 months depending on the entry type. 

• Single-Entry: Valid for 3 months
• Multiple-Entry: Valid for 6 months

When to apply for E-Visa

You can apply for a Thai E-Visa up to 3 months prior to your trip. The processing takes about 3-10 working days, so it’s recommended to apply at least a month prior to your trip.

How long can stay in Thailand on E-Visa

You can stay up to 60 days in Thailand on your single-entry Thailand E-Visa. 

With a multiple-entry E-Visa, you can stay up to 60 days on each entry. All entries must be made within the validity of your multiple-entry E-Visa. Meaning, even if you enter Thailand on the last day of your E-Visa, you will still receive a 60-day entry.

Both single-entry and multiple-entry E-Visas are extendable for additional 30 days at the local immigration office. 

Passport validity required for E-Visa

At the time of lodging your E-Visa application, your passport must be valid for at least 6 months for a single-entry E-Visa and 1 year for a multiple-entry E-Visa.

E-Visa application procedure

You can apply for your E-Visa on the Thai E-Visa portal . You must fill out the online application, upload the required documents and pay the required visa fee.

The Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs has created a nice step-by-step video guide and a PDF guide on how to apply for your E-Visa using the Thai E-Visa portal.

Documents required

The following documents are required for the Thai E-Visa.

• A scan of your passport ID page
• A digital photo (4×6 cm)
• Fully paid round-trip flight tickets
• Proof of residence (if not a citizen of the country where you are applying from)

All scanned documents must be in JPG format only. Max allowed file size is 3MB.

Photo requirements

The digital photo must meet the following requirements.

• Photo must have been taken in the last 6-months
• Must be 4×6 cm in dimensions
• Must be in JPG format only 
• Max file size allowed is 3MB

The Thailand E-Visa fee is $40 USD for a single-entry tourist visa, paid in the local currency of the Thai consulate you have selected in your E-Visa application. E-Visa fees can only be paid using a credit/debit card. 

Processing time

The processing time for E-Visa is 3-10 working days. 

Application tracking

The application can be tracked within the dashboard of your account in the E-Visa portal.

THAILAND TOURIST VISA FROM THE EMBASSY

The following are eligible to apply for a pre-approved tourist visa. 

• Visa REQUIRED nationality that are not eligible for Thai E-VISA
• Visa ON ARRIVAL eligible nationality that would need to stay longer than 15 days and are not eligible for Thai E-Visa
• Visa EXEMPT nationality that would need to stay longer than 30 days and are not eligible for Thai E-Visa

Validity of Thailand tourist visa

A single-entry Thailand tourist visa is valid for 3 months. You must enter Thailand within the validity of this visa.

A multiple-entry Thailand tourist visa is valid for 6 months. You can enter Thailand unlimited times on this type of visa and all entries must be within the validity of the visa. 

When to apply for Thailand tourist visa

You can apply for a Thailand tourist visa up to 3 months prior to your trip. The processing can take from 3-10 working days so it’s recommended to apply at least one month prior to your trip.

How long can you stay in Thailand on a tourist visa

You can stay up to 60 days on a single-entry Thailand tourist visa. A 30-day extension is possible from the local immigration office.

You can stay up to 60 days for each entry on a multiple-entry tourist visa. A 30-day extension is possible from the local immigration office.

Passport validity required for tourist visa

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months at the time of applying for your tourist visa.

Blank pages needed in the passport for tourist visa

You must have at least two blank pages in your passport for the tourist visa. One page for the visa sticker and one page for entry and exit stamps.

Thailand tourist visa application procedure

You can apply for a Thailand tourist visa in person at your nearest Royal Thai embassy or using an authorized visa agent such as VFS Global.

Here is an informational video made by the Royal Thai consulate in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on how to fill and arrange the documents for your Thailand tourist visa.

IMPORTANT If you are a Visa REQUIRED nationality, you can ONLY apply for a Thailand tourist visa in your country of passport or residence. That means You CANNOT apply for a Thailand tourist visa while traveling.

If you do not have a Thai mission in your country of passport or residence, you must apply at a Thai mission in a neighboring country that is specifically designated for applicants from your country. 

The following documents are required for Thailand tourist visa.

• Completed Thailand tourist visa application form (you can download it from your nearest Royal Thai embassy website)
• Original passport with at least 6 months of validity with 2 blank pages
• Copies of your passport data/ID page and last page (2-3 copies depending on the Thai embassy where you are applying from)
• Passport size photos (1-4 photos depending on the Thai embassy where you are applying from)
• Roundtrip flight tickets (fully paid and confirmed for certain Thai embassies)
• Hotel reservations for the entire trip 
• Full itinerary (full itinerary of your entire stay on a sheet of paper)
• Bank statements (last 6 months showing at least $700 USD per individual or $1,400 USD per family)
• Proof of residence (if applying from a country other than the country of passport)

The passport photo for the visa application must meet the following requirements.

• Must be of size 3.5 x 4.5 cm
• Must be latest taken in the last 3 months
• Must be on a white background without glasses or a hat

You may need 1-4 photos for your visa depending on the nationality. Carry about 4 photos when heading to the embassy.

Thailand tourist visa fee is 1,000 THB ($30 USD) for a single-entry tourist visa and 5,000 THB ($145 USD) for a multiple-entry tourist visa. You have to pay the visa fee in your local currency, so the visa fee may vary a bit due to currency exchange rates. 

Visa agents such as VFS Global charge an additional service fee, courier fee, handling charges, etc. on top of the visa fee.

Thailand tourist visa processing time is 3 to 10 working days. Most applications are processed within 3 working days but if the embassy requires additional documents from you, it can take up to 10 working days.

Thai consulates, embassies, and authorized visa agents provide visa status updates via email. VFS Global provides online visa application tracking for its applicants.

ENTRY AND EXIT PROCEDURE AT THE AIRPORT

Entering Thailand by air

If you are a visa-exempt nationality, hold an E-Visa or a pre-approved Thailand tourist visa, head straight to immigration.

If you need to obtain Visa on Arrival (VOA), head to the Visa on Arrival section first. To speed up the Visa on Arrival process, you can either opt for e-VOA or express lanes at the airport. You can also download and fill out the Visa on Arrival application form before you arrive at the airport. 

If you don’t have a completed Visa on Arrival form with you, grab one at the Visa on Arrival section. There will be examples of completed application forms on the wall to assist you with filling out the application form.

IMPORTANT Visa on Arrival fee can only be paid in THB. There are NO ATMs at the Visa on Arrival sections in any of the Thailand airports. So, make sure to carry enough cash in THB (Thai Baht) or major currency. There are currency exchanges at Visa on Arrival sections. So if you have some major currency on you, you can change it into THB.

After you complete your Visa on Arrival procedure, head to the immigration area.

Leaving Thailand by air

On exiting Thailand, you will have to go through passport control. You must present the following documents

• Your original passport
• Airline boarding pass

If flying out of Bangkok (BKK and DMK), long lines at check-in counters and passport control are common. Arrive at least 2 hours before your departure time.

ENTRY AND EXIT PROCEDURE AT THE LAND BORDER

Entering thailand by land.

If you are a visa-exempt nationality, hold an E-Visa or a pre-approved Thailand visa, head straight to immigration.

If you have to obtain Visa on Arrival (VOA), head to the Visa on Arrival section first. To speed up the Visa on Arrival process, you can download and fill out the Visa on Arrival application form before you arrive at the land border. 

IMPORTANT The Visa on Arrival fee can only be paid in THB. ATMs and currency exchanges are very rare at the land borders. So, make sure to carry enough cash in THB (Thai Baht).

Leaving Thailand by land

On exiting Thailand by land, you must go through passport control. You must present the following documents

• Visa to the next country

If the next country you will be entering requires a visa, you must present the visa of that country. Otherwise, you will not be allowed to leave Thailand. If you will be obtaining Visa on Arrival in the next country, just say that you will obtain Visa on Arrival and you will be fine.

Thailand offers Visa EXEMPTION and Visa ON ARRIVAL to many nationalities. For those who REQUIRE a visa, a Thailand tourist visa is quite easy to obtain. Currently, 18 nationalities are eligible to obtain Visa on Arrival (VOA) and over 50 nationalities can obtain E-Visa. Rest requires a pre-approved visa from the embassy.

WRITTEN BY THIRUMAL MOTATI

Thirumal Motati is an expert in tourist visa matters. He has been traveling the world on tourist visas for more than a decade. With his expertise, he has obtained several tourist visas, including the most strenuous ones such as the US, UK, Canada, and Schengen, some of which were granted multiple times. He has also set foot inside US consulates on numerous occasions. Mr. Motati has uncovered the secrets to successful visa applications. His guidance has enabled countless individuals to obtain their visas and fulfill their travel dreams. His statements have been mentioned in publications like Yahoo, BBC, The Hindu, and Travel Zoo.

PLAN YOUR TRAVEL WITH VISA TRAVELER

I highly recommend using these websites to plan your trip. I use these websites myself to apply for my visas, book my flights and hotels and purchase my travel insurance.

01. Apply for your visa

Get a verifiable flight itinerary for your visa application from DummyTicket247 . DummyTicket247 is a flight search engine to search and book flight itineraries for visas instantly. These flight itineraries are guaranteed to be valid for 2 weeks and work for all visa applications.

02. Book your fight

Find the cheapest flight tickets using Skyscanner . Skyscanner includes all budget airlines and you are guaranteed to find the cheapest flight to your destination.

03. Book your hotel

Book your hotel from Booking.com . Booking.com has pretty much every hotel, hostel and guesthouse from every destination.

04. Get your onward ticket

If traveling on a one-way ticket, use BestOnwardTicket to get proof of onward ticket for just $12, valid for 48 hours.

05. Purchase your insurance

Purchase travel medical insurance for your trip from SafetyWing . Insurance from SafetyWing covers COVID-19 and also comes with a visa letter which you can use for your visas.

Need more? Check out my travel resources page  for the best websites to plan your trip.

LEGAL DISCLAIMER We are not affiliated with immigration, embassies or governments of any country. The content in this article is for educational and general informational purposes only, and shall not be understood or construed as, visa, immigration or legal advice. Your use of information provided in this article is solely at your own risk and you expressly agree not to rely upon any information contained in this article as a substitute for professional visa or immigration advice. Under no circumstance shall be held liable or responsible for any errors or omissions in this article or for any damage you may suffer in respect to any actions taken or not taken based on any or all of the information in this article. Please refer to our full disclaimer for further information.

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Latest Thailand Entry Requirements

After two years of dealing with Covid, international travel is returning to normal. To help welcome visitors back to the Land of Smiles, the Thai government lifted its final restrictions on July 1st, 2022.

From July 1st, the following changes have been implemented for all international travelers.

• Foreigners do not need to show proof of Covid Insurance.
• All mandatory hotel quarantine has been removed.
• Thailand Pass is no longer required for foreign travelers entering Thailand.
• Vaccinated travelers do not need to provide proof of vaccination to Thai authorities before arriving.
• Unvaccinated travelers (including children traveling with unvaccinated parents) will need to complete an RT-PCR or Professional Antigen Test (Pro-ATK) 72 hours before departing for Thailand. Proof does not need to be uploaded before traveling.
• Airlines and Thai Immigration will do random checks to confirm travelers meet Covid prevention requirements (vaccination or Covid test).

Below is a full list of what international travelers need before entering Thailand.

Required Documents for Travel to Thailand

Please have the following documents ready.

• Passport with at least six month validity
• Visa or visa exemption qualification
• Buy Thailand Travel Insurance
• Boarding pass to be presented at Passport Control
• Hotel booking confirmation if asked by Immigration Officer
• Note: Vaccination record no longer required

Incorrect documents will delay the entry screening by rules from the Thai immigration bureau and its Thai immigration officials.

Buy Your Insurance Now

Passport Validity / Visas

The first thing to check before planning to travel to Thailand is the validity of your passport. International travel requires that your passport is not expiring within six months of your travel date. If you have less than six months left on your passport, you cannot enter Thailand.

If you are planning to travel in the future, check your passport early so you know if you need to apply for a new one or not. It is best to check with your local embassy about how long it will take to receive your new passport. As people look to travel again, passport departments are swamped with new applications and this is causing a backlog in many countries.

There are several visas available to foreigners who are planning to visit Thailand. The visa you need will depend on where you are from, your purpose of travel, and how long you intend to stay.

Visa Exemption

A foreign visitor may enter Thailand under the Visa Exemption Program . Nationalities under the Visa Exemption Program may enter Thailand without a visa from a Thai Embassy or Consulate.

Upon arriving in Thailand, most nationalities who are part of the Visa Exemption Program may stay for up to 30 days. Certain nationalities can arrive as part of this program, but for a shorter time. It is best to check the country exemption list and confirm how long you can visit Thailand without needing to apply for a Visa.

Tourists arriving under visa exemption are eligible to extend their stay for up to a further 30 days by visiting a local Thai Immigration Office. The cost to extend is approximately 2000 baht.

There is often confusion about Visa Exemption and “Visa on Arrival”. Visa on Arrival is a 15-day visa for travelers from India,  China, and 16 other countries. If you do not find your country on the Visa Exemption list, it is best to check the Visa on Arrival list.

There are some important things to note for Visa on Arrival:

• A passport must be valid for at least 30 days.
• The purpose of the visit is strictly tourist.
• A visitor must show an address in Thailand where they will be staying.
• A traveler must have a confirmed return flight.
• Must show proof of funds to the value of 10,000 baht per person or 20,000 baht for a family.
• A fee of 2000 baht is paid on arrival. The fee must be paid in cash and in Thai baht.

Tourist Visa and Special Tourist Visa (STV)

Foreigners may also apply for a Tourist Visa from a Thai embassy or consulate. There is the normal 60-day tourist visa that can be extended for additional 30 days, or the 90-day Special Tourist Visa (STV), which can be extended for 90 days twice at a local immigration office. There are certain requirements needed for the STV, but it allows a visitor to potentially stay in Thailand for 9 months. The Special Tourist Visa is currently scheduled to halt applications in September.

Contact your local Thai Embassy to verify what documents are needed to complete the process. When your visa is approved, the Embassy will place a sticker on your passport, so allow time for potential postage.

For those entering Thailand for a different purpose of stay, they need to obtain a Thai visa from their local Thai Embassy or Consulate prior to coming to Thailand.

Non-Immigrant Visa

Foreigners may apply for a wide range of long-term non-immigrant visas:

• Non-immigrant B Visa – for conducting business or employment
• Non-immigrant O visa – for visiting Thai spouse and family
• Non-immigrant ED visa – for students of recognized institutions in Thailand and their Parents or Legal guardian
• Non-immigrant O retirement visa – for those who wish to retire in Thailand
• Non-immigrant OA and OX visa – for those who wish to obtain a Thailand retirement visa for a long stay (it differs from type O visa)

The above visas can be organized at a local Thai Embassy or Consulate. The paperwork can be quite involved, but there are companies that can help.

Siam Legal International is a reputable company in Thailand that has offered visa assistance to foreign visitors for years. They are well versed in Thai immigration policies and processes. If you would like to streamline your long-term stay in Thailand, it is worth contacting them.

Thai Elite Visa

If you wish to make Thailand easily accessible for many years to come or are perhaps thinking of relocating permanently, it is worth having a look at the Thai Elite Visa.

The Thai Elite Visa allows foreign citizens to live in Thailand for 5, 10, or even 20 years. Thai Elite members do not need to worry about some of the eligibility criteria that are needed when applying for other long-term visas.

The Thai Elite visa is an exclusive visa that offers a host of benefits to holders. If you want to enjoy “Thai life” for the long term, you can read more about the Thai Elite Visa .

Proof of Vaccine or Testing

How a visitor enters Thailand will still depend on their vaccination status.

Vaccinated Travelers

Vaccinated travelers do not need to provide proof of vaccination to Thai authorities before arriving. A vaccinated traveler will need to have a copy of their vaccination certificate either printed or on a digital device and be able to present it if asked.

Thailand does not require visitors to have had a third booster shot. 2 shots (1 shot for Jansen) is considered fully vaccinated and accepted.

Unvaccinated Travelers

Unvaccinated travelers will need to complete an RT-PCR test or Professional Antigen Test (Pro-ATK) within 72 hours before boarding a flight in their departure country. They will need to have a copy of the test result and be able to present it if asked.

The RT-PCR and Pro-ATK test must be completed by a medical professional and a test report received. The home ATK (RAT) self-test is not acceptable for entering Thailand.

Vaccination and Testing for Children

The testing requirement for children under 18 depends on the vaccination status of their parents. Children traveling with vaccinated parents do not need to complete any RT-PCR or Pro-ATK test before entering Thailand. Children traveling with unvaccinated parents will need to complete the same test as their parents within 72 hours of departing their home country.

It is important to note that many airlines are still asking for proof of vaccination or a Covid test before boarding flights. If you cannot produce one of these documents, you might not board the flight.

Though foreigners no longer need to provide evidence of testing or vaccination prior to arriving in Thailand, they are still required. Thai authorities are conducting random checks of international passengers and if a vaccination certificate or test result cannot be shown, a visitor will not be allowed to enter Thailand.

Insurance has become a dirty word during Covid. Seasoned travelers have always understood the importance of having comprehensive Travel Insurance when traveling abroad. Travel insurance protected travelers from unexpected incidents like:

• Medical emergencies
• Personal injury & accidents
• Missed or delayed flights
• Damage to belongings
• Lost luggage

It was one of those things that people hoped they would never need but regretted not having when needed.

During the Pandemic, proof of insurance became mandatory when visiting countries like Thailand. Over time, people stopped referring to insurance as “Travel Insurance” and always referred to it as “Covid Insurance”. Because you had to have it, it was another hoop to jump through.

The good news is that you no longer need to provide proof of “Covid Insurance” to enter Thailand. But it is recommended because all the things listed above can still happen, and Covid has not disappeared completely.

Foreign visitors are not eligible for free medical care in Thailand if something should happen. Whether it be an accident or personal injury, if a visitor needs medical help, or has a canceled flight, they will need to cover any expenses themselves. Depending on the severity, this could be hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars.

Buying good Travel Insurance shouldn’t break the bank. Protecting yourself is cheaper than medical bills, new flights, and replacing lost luggage.

You can buy Travel Insurance from many companies. But if you are looking for coverage that is designed for Thailand, is trusted by Thai authorities and medical institutions, and offers a helpline with people who speak the local language and know the country’s procedures, it is worth checking out AXA Thailand .

Their policies are well priced, straightforward, offer many benefits to its customers, and can be approved in minutes.

Get your travel insurance here: https://u.axa.co.th/Sawasdee_Siamlegal

Hotel and Proof of Address Updates

Previously, a foreign visitor would complete an Arrival Card (TM6) before entering Thailand. This requirement has been temporarily removed as part of a new initiative by the Thai government.

A visitor no longer needs to provide proof of a hotel booking before departing their country, but will still need to provide an address when passing through Passport Control in Thailand. This address can be a hotel, home, or friend’s address.

This is especially true with people arriving on a pre-approved visa from a Thai Embassy or Consulate.

From July 1, travelers are no longer required to book a SHA+ hotel and undergo an RT-PCR test on arrival. Most hotels have removed their SHA+ quarantine packages, but you will still see the SHA+ badge displayed on hotels.

It is recommended to browse hotels in Thailand on Agoda.com before arriving as it is easier to organize transport to your first night’s rest if pre-booked.

Thailand Pass

From July 1st, 2022, foreign travelers no longer need to apply for a Thailand Pass before entering Thailand. The system is still in place but is now a platform where visitors can notify the Thai authorities and medical facilities if they are diagnosed positive for Covid during their stay.

If you need to access the Thailand Pass system while in Thailand, please visit https://tp.consular.go.th/ and register by filling in your personal details on the Thailand Pass registration page.

International Arrivals

Travelers do not need to provide any proof of flights before leaving their home country.

There is a lot of discussion about whether a return flight needs to be booked when entering Thailand. Technically, all visitors should have a return flight booked. However, you will not always be asked to present evidence of a return flight.

If a visitor is entering Thailand with a pre-approved visa, or Visa on Arrival, they will often be asked to present details of their exit flight. Sometimes a visitor did not have a return flight and had to book a flight on the spot before being processed through Passport Control. To avoid this, it is best to book an exit flight that can be changed. You can always change your plans once in Thailand.

Domestic flights

There are no longer any restrictions on domestic flights and travel. When entering Thailand at an international terminal, a traveler is free to transit to a domestic flight right away. “Sealed” flights have been removed.

Domestic airlines will not always ask for proof, but it is best to have your vaccination certificate or Covid test result on hand in case you are asked to show it.

Siam Legal has received reports from potential clients that some hospitals are creating difficulties for them until full payment is made for their medical expenses. Also, foreigners have allegedly been threatened with lawsuits for not settling their medical bills before being discharged. Using out-of-country policies can be problematic. We recommend using insurance providers headquartered inside Thailand with a proper cover to avoid any undesirable outcomes.

Siam Legal International, a premier law firm in Thailand, recommends purchasing the proper insurance and so endorses AXA Insurance for your travel to Thailand insurance needs.

HERE ARE SOME IMPORTANT POINTS YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE PURCHASING TRAVEL INSURANCE

• Please review the details of any insurance before purchasing to understand if the policy has adequate cover. Cheap policies with inadequate levels of cover can lead to significant personal liability, and scenarios where policy holders incur hundreds of thousands of baht in out-of-pocket medical expenses have been reported. There are significant financial risks to being underinsured during your stay in Thailand.
• These policies do not cover medical costs from accidents (like motorcycle accidents) or common unexpected illnesses (common fever or food poisoning). Best to pay a few baht more for the peace of mind that comes from having proper coverage.
• AXA covers medical expenses (outpatient and inpatient) for accidents and illnesses, including COVID-19. Other insurance coverage might not.
• AXA also covers telemedicine and teleconsultation, which may be required during the quarantine period of any traveler.

Thai hospital staff are familiar with AXA cover, which should prevent any inconvenience during hospital admission or medical treatment from your hotel room. AXA Thailand also offers 24/7 local support during your stay in Thailand.

You can buy your Thailand Travel insurance today at:

https://u.axa.co.th/Sawasdee_Siamlegal

List of approved covid-19 vaccines.

As of December 1, the MoPH has approved the following vaccines:

• Pfizer–BioNTech or Comirnaty
• Janssen or Janssen/Ad26.COV2.S
• AstraZeneca or Covishield
• Sinopharm or COVILO
• CoronaVac or SinoVac
• Sputnik Lite

How to Obtain Travel Insurance

Though COVID-19 insurance is no longer mandatory for entry to Thailand, it is recommended to have comprehensive Travel insurance for the duration of your stay. Good travel insurance covers not only medical expenses relating to Covid but also accident cover, personal damage, loss of possessions, and missed or delayed flights.

It is best to purchase insurance before you travel. The easiest way to buy your policy is online through a reputable insurance provider. The insurance company will provide you with the all-important certificate of cover that you can present to authorities or medical professionals if you need to make a claim.

You may also be asked to present this certificate to the airline before they will allow you to onboard. It’s quick and easy to do online. You can choose your length of policy from 7, 15, 30, 60 days, and 180 days. Just make sure that the policy covers your entire period of stay in Thailand as foreigners are not eligible for free medical care in Thailand and insurance companies will not cover claims for existing conditions.

You may purchase AXA COVID-19 travel insurance within a few minutes. Check them below.

You can buy budget insurance here: https://www.siam-legal.com/axa-insurance

How to Open a Bank Account in Thailand

Siam Legal offers and provides aid for a smooth and hassle-free way to open up a Thai bank account.

• You will receive help in opening a savings/current bank account
• You will receive a Bankbook and a debit/ATM card
• Online Banking (Thai mobile number is required)

Requirements

• Guarantee letter (to be provided by Siam Legal)
• The applicant may book our service online.
• Our staff will prepare the application and necessary documents for the bank and arrange an appointment with the applicant.
• The applicant will collect the application form and documents from the Siam Legal Bangkok office and proceed to the specific bank branch. Opening the account at the bank takes 1 to 2 hours.

Service Fee

Our service fee is 150 USD for opening a Thai savings account in Bangkok.

City Travel Guide

• How to Travel to Bangkok
• How to Travel to Phuket
• How to Travel to Pattaya
• How to Travel to Chiang Mai
• How to Travel to Samui
• How to Travel to Hua Hin

Useful Links

• Best COVID-19 Insurance for Foreigners  
• Thailand Elite Visa – long term visa option for Thailand
• How to Travel to Thailand in 2022 – Your Ultimate Guide

Related Posts

How to Travel to Thailand in 2024

Best Places to Retire in Thailand for Couples

How to Retire in Thailand for Couples

Thailand Travel Restrictions 2023

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While some countries have lenient visa policies, others don’t go easy with the process. Several factors make visiting these countries nearly impossible: some have complex visa application processes in place, some do not issue tourist visas due to safety and political reasons, while a few are under totalitarian regimes, and are cut off from the rest of the world. Read less

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While some countries have lenient visa policies, others don’t go easy with the process. Several factors make visiting these countries nearly impossible: some have complex visa application processes in...

Retirement Visas: Everything International Retirees Need to Know

Fact checked by Vikki Velasquez Reviewed by Katie Miller

What Is a Retirement Visa?

A retirement visa is a special type of visa issued by some nations that allows people with adequate financial resources to live in a specific foreign country for an extended period of time. Americans considering retiring outside of the United States will need to understand the income, health, and age requirements of their destination.

Key Takeaways

• Retirement visas are a type of visa that allows individuals to retire in a foreign country.
• The requirements for obtaining a retirement visa vary from country to country but typically involve maintaining a certain threshold of income or assets.
• Some countries also have age restrictions.
• A major benefit of retirement visas is that they are good for a much longer period than regular tourist visas.
• Some retirement visas last for life, while others need to be renewed periodically.

How Retirement Visas Work

A visa is a government permit allowing foreigners to enter a particular country and remain there for a specified period of time. A retirement visa is a type of visa that allows people to enter a country and, if they wish, spend their retirement years there.

Countries that offer retirement visas of one form or another include Costa Rica, Ecuador, Indonesia, Ireland, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, the Philippines, Portugal, Spain, and Thailand.

Retirement visas are generally good for at least 12 months, after which they can be renewed if the person still qualifies. In some countries, foreign retirees can also apply for permanent residency and obtain citizenship after they have lived there for a certain number of years.

Retirement Visa Requirements

Retirement visas go by different names in different countries, each of which maintains its own rules. In some countries, an individual must be over a certain age to qualify for a retirement visa. Others may have no specific age requirement but stipulate that the person be retired and have retirement or pension income.

All set a minimum income requirement, and some require that applicants deposit funds in a local bank. In many instances, retirement visa holders are not allowed to work in the host country unless they are able to obtain a separate work permit. The visa holder may also be required to purchase health insurance that is valid in that country. ( Medicare pays for healthcare outside the U.S. only in rare instances, for instance.)

Deciding to retire and travel isn’t something to take lightly. Consider every angle, such as your health and finances, before you take next steps.

How to Get a Retirement Visa

The process for obtaining a retirement visa also varies by country. In most cases, application forms can be found on government websites, along with instructions on how to apply, including where to apply in person. Depending on the country, you may be able to apply either within the U.S. or at an immigration office in the host country. If you’re applying within the U.S., this will typically entail appearing, with necessary documents, at either the country’s embassy in Washington, D.C., or one of its consulates in a major city.

Every country requires at least a few documents, although some are more demanding than others. In virtually every case, applicants are expected to provide:

• A valid passport or other travel document
• Proof of income and/or assets

In some countries, they may be required to provide additional documents, such as:

• A birth certificate
• A marriage certificate (if applicable)
• A medical report attesting to the applicant’s good health
• Proof of vaccinations
• Evidence of medical insurance valid in that country
• Bank statements reflecting deposits in local accounts (if required)
• A house or apartment lease or other proof of a place to stay
• A police certificate showing the lack of a criminal record

Again, depending on the country, it can take several days to several months (or even years) to receive a retirement visa. Most countries seem to require at least a few weeks.

Retirement Visa Options in Different Countries

To show how rules may differ, here are more detailed overviews of retirement visas available in several countries that American retirees might be considering: Australia, Indonesia, Ireland, and Thailand. Before selecting a retirement destination outside the U.S., Americans should be sure that they understand all the details of the visa requirements of the country of destination.

Australia has some of the strictest immigration laws in the world and no longer offers retirement visas. In 2018, the government created what it calls a “retirement visa pathway,” which can lead to permanent residency for a small number of people who qualify. There are several ways to set yourself on this pathway, although it can be a years-long journey.

If you already held an Australian retirement visa (subclass 410) or investment retirement visa (subclass 405) on May 8, 2018, you may be eligible to apply for permanent residency. (Both of those visas have been discontinued.)

If you don’t meet that requirement, you can apply for either a parent visa (subclass 103) or the more expensive contributory parent visa (subclass 143), which may qualify you for permanent residency after a certain period. In either instance, you must be the parent of an Australian citizen or permanent resident, or of a qualifying citizen of New Zealand, in addition to financial and other requirements.

The government cautions that processing times for parent (subclass 103) visas are significantly longer than those for contributory parent​ (subclass 143) visas, which also receive priority consideration. The government recently estimated waiting times of 15 years for contributory parent visas, and 40 years for regular parent visas.

The Republic of Indonesia offers a retired or senior citizen visa that is good for one year and may be extended for as many as five additional years. It doesn’t specify an age requirement but does require proof of sufficient financial resources in the form of a bank or pension fund statement. In addition, applicants must provide proof that they have health, life, and liability insurance .

After living in Indonesia for five consecutive years, visa holders can apply for permanent residency.

To retire to Ireland , U.S. citizens must apply for and be granted what’s known as Stamp 0. To be eligible, the applicant must either be “of independent means, fully financially self-sufficient” or sponsored by someone in Ireland who can provide their full support.

Stamp 0 applicants must also have private medical insurance. They “cannot receive any benefits or use publicly funded services, for example be treated at a public hospital.” In addition, they are not allowed to “work or engage in any business, trade or profession unless specified in a letter of permission from Immigration Service Delivery.”

Residents can apply for Irish citizenship once they have lived in the country for a certain period of time, typically five years but sometimes less.

The Kingdom of Thailand offers what is essentially its retirement visa—the Non-Immigrant “O-A” (long stay) visa—to eligible applicants ages 50 and older who don’t intend to work in the country. (Working is, in fact, prohibited on this visa.)

While the visa is only good for one year, visa holders can apply to extend it for additional one-year periods if they continue to meet the criteria, including income and asset requirements. In addition, visa holders must report to immigration officials every 90 days.

After living in Thailand for three years, visa holders can apply for permanent resident status.

However, it’s worth noting that Thailand limits how many people from any given country are eligible for residency each year, which is currently 100.

Retirement Visa Costs

Countries charge fees for retirement visas. This table shows some examples, as compiled by visadb.io, a website funded by grants from a number of countries:

Benefits and Limitations of a Retirement Visa

Retirement visas allow people to stay in a foreign country longer than typical tourist visas. This can be particularly useful to retirees, who may want to sample a country at various times of the year before deciding on moving there permanently. A retirement visa can also be a step toward qualifying for permanent resident status.

The visas do come with requirements, several of which are described above. In addition, retirees can be subject to taxes and may be required to contribute to the country’s healthcare and retirement systems.

Meanwhile, American citizens who retire to a foreign country are still required to file U.S. tax returns if their income exceeds a certain threshold, just as if they had remained in the States. Income from both U.S. and foreign sources is taxable, although foreign income up to a certain amount may be eligible for the foreign earned income exclusion .

The U.S. also has tax treaties with a number of countries, preventing citizens who are living abroad from being taxed twice on the same income.

Retirement visas differ from golden visas , which are a type of residency-by-investment program allowing people to gain residency by investing in the local economy.

Tips for a Successful Retirement Visa Application

To save time and avoid potential disappointment, anyone who wishes to obtain a retirement visa should follow a few basic steps:

• Read the visa requirements for the host country. These can be found online and in English, usually at the website of the country’s embassy or immigration office.
• Make a checklist of required documents and gather them.
• If your U.S. passport is close to expiring, renew it.
• If the country requires a medical examination, arrange a visit to your doctor.
• Fill out the retirement visa application, which is also typically available online.
• Make an appointment at the nearest embassy or consulate if the country requires an in-person application and allows you to apply from the U.S.

Note that some countries don’t allow applications from abroad but require that you show up in person at an immigration office in that country, typically after having obtained a tourist visa to get in. That makes it all the more important to obtain every necessary document before you go.

Who Can Apply for a Retirement Visa?

Anyone who meets a given country’s requirements can apply for a retirement visa if that country offers one. The requirements typically include a certain amount of income and assets. Some countries have specific age requirements, while many others don’t.

How Can I Apply for a Retirement Visa?

Most countries explain their retirement visa application on their websites, and many provide their applications online. When you’re ready to apply, however, you may have to do so in person.

Which Countries Allow a Retirement Visa?

At least 23 countries offer retirement visas of one kind or another, although they go by many different names. If you’re interested in a particular country, do an online search using its name plus “retirement visa.” A call to the country’s embassy is another option.

Which Countries Are the Easiest to Get a Retirement Visa for?

Generally speaking, countries in Latin America tend to have the lowest minimum income requirements, and they may also have the lowest costs of living . If your goal is to ultimately become a citizen of another country, note that some of them are known for their relatively easy citizenship requirements for retirees.

What If I Want to Work in Retirement, But Abroad?

A digital nomad visa is a document or program that gives someone the legal right to work remotely while residing away from their country of permanent residence. Some 58 regions offer an option to work abroad, including Anguilla, the Bahamas, Croatia, Germany, Norway, and Taiwan.

The Bottom Line

Many countries welcome foreign retirees, particularly those who will bring reliable incomes and substantial assets. For that reason, countries often offer visas that allow retirees to stay for an extended time and possibly forever. For retirees, obtaining a retirement visa can be a good way to explore and experience a country long enough to know whether it’s a place where you would like to settle down permanently.

Read the original article on Investopedia .