For many years Thailand was one of the most popular destinations for digital nomads. The perfect climate and well-developed infrastructure, combined with friendly prices have always been worthy arguments to spend here at least 3 winter months. Most long-stayers used to live in Thailand on a tourist visa which used to be given for 60 days. It could be extended for another month without leaving the country, and then the so-called visa-runs were needed. Expats had to travel to a neighboring country (Malaysia, Laos or Cambodia) for a new visa.
In 2020, everything changed. Thailand tightly closed its borders, and up to fall 2020 it was almost impossible for a foreigner to enter the country without huge expenses.
Now the rules have softened. You can come to Thailand by applying for a visa in advance. Upon arrival you will have to undergo a two-week quarantine at a special hotel. This option is suitable for those who are going to Thailand for a long time: the reward for paperwork and self-isolation will be spacious almost empty beaches, reduced prices and the opportunity to spend winter and spring in a tropical paradise. The visa allows you to spend up to 90 days in Thailand.
How to apply for a Thai visa in 2020?
Since November 30, VFS Global began accepting Thailand visa applications in visa centers around the world. You can submit your documents only by appointment. However, the decision on a visa remains the exclusive prerogative of Thailand. Purchase of a visa does not cancel the need to undergo a 14-day quarantine on arrival.
It is necessary to apply for tourist visa documents at least 15 working days before the planned departure and only at VFS Global. Single entry tourist visa (TR) will be issued for up to 60 days, then it can be extended for another 30 days already in Thailand. Visa costs $40. In addition, you must pay a service fee of VFS Global, which depends on the country.
List of documents for Thai visa:
- Passport valid for more than 6 months from the date of entry into Thailand;
- One color photo (4×6 cm) taken within the last 6 months;
- Completed and signed visa application form;
- Copy of the local bank statement with the final balance of at least 20,000 Baht per person (approximately $700 USD);
- ASQ Hotel Booking Confirmation with payment confirmation. You can choose and book a suitable hotel on this website;
- Confirmation of accommodation after quarantine period. It could be: a confirmation of hotel booking for the entire period of stay in Thailand; or a certificate of ownership of the real estate in Thailand;
- Marriage certificate and birth certificate for children under 20 years of age;
- Health insurance covering all medical treatment costs, including COVID-19, for a minimum of $100,000 for the duration of your stay in Thailand;
- Round-trip airline ticket;
- Application fee of $40.
Important: after receiving a visa from VFS, applicants must register and upload documents to obtain a Certificate of Entry (COE) at Coethailand.mfa.go.th.
Further, all tourists with an approved visa will have to provide the following documents at the airport of departure and to the relevant authorities upon arrival in Thailand:
- Certificate of Entry (COE);
- ASQ Hotel Booking Confirmation with payment confirmation;
- Health insurance covering all medical treatment costs, including COVID-19, for a minimum of $100,000 for the duration of your stay in Thailand;
- Fit to Fly Medical Certificate issued not more than 72 hours before departure. The certificate must be in English or with a notarized translation into English;
- Certificate with a negative result of a laboratory PCR test for COVID-19. The test should be performed not more than 72 hours before departure. The certificate must be in English or with a notarized translation into English;
- Valid visa and passport.
After completing a 14-day quarantine and a negative COVID-19 test result, visa holders can travel freely within Thailand.
Thailand Special Tourist Visa (STV)
Special Tourist Visa is a new long-term visa for Thailand offered to tourists, business people, investors and all types of travelers from low COVID-19 countries. The final list of countries has not yet been approved.
STV entitles its holder to a 90-day stay in the Kingdom, which can be extended twice for the next 90 days each time and is available until 30 September 2021.
The visa fee is 2000 Baht (approx $700 USD) + additional 2000 Baht for each extension.
Candidates are strongly recommended to contact the Royal Embassy or Consulate of Thailand in their country before starting any STV visa applications.