Is it possible to get a Thailand business visa on arrival at a Thai airport or border crossing? Yes, you can if you are eligible for one. The government of Thailand has introduced a special visa-on-arrival document for selected foreigners coming to Thailand for a short visit. The standard procedure is to apply for the visa and get it before traveling to the country, but the visa on arrival allows certain visitors to arrive without visas; the only difference is that they will be issued the visa at the arrival point before they will be allowed into the country so you dont have to visit the Royal Thai embassy.
Read on to learn more about the Thailand business visa.
Thailand Business Visa in Arrival: Who Is Exempt or Eligible?
You should know that a business visa on arrival is not for everyone; that is to say, not everyone requires a visa on arrival to enter Thailand. You don’t need to apply for this visa at the airport or border crossing if you are from a visa-exempt country. You only need this visa if your country is not on the visa-free list but on the visa-on-arrival list. People Who are eligible for the visa don’t have to apply to the Thai embassy in their home countries before making the trip; they can do that once they arrive in the country.
Currently, 19 countries on the visa-on-arrival list are comprised of countries from different continents, such as Cyprus, Bulgaria, India, Bhutan, China, Russia, Fiji, Ethiopia, India, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Malta, and a host of other countries. If your country is not on the list, do well to visit the Thai embassy in your country to apply for a normal business visa.
How To Apply For A Thailand Business Visa On Arrival?
If you want to apply for a Thai business on arrival, you should arrive at a designated airport in the country. Bear in mind that the visa is issued only at selected locations in the country and not at all the entry points. If you arrive at the wrong entry point, you will be turned back.
You may also apply for a visa arrival online before coming to Thailand and bring the visa with you; if not, you will be issued an application form at the arrival point, and after completing it, the visa will be issued to you there.
Note that you have to enter the arrival and departure dates as well as the address you will stay at during your time in the country as well as the border of entry. This is vital information not to overlook when filling out the application form.
Visa On Arrival Locations
There are two types of locations where you can obtain a visa on arrival; they are selected airports and border immigration points. Some of them include
Don Muang International Airport in Bangkok
Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Prakarn
Chiangmai Airport in Chiangmai
Phuket International Airport in Phuket
U Taopao Airport in Rayong
Hatyai International Airport in Songkhla
Samui Airport
Sukhothai Airport
Aside from these airports, you can also apply for a visa on arrival at more than 30 immigration checkpoints in Thailand.
How Long Will I Have To Wait To Apply For A Thailand Visa on Arrival?
This visa does not take time at all. Once you fill out the application form and submit it at the arrival point, you will get it immediately. The only potential cause for delay will be the number of people waiting in line for the visa. Alternatively, you may apply for it online and bring the form to Thailand for the immigration officers to stamp it and let you in.
Supporting Documents For Thailand Business Visa On Arrival
Unlike conventional visas that require several documents, visa-on-arrival applications only require a few. You will need
Application Form: You will need a completed and signed visa application form, which can be downloaded on the internet. Only valid information should be provided.
Passport: A valid passport that will not expire in the next six months. The passport must also have two blank pages for visa stickers.
Photo: A recent photograph of yourself showing a clear image of yourself with a neutral facial expression. The image must be printed on a white background and meet all photo requirements.
Proof of funds: A bank statement of account showing a minimum of 20,000 Thai Baht to cover all your expenses in Thailand.
Letter of Invitation: A signed business letter of invitation by the company Thailand such as their tax certificate, corporate profile, and the like.
The Thailand business visa on arrival is valid for 16 days after it is issued, and you are not allowed to stay in the country for more than 15 days. If you intend to stay much longer, apply for a suitable visa.