90 day tourist visa for thailand

We’re sorry, this site is currently experiencing technical difficulties. Please try again in a few moments. Exception: request blocked

Thailand Special Tourist Visa (STV) Long Term Visa

Thailand will be issuing new special visas for tourists amid the COVID-19 pandemic. This type of Thai visa is called Thailand Special Tourist Visa or STV , which is designed mainly for those who want to make long stays. With STV visa, tourists will be allowed to enter Thailand and stay up to 9 months in the country.

Thailand opens for tourists but with conditions

Most of you might already have heard that Thailand is opening its borders to tourists in October 2020 . It's not quite true and everything is not as simple as it seems at first glance.

In this regard, the Thai government has announced that such visas will be granted to long-staying visitors who wish to spend in Thailand between 90 and 270 days so it will still be impossible to come for a month-long vacation.

For getting Thailand Special Tourist Visa, tourists need to provide proof of long-term accommodation plans , such as paid accommodation or property ownership, medical tourists’ doctor appointments and medical insurance as well.

In additional, all tourists must go through quarantine upon arrival at a certified hotel or a hospital that functions as a quarantine facility and all expenses must be paid by the tourists themselves.

The list of countries, where it would be possible to obtain Thailand Special Tourist Visa is not provided yet, but it seems that the first to arrive will be all those who are part of countries considered to be at low risk of COVID-19 and definitely not those where the outbreak of the disease is present.

Update Dec 9,2020 : the Thai government have taken the measure to allow travelers from every country to apply for the STV.

Special Tourist Visa (STV) Measures & Guidelines 

Step 1 : apply for special tourist visa.

Those interested in getting Special Tourist Visa are required to declare the intent for long-stay visit via Royal Thai Embassy or representative company agency approved by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). All required documents must be submitted through the Embassy. Many embassies and consulates suggest to send the application at lease 2- 3 weeks before intended date of departure.

Documents to be provided:

• A passport valid for more than 12 months from the date of entry to Thailand
• A completed visa application form
• Photographs of applicant taken within the last six months. (Color photography with white background. If the photograph does not reflect your current appearance, this may result in the rejection of application)
• Alternative State Quarantine (ASQ) or
• Alternative Local State Quarantine (ALQ)  or
• SHABA Certificate issued by SHA Plus Hotels  for Sandbox Programme
• Proof of payment for the hotel or hospital reservation for the whole duration of intended stay in Thailand. The reservation must be issued by the hotel showing the duration of stay, and hotel’s contact details and tax ID number
• Copy of the condominium, apartment title deed owned by the foreign visitor or family member
• Proof of condominium or house rental for the whole duration of intended stay in Thailand
• Proof of down payment for buying or leasing a condominium or house
• cover at least 90 days (from your arrival date) or the whole period of stay in Thailand
• have medical benefit in Thailand for outpatient must not be less than 40,000 THB
• have medical benefit in Thailand for inpatient must not be less than 400,000 THB
• cover all medical expenditures including COVID-19 at least 50,000 USD Health insurance  (you can easily  buy online  the special insurance package  AXA Sawasdee Thailand  which has been approved by the Office of Insurance Commission of Thailand that meets all requirements)
• Flight details with all charges to be absorbed by the applicant.
• Declaration Form signed by applicant.
• For the spouse: Marriage certificate
• For the child/children whose age under 20 years old: Birth certificate

The documents will then be forwarded to the Department of Consular Affairs, Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) where the STV Visa will be issued for the successful applicant.

Step 2: Apply for the Certificate of Entry (COE)

If your STV visa is ready, you will need to apply for the Certificate of Entry (COE)   online with the Royal Thai Embassy Royal Thai Embassy or Royal Thai Consulate-General in the country of origin. You need to make sure that you have the following documents ready:

For pre-approval stage (registration)

• Copy of passport
• Copy of valid visa or re-entry permit
• Health insurance policy which expressly covers treatment and medical expenses in relation to COVID-19, with a minimum coverage of 50,000 USD
• (If applicable) Attach  Certificate of Vaccination  issued by a government authority, either in digital or paper format.

For final approval stage (confirmation)

• Flight confirmation
• Confirmation of Alternative Quarantine (AQ) hotel booking or SHABA certificate for travellers going to Sandbox Programme 

Step 3:  Present documents at airline’s check-in counter

During flight check-in for departure, you must present the airline officer the followings:

1. Certificate of Entry (COE), issued by the Royal Thai Embassy. 

2.  Fit to Fly Health Certificate , issued no more than 72 hours before departure. ( No longer Needed! )

3.  COVID-19-Free Health Certificate, indicating that COVID -19 has not been detected, issued within 72 hours before departure

4.  Health insurance Policy  with a minimum coverage of 50,000 USD or equivalent for medical treatment expenses of COVID-19 during stay in Thailand.

5. Booking confirmation of the Alternative Quarantine (ASQ or ALQ) or SHABA Certificate issued by SHA Plus hotel 

6. A valid STV visa

Step 4: Upon arrival in Thailand

1. Upon entry to Thailand, traveler entering Thailand during the COVID-19 pandemic period must submit a T8 Form Health Questionnaire upon his/her arrival in the Kingdom of Thailand. The STV visa holder must undergo  health screening  according to the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) measures. Visitor found to be infected with COVID-19 at the airport will be taken immediately to the designated hospital for treatment.

2. If the STV visa holder passes all the screening and is tested negative for COVID-19 on arrival, the  STV will be stamped  in the passport at the immigration.

3. From the airport, the STV visa holder will be immediately transferred to the strict quarantine at quarantine accommodation or Sha Plus hotels.

Step 5: Completion of the Quarantine

Upon completion of the quarantine, STV visa holders will be allowed to leave and go to stay at the chosen accommodation. They will have a  freedom to travel around Thailand  as they are pleased.

Process for Special Tourist Visa (STV)

Duration of Special Tourist Visa (STV)

Under the STV scheme, long-staying visitors  can stay in Thailand for 90 days , which can be extended twice, each for a further 90 days. That is, the  maximum period of stay in the country will be 270 days . 

STV Visa Extension

After the first stay period has ended, foreign visitors may apply for the extension at the local immigration office. However, the extension of Special Tourist Visa will depend on the decision of the Immigration Department of Thailand and the Department disease prevention.

For more details about Special Tourist Visa extension  check  How to Extend Special Tourist Visa .

Cost of Special Tourist Visa (STV)

The issuance of  Thailand Special Tourist Visa will cost 2,000 THB  (about 64 USD). Every additional 90-day extension cost 1,900 THB.

However, it won't be your only cost of visa application. This fee does not include the flight ticket, quarantine accommodation nor accommodation after quarantine, medical and travel Insurance.

Effective date of Special Tourist Visa (STV)

The special tourist visa scheme was published officially in the Royal Thai Government Gazette on 29 September 2020 and is  effective for arrivals from 1 October 2020. 

This visa was due to be withdrawn at the end of September 2021. However, the Thai government have agreed to extend the scheme until 30 September 2022 .

Further updates on Thailand Special Tourist Visa

As requirements regarding issuance of Thailand Special Tourist Visa might slightly vary depending on the country, we would recommend  contacting your local Thai embassy   before making any plans or reservations.

In the meantime, follow our Facebook page for the newest updates on traveling to Thailand.

Important Note

Keep in mind that the rules are often changed! We advise you to contact Thai embassy or consulate in your country to make sure the information is always up to date.

Popular on THAIest

Muay Thai Fights in Bangkok

Where to Stay in Bangkok?

Bangkok Hotels with Infinity Pools

Bangkok River Cruises

Full Moon Party Koh Phangan

Half Moon Party Koh Phangan

Koh Phangan Luxury Hotels & Resorts

Best Hotels in Chiang Mai Old City

Best Hotels in Ao Nang, Krabi

Phuket Pool Villas

We use cookies on our website. Some of them are essential for the operation of the site, while others help us to improve this site and the user experience (tracking cookies). You can decide for yourself whether you want to allow cookies or not. Please note that if you reject them, you may not be able to use all the functionalities of the site.

5 Visa Options to Stay in Thailand Long Term

Thailand is a popular destination for travelers, but many people also dream of making it their long-term home. Indeed, one question many have after a wonderful holiday is, “How can I stay here long term?”

Fortunately, there are several visa options that allow foreigners to stay in the country for extended periods.

In this article, I detail five visas that offer a long-term stay in Thailand, including the requirements, benefits and application process for each.

Whether you're looking to retire in Thailand, start a business, or simply enjoy the tropical lifestyle, this guide will help you navigate the visa options available to make your dreams a reality.

For a more in-depth look at each visa option, follow the links posted throughout the article below the relevant visa.

1. Non-Immigrant O (Retirement Visa)

The Non-Immigrant O Visa (based on retirement) is for people who are 50 years or older and want a long-term stay in Thailand. It is one of the easiest visas to obtain.

The O visa (retirement) is obtained from a Thai embassy or through the eVISA system (depending on your home country).

The visa provides a 90-day stay upon entry to Thailand. Within this 90 days you can obtain a 1-year extension based on retirement at an immigration office in Thailand. You must meet the financial requirements 60 days prior to doing your extension of stay (see below).

• Allows for a one-year stay in Thailand (once the extension is done inside Thailand).
• Extendable each year.
• No requirement to leave the country every 90 days.
• Can open a Thai bank account .

Requirements:

• Age of 50 or above.
• Proof of financial means: 800,000 Baht in a Thai bank account (60 days prior to extension) or monthly income of at least 65,000 Baht.
• Report to immigration every 90 days (90-day reporting).
• 2,000 Baht for the initial O visa.
• 1,900 Baht for a yearly extension.

* Please note: There is an O-A visa, which enables you to obtain your 1-year stay immediately by applying for the visa in your home country. However, the requirements are more in-depth, and the majority of people use the Non Immigrant O Visa pathway outlined above because it is less work. More on the OA visa here.

+ Read more about the Retirement Visa here

2. Non-Immigrant O (Marriage Visa)

There are a number of categories of O visa and the Non-Immigrant O Visa based on marriage is another way to stay long term in Thailand. It is known as the marriage visa because it is granted to foreigners who want to stay in Thailand with their Thai spouse.

This visa allows a stay of one year, with the option to extend annually. You are allowed to work in Thailand on this visa, if a work permit is acquired.

As is the case with the aforementioned retirement O visa, you will be given a 90-day stay upon arrival in Thailand, which you can then extend by one year once you have the financial requirements in place.

• Allows for a one-year stay in Thailand.
• Can open a Thai bank account.
• Married to a Thai national.
• Proof of financial means: 400,000 Baht in a Thai bank account (60 days prior to extension) or monthly income of at least 40,000 Baht.
• Marriage certificate.
• 2,000 Baht for single-entry; 5,000 Baht for multiple-entry.

* Please note: If you get a multiple entry O visa based on marriage, you don't have to do to the 1-year extension of stay. You can, instead, leave every 90 days and return to Thailand to be stamped in for a further 90-day stay. The pathway outlined above is based on a single entry Non Immigrant O Visa, which provides a stay of 90 days.

+ Read more about the Marriage Visa here

3. Long-Term Resident (LTR)

The Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visa is designed for professionals who work remotely and wealthy individuals. The three most popular categories of the LTR visa are Wealthy Global Citizen, Wealthy Pensioner, and Work-From-Thailand Professional (remote worker).

This visa is an option for those interested in making Thailand their second home or want to experience living in the country for several years. The visa comes with a number of perks such as the ability to use the Airport Fast Track Service, report to immigration just once a year, and fly in and out of Thailand without a re-entry permit. Depending on the category of LTR you apply for, there are other associated benefits.

The initial visa is for five years, with the possibility of extending it for an additional five years, allowing a total stay length of up to 10 years. The key requirements vary depending on which category one applies for. All visa classes require a minimum of $40,000-$80,000 annual income for two years prior to application.

• No reporting to immigration every 90 days.
• Work in Thailand without the need to work for a company to get a permit.
• Fast track airport service.
• Easier route to citizenship.
• Health insurance policy.
• Minimum income of of $40,000-$80,000 (depending on category).
• Other requirements are category specific (see link below).
• When obtained inside Thailand the cost of the visa is 50,000 Baht. Abroad, at Thai embassies and consulates, the cost is approximately 1,600 USD (depending on exchange rate).

+ Read more about the LTR Visa here

4. The Education Visa (ED

The Education Visa (ED) enables foreigners to stay long-term in Thailand for the purpose of pursuing studies, attending a Thai language course, or doing research in an educational institution in the country. The ED visa is valid for up to 1-year and can be extended for subsequent years, as long as the educational program remains ongoing.

Holders of the ED visa are required to attend classes or study regularly, and maintain a minimum attendance rate of 80% to avoid the risk of having their visa revoked.

• Stay up to a year while studying.
• Holders of the ED visa can also open a bank account in Thailand and apply for a Thai driving license.
• You must be enrolled in a legitimate educational institution in Thailand that is recognized by the Thai Ministry of Education.
• You must provide a letter of recommendation and sponsorship from the place you are studying.
• 90-day reporting.
• You must obtain a re-entry permit to leave the country and re-enter during the validity period of your visa (to keep the visa active).
• The application fee for the ED visa is 2,000 Baht (approximately $60 USD).
• Additional costs may include tuition fees for the educational program, textbooks, and accommodation expenses.

+ Read more about the Education Visa here

The Elite Visa

The Thailand Elite Visa is a multiple-entry visa that is valid for up to 5, 10, or 20 years, depending on the chosen package. The visa allows you to stay in Thailand for extended periods without the need for frequent visa runs or extensions.

Holders of the Thailand Elite Visa are entitled to a range of benefits and privileges, including VIP immigration clearance, airport limousine transfers, access to exclusive golf courses, and more.

• Expedited immigration clearance, complimentary airport transfers, and discounts and special offers at partner hotels, resorts, and shopping malls.
• Access to a dedicated concierge service, which can assist with a range of tasks such as arranging accommodation, transportation, and leisure activities.
• 90-day reporting taken care of by an Elite Visa agent (major cities only)
• Free annual medical checkup
• Banking privileges
• Benefits are dependent on the type of Elite Visa you choose (see link below)
• Available to applicants from any country.
• No age limit or financial requirements.
• Submit an application form along with a passport-sized photograph and supporting documents such as your passport and a letter of employment or proof of financial status.
• Costs depends on the package chosen. The most affordable package, the “Elite Easy Access,” costs 500,000 Baht (approximately $16,000 USD) for a 5-year visa.
• The “Elite Ultimate Privilege” which offers a 20-year visa with a range of exclusive benefits, can cost up to 2 million baht (approximately $64,000 USD).
• There are also additional fees associated with the visa, including a one-time application fee of 60,000 Baht (approximately $1,900 USD) and an annual fee ranging from 15,000 to 30,000 Baht (approximately $500 to $1,000 USD) depending on the package.

These are the main long-term visa options for staying in Thailand. Of course, there is always permanent residency, and even citizenship , but few people ever get that far, or can be bothered to try.

Generally speaking, most people can find a way to stay for a year at a time, using one of the options above. However, all stays beyond 30 days require a visa, and usually 90-day reporting, which means going to an immigration office with a bunch of documents to have your circumstances approved.

If you only want to stay for a couple of months, check out the Tourist Visa option here.

Other than that, drop any questions you may have below in the comments section.

+ Read more about the Elite Visa here

More Tips for a Better Life in Thailand

Send money to thailand:.

If you are sending money to your loved one, or your own Thai bank account, try Wise here. It is fast and cheap. Me and the majority of my readers are using it.

Get Good Health Insurance:

Start with a quick quote here from Cigna . Then you can compare it to other companies.

Improve Your Thai Skills:

Learning Thai makes life easier, and way more fun. I use Thaipod101. Get a free account by clicking here. It is really easy to use.

GET MY NEWSLETTER

Join thousands of others who receive my monthly roundup of content & insider tips on how to survive & thrive in Thailand.

Last Updated on May 19, 2023

Comments Sort by : newest | oldest

Paul Haynes says

April 25, 2024 at 6:40 pm

Apr 25, 2024 at 6:40 pm

TheThailandLife says

April 25, 2024 at 6:57 pm

Apr 25, 2024 at 6:57 pm

April 25, 2024 at 8:44 pm

Apr 25, 2024 at 8:44 pm

April 25, 2024 at 10:04 pm

Apr 25, 2024 at 10:04 pm

April 25, 2024 at 10:16 pm

Apr 25, 2024 at 10:16 pm

April 25, 2024 at 10:20 pm

Apr 25, 2024 at 10:20 pm

Tom Harvey says

January 16, 2024 at 5:05 pm

Jan 16, 2024 at 5:05 pm

November 10, 2023 at 10:44 pm

Nov 10, 2023 at 10:44 pm

JamesE says

November 11, 2023 at 7:11 am

Nov 11, 2023 at 7:11 am

November 12, 2023 at 9:36 pm

Nov 12, 2023 at 9:36 pm

November 13, 2023 at 7:35 am

Nov 13, 2023 at 7:35 am

Richard says

October 25, 2023 at 12:17 am

Oct 25, 2023 at 12:17 am

October 25, 2023 at 12:59 am

Oct 25, 2023 at 12:59 am

October 25, 2023 at 1:35 am

Oct 25, 2023 at 1:35 am

October 25, 2023 at 11:46 pm

Oct 25, 2023 at 11:46 pm

October 26, 2023 at 12:30 am

Oct 26, 2023 at 12:30 am

October 26, 2023 at 1:06 am

Oct 26, 2023 at 1:06 am

October 26, 2023 at 12:35 am

Oct 26, 2023 at 12:35 am

Si Thu says

October 20, 2023 at 11:46 am

Oct 20, 2023 at 11:46 am

October 24, 2023 at 11:23 pm

Oct 24, 2023 at 11:23 pm

christophe says

July 28, 2023 at 2:12 pm

Jul 28, 2023 at 2:12 pm

July 28, 2023 at 6:49 pm

Jul 28, 2023 at 6:49 pm

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  Notify me when new comments are added.

Thailand Tourist Visa Exemption 90 or 30 Days

Visa exemption is what various countries can receive on arrival into Thailand without applying for a visa outside of the country, before arriving.

90 Days Exemption (no visa required)

Argentina, Brazil, Chile, South Korea and Peru have bilateral visa agreements with Thailand. Citizens of both countries (bilateral) can visit each other for 90 days without a visa for 90 days.

30 Days Exemption (no visa required)

You must be a passport holder of one of these countries for 30 days exemption whether arriving via land or air. You may arrive from any country including a neighboring border (i.e., Laos and Cambodia, and others).

The current status is 2 exemption entries per year if arriving via a land border and there seems to be no restrictions when arriving by air. Malaysians have no restriction on exemption entries via land or air.

Australia Austria Bahrain Belgium Brunei Canada Czech Republic Denmark Estonia Finland France Germany Greece Hong Kong Hungary Iceland Indonesia Ireland

Israel Italy Japan Kuwait Laos Liechtenstein Luxembourg Macao Malaysia Monaco Netherlands New Zealand Norway Oman Philippines Poland Portugal

Qatar Russia Singapore Slovakia Slovenia South Africa Spain Sweden Switzerland Turkey United Arab Emirates UK USA Vietnam

  The above nationalities may apply at a Thai Immigration office for an extended stay for another 30 days before the exemption ends . For these citizens, it’s possible to stay for 60 days in Thailand without applying for a visa. However, it may only be possible to obtain and use this option twice per year, so visitors should plan ahead with applying for the correct visa to avoid possible immigration issues if rules or the enforcement of rules change.

Above Countries Requirements

Passport Passport with a minimum of 6 months remaining validity and with at least two blank pages for visas or/and stamps are required.

Employment An obvious requirement but still needs a mention. Regarding all tourist visas, exemptions etc., visits are for tourism and not any type of employment.

Confirmed ticket Rules require a visitor to have a confirmed flight, boat, train, or bus ticket that they’re leaving Thailand within the 90 or 30-day exemption period. This was not always enforced, but now they may enforce it, and as I have been informed – you could be made to book a flight at the border checkpoint before entering. Border officials have discretion, but that discretion may not work to your advantage.

A flight company can also question you about having a confirmed ticket leaving Thailand. Not sure what happens if you do not have one. To my surprise, I did get a flight from the UK with Cathay Pacific and they asked about the visa I had at Heathrow. Best to check with your flight company before flying, if needed.

Funds When applying for a tourist visa at a Thai Embassy a requirement is proof of funds of no less than 20’000 THB, which is part of the application process (not always enforced but a requirement).

It’s worth having a bank statement with you for proof of finances when entering Thailand. I mention this because of recent news of tourists entering Thailand being asked to show they have 20’000 THB cash. This may be for tourists that are in and out of the country doing back-to-back visas and border runs, but playing it safe with a bank statement makes sense.

Accommodation It’s a requirement for visitors to have details (i.e., hotel booking) of the place they intend to stay when arriving in Thailand.

Extension of Visa Exemption

The above confirmed ticket requirement did not make sense at first when considering visa extension rules. After thinking about this more, it’s likely extension rules are put in place if you need the extra days and not as a plan to have an exemption and extension in Thailand. For example, if a tourist is planning 60 days then the single entry is the right visa to apply for outside of Thailand.

Nationalities that are entitled to the 90 or 30 day exemption can extend their stay for further 30 days. This costs 1900 THB at the immigration office with the correct documents required.

This is how I have extended at Bangkok, Chaeng Wattana Immigration. This was an extension of a single entry visa, not an exemption. Same process and requirements.

If you are unsure of whether you want to stay in Thailand for 30 or 60 days, the best option is to get a single entry from a Thai Consulate or Embassy before arriving. This will keep your passport regarding future visits to Thailand within that year open for other tourist visas/exemptions/extensions without possible complications.

Note: I will keep this page updated as much as possible. Please look at the date at the top of this page when it was last updated. If in doubt contact me or search for more information.

• Applying for a Thailand Tourist Visa Online Guide
• Thailand 60 Day Visa (SETV) and 6 Months Multiple Entry Visa (METV)
• 30 Day Tourist Visa Extension
• Thailand Travel Visa Guides for Tourists

Bangkok Travel

Hua Hin Travel

Nong Khai Travel

Where To Go In Thailand? - Top Places To Visit

Kanchanaburi Travel

Pattaya Travel

Food of Thailand

Transport in Thailand

We've detected unusual activity from your computer network

To continue, please click the box below to let us know you're not a robot.

Why did this happen?

Please make sure your browser supports JavaScript and cookies and that you are not blocking them from loading. For more information you can review our Terms of Service and Cookie Policy .

For inquiries related to this message please contact our support team and provide the reference ID below.

This website is managed by Siam Legal International - a law firm in Thailand

Travel to Thailand from Canada

People around the world love meeting Canadians. And jet-setting Canadians love being met! Before Covid-19, you could always pick a Canadian in the crowd by their big smile, constant “Ay”, and occasional apology. Canadians are respected for being polite and having a lot of fun. Thai people always enjoy hanging out with Canadians.

The pandemic put a stop to that. As countries locked down to curb the spread of the virus, traveling abroad was nigh impossible. If a Canadian wanted to visit far shores, they had to jump through hoops to meet entry requirements.

Well, the world is returning to normal and with a bit of planning, Canadians can leave the great white north and return to the tropics.

As of today:

• Canadians do not need to show proof of Covid Insurance.
• All mandatory hotel quarantine has been removed.
• Thailand Pass is no longer required for Canadian travelers entering Thailand.
• Vaccinated travelers do not need to provide proof of vaccination before arriving.
• Unvaccinated travelers (including children traveling with unvaccinated parents) need to complete an RT-PCR or Professional Antigen Test (Pro-ATK) test 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 certificate or Covid test).
• Wearing masks is no longer compulsory.
• The TM6 arrival card has been temporarily removed when entering Thailand.

With travel almost back to pre-Covid conditions, now is the perfect time to plan a holiday to your favorite destination.

Documents for Travel to Thailand

• Visa (if required)
• Travel Insurance
• Flight Itinerary
• Hotel booking
• Vaccination record (if vaccinated)
• COVID-19 test result (if unvaccinated)

Correct documents will speed up the entry screening to Thailand.

Easy Steps To Enter Thailand from Canada

Apply for a thai visa, canada – a visa exempt country.

Canadian travelers love Thailand. They can visit Thailand without a visa through the Visa Exemption Program . Canadian citizens can stay in the country for up to 30 days as a tourist and can extend their permit to stay for a further 30 days at any local immigration office. This allows a Canadian to enjoy Thailand for up to 60 days.

If you want to stay in Thailand longer than the Visa Exemption allows, or are traveling for a purpose other than tourism, Siam Legal International offers various Thailand Visa services  for travelers from Canada. You may check their services at: https://www.siam-legal.com/legal_services/thailand-visa-services.php

Long Term Visas for Canadians

Tourist visa and special tourist visa (stv).

Canadian citizens can apply for a Tourist Visa from the Thai embassy or consulate. There is a 60-day tourist visa that can be extended for additional 30 days, and the 90-day Special Tourist Visa (STV), which allows two 90-day visa extensions at the local immigration office. There are certain requirements needed for the STV, but it allows a visitor to stay in Thailand for up to 9 months. The STV will be available until September 2022.

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 Thailand Elite Visa .

The Thai Elite Visa allows a Canadian expat 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 needed when applying for other long-term visas.

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

Non-Immigrant Visa

Foreigners may also apply for a wide range of 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)

Royal Thai Embassy, Ottawa

To apply for a long-term visa, please visit –  Royal Thai Embassy, Ottawa website.

The Thai Embassy is in Ottawa. The address is 180 Island Park Drive, Ottawa, Ontario K1Y 0A2.

Thai consulates can be found in Vancouver, Toronto, and Montreal.

For assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out to [email protected] or 722-4444. 

The above visas can be organized with a local Thai Embassy or Consulate in Canada. The process is simple, but the paperwork can be quite involved. There are companies that can help.

Siam Legal International is a reputable law firm in Thailand that offers visa assistance to Canadians. 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.

Vaccination status and entering Thailand

A Thailand Pass application is no longer required. Citizens from Canada can enter the country one of two ways.

• Vaccinated travelers – Vaccinated Canadian travelers do not need to complete any Covid tests before leaving Canada. They need to have a copy of their vaccination certificate when traveling. Children under 18 who are traveling with vaccinated parents do not need to complete any RT-PCR or Pro-ATK test before departing.
• Unvaccinated travelers – Before coming to Thailand, unvaccinated travelers will need to complete an RT-PCR or Professional Antigen (Pro-ATK) test through a clinic or medical professional. The test result must be issued within 72 hours before departing Canada.

An ATK (RAT) home test is not acceptable. Children under 18 who are traveling with unvaccinated parents also need to complete a test.

Airlines and Immigration will conduct random checks of passengers to confirm Covid requirements are met. It is best to have your Vaccination or Covid test Certificate available to show.

Book your Flight to Thailand

Flight lanes are open again. Whether you fly from Toronto or Vancouver, Carriers are taking to the air and offering excellent value to promote international travel after Covid.

Some common carriers for Canada to Thailand are:

• United Airlines
• Thai Airways

You can land at any international airport in Thailand and transit to other areas right away. There are no longer any “sealed” flights, though domestic flights may ask to see a vaccination certificate or test result before boarding. If you are traveling domestically, ATK self-tests are available at airports, pharmacies, and convenience stores.

Most international airlines follow the rules of the arrival country. It is best to check with the airline if you need to complete any tests before boarding.

Book a Hotel

Vaccinated travelers or unvaccinated travelers who complete a 72-hour pre-departure RT-PCR/Pro-ATK test are welcome to book any accommodation. There are no quarantine requirements. SHA+ quarantine packages have been removed from most booking sites.

If you see a “Quarantine Package” listed, you do not need to choose it.

To find and compare the best hotels available in Thailand, visit Agoda . They allow free booking and cancellation, confirm bookings with hotels and their web page is easy to navigate and compare hotels.

travelers have always needed to enter an address when traveling to Thailand. The accommodation can be a hotel, home, or a friend’s address. This would normally be entered on the blue arrival card (TM6), but you will see below that things are changing here too.

Organize your Travel Insurance

If you are a foreigner, purchase Travel Insurance. Though it is no longer an entry requirement, responsible travelers know the benefits of having insurance while traveling abroad.

Travel Insurance is something that is better to have and not need than need and not have. Travel insurance doesn’t just cover Covid. Comprehensive travel insurance will also cover:

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

Canada has one of the best health systems in the world. Canadians and visitors alike receive free medical care. This is not the case in Thailand.

It’s important to know that foreign travelers cannot receive free medical care in Thailand. No matter the circumstance, if a Canadian citizen needs medical attention, they will need to pay for it. Depending on the severity, this could amount to thousands of dollars in out-of-pocket expenses.

There are multiple reasons to protect yourself when traveling. Visitors to Thailand often choose AXA Insurance Thailand because it is a trusted company that offers comprehensive insurance to travelers from around the world. Their policies are straightforward with good coverage.

Some advantages to AXA Insurance are:

• Recognized and trusted by Thai authorities and medical facilities.
• Easy to apply online and approved in minutes.
• Competitive pricing and cover.
• Has no 14-day waiting period and covers Covid-related incidents, including asymptomatic cases.
• Provides customers with a convenient 1-Page Certificate of insurance. This certificate contains all relevant information needed by medical professionals or if making a claim.

To see the coverage offered and organize your insurance to Thailand in minutes. Visit AXA Thailand .

Arriving in Thailand – Best Practices

It is easy to get to Thailand now. So what can you expect when landing? Here are a few things that will help you enjoy your trip and show respect to local Thai people.

Wearing Masks

Masks are no longer compulsory but still recommended when in public places. You see many Thai people (and visitors) still wearing masks when out and about. It is best to wear a mask when visiting restaurants or public venues. You will not get in trouble if you don’t, but it is a case of “do as the locals do”. It is about respect and consideration.

TM6 Arrival Cards

The Thai government has temporarily removed the need for visitors to complete the blue arrival card known as TM6. Their aim is to ease congestion at airports and remove another form that holiday makers need to complete. This initiative is in a testing phase, but it is hoped that the removal of TM6 will be successful and the change will become permanent.

Paperwork to Prepare

Though Thailand Pass is removed, and travelers do not need to provide proof before entry, it is best to prepare a few documents before arriving.

• Certificate of Insurance
• Vaccination certificate (vaccinated travelers)
• 72-hour RT-PCR or Pro-ATK test result (unvaccinated)
• Covid-19 recovery certificate (if previously tested positive)

This will speed up your processing time before leaving your country, or if asked to provide vaccination or testing proof in a random check. These documents can be presented in digital form, but airlines, Immigration, and Health Officers will appreciate the extra effort if you print them.

Thailand and Canada are chalk and cheese. Canada has a diverse cultural background and is so large that one side can feel different from the other. But Thailand is in the tropics. Its Asian history, culture, cuisine, and geography are unlike anything you will find at home. Thailand is loved because it offers people a unique experience for a fraction of the cost. With some forethought, the friendliest Westerners can visit Thailand and share a smile, a laugh, and a meal with the friendliest Asians.

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

Travel to thailand by nationality, 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

Leave a comment cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This form collects your name, email and content so that we can keep track of the comments placed on the website. By submitting this form, you accepted and agreed on our privacy policy and terms .

I am a Canadian and plan on visiting a number of countries in Southeast Asia this spring. I will be travelling from Cambodia to Thailand. Do I need any special document (visa?) as a Canadian entering Thailand from a third country? Thank you for any advice.