Thailand eVisa for Tourists in 2025: Complete Application Process Explained

Thailand remains one of the most visited destinations in Asia, drawing millions of international tourists each year with its beaches, temples, nightlife, and rich cultural experiences. To simplify entry for short-term travelers, the Thai government has expanded its eVisa system in 2025, making it more convenient for tourists to apply online instead of visiting consulates or embassies. This article provides a detailed and specialist-level breakdown of the Thailand eVisa for tourists in 2025, covering eligibility, application process, documents, fees, and common pitfalls to avoid.

What is the Thailand eVisa?
The eVisa (electronic visa) is a digital entry permit issued online by the Thai government for foreign nationals traveling for tourism. It eliminates the need for paper-based applications, long embassy queues, or in-person interviews.

Validity and duration of stay

• Most tourist eVisas issued in 2025 allow a single entry and grant up to 60 days of stay.
• Some nationalities may qualify for a multiple-entry eVisa, which is valid for 6 months, permitting stays of up to 60 days per visit.
• The visa validity begins from the date of approval, not the date of travel, which makes careful planning essential.

Who can apply in 2025?

• Citizens of over 65 countries can apply for the eVisa online, including travelers from the United States, Canada, Australia, the UK, and most EU nations.
• Travelers from certain Asian and Middle Eastern countries are also included, but eligibility may vary depending on bilateral agreements.

Difference from visa exemption and Visa on Arrival (VOA)

• If your nationality is eligible for visa exemption, you may not need any visa for short stays (15–30 days).
• Visa on Arrival is still available at select Thai airports, but it often involves long queues and higher rejection risk. The eVisa is preferred because it guarantees entry if approved beforehand.

Applicants must prepare digital copies of specific documents before starting the process:

• Valid Passport: Minimum 6 months validity from the date of entry and at least one blank page.
• Recent Passport-Sized Photo: JPEG format, taken within the last 6 months.
• Flight Reservation: Proof of return or onward travel within the permitted stay duration.
• Accommodation Proof: Hotel booking confirmation or rental agreement covering the duration of the trip.
• Financial Evidence: Bank statement showing sufficient funds (usually at least USD 600 equivalent for the stay).
• Travel Insurance: Some applicants may be required to provide insurance covering COVID-19, accidents, and medical expenses, especially for long stays.

Step 1: Access the official eVisa platform
Applicants must start by visiting the official Thailand eVisa portal. Using unofficial agents or third-party websites can result in higher fees or delays.

Step 2: Create an account and select visa type

• Register with your email address.
• Select “Tourist Visa (TR)” or “Multiple-Entry Tourist Visa (METV)” depending on your travel needs.

Step 3: Complete the application form
Fill in all personal details such as full name, nationality, passport details, occupation, and intended travel dates. Ensure the information matches your passport exactly.

Step 4: Upload documents
Upload digital copies of your passport, photograph, hotel booking, flight ticket, and other required documents. Files should be in JPEG or PDF format and meet size specifications.

Step 5: Pay the visa fee online

• Single-entry tourist eVisa: Approx. USD 45–55
• Multiple-entry tourist eVisa: Approx. USD 200

Payments must be made by credit or debit card. Once paid, the fee is non-refundable.

Step 6: Wait for processing
Processing typically takes 3–10 business days, depending on nationality and season. Travelers are advised to apply at least 2–3 weeks before departure.

Step 7: Receive and print the eVisa
If approved, you will receive the eVisa by email. Print a hard copy to present at immigration upon arrival in Thailand. Immigration officers may also verify the electronic version.

Standard processing time

• Average: 5 working days.
• Expedited processing is not officially available, though certain consulates process faster during off-peak periods.

Reasons for delays

• Blurred or incorrect passport photo upload.
• Missing or invalid hotel booking documents.
• Mismatch between application details and passport information.
• Applying too close to the travel date.

• The eVisa fee is non-refundable, regardless of approval outcome.
• If the application is rejected, the traveler must reapply with corrected documents and pay again.
• Additional charges may apply when using unauthorized third-party services.

Having an eVisa does not exempt travelers from standard immigration checks. Upon arrival in Thailand, tourists must present:

• Valid passport with the eVisa.
• Return flight ticket within visa validity.
• Proof of accommodation for the entire stay.
• Proof of sufficient funds (cash or recent bank statement).

Failure to provide these documents can result in denial of entry, even if the eVisa is approved.

Can tourists extend their stay?
Yes, holders of a tourist eVisa can request a 30-day extension at local Thai immigration offices.

• Extension fee: Approx. USD 55 (1,900 THB).
• Overstaying without an extension leads to fines of USD 15 (500 THB) per day, up to a maximum of 20,000 THB.

• Convenience: Apply from anywhere without visiting an embassy.
• Time-saving: Avoid long Visa on Arrival queues at airports.
• Security: Guaranteed approval before boarding your flight.
• Flexibility: Available for both single-entry and multiple-entry travelers.

• Applying too late: Submitting the application only days before travel may lead to rejection due to insufficient processing time.
• Using unofficial websites: Many fraudulent websites charge higher fees without guaranteeing approval.
• Incorrect documentation: Submitting expired bank statements or fake bookings can cause rejection.
• Ignoring validity rules: Assuming the visa validity starts on entry rather than on approval is a frequent error.

• Apply at least 3 weeks before your travel date to account for processing delays.
• Carry both printed and digital copies of your eVisa.
• Ensure your passport is valid for 6 months from the date of entry.
• Book refundable flights and hotels in case of visa rejection or delay.
• Have emergency funds beyond the minimum required to satisfy immigration officers.

Conclusion

The Thailand eVisa system in 2025 offers a streamlined, reliable, and modernized way for tourists to enter the country legally. By applying online, travelers avoid unnecessary embassy visits and airport visa queues. However, the process requires careful attention to detail—especially regarding documentation, application timing, and validity rules. For those planning a trip, applying early, double-checking uploaded documents, and understanding immigration requirements upon arrival will ensure a smooth journey into Thailand’s breathtaking landscapes and cultural treasures.