Thailand Free Visa on Arrival? The 2025 Guide

One of the most confusing topics for travelers to Thailand in 2025 is the concept of the "Free Visa." You might have read headlines about waived fees or "Visa Free" entry, but when you arrive at Suvarnabhumi Airport, you see a long line of people holding 2,000 Baht in cash.

So, is the visa free for you?

The answer depends on whether your country falls under the Visa Exemption Scheme (which is free) or the Visa on Arrival (VOA) scheme (which usually costs money). In late 2024 and continuing into 2025, Thailand massively expanded its "Free" list, moving many countries—like China and India—from the paid VOA list to the free exemption list. This guide clarifies exactly who pays and who doesn't.

Why You Can Trust Us

At Thai Investment Visa, we track immigration policy changes in real-time. We understand the difference between a temporary "Fee Waiver" cabinet resolution and a permanent "Visa Exemption" bilateral agreement. We monitor updates from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Immigration Bureau daily to ensure our clients—from short-term tourists to long-term investors—never get stuck at the border with the wrong documents.

The Big Confusion: Exemption vs. VOA

To understand if you need to pay, you must know the difference between these two entry stamps:

1. Visa Exemption (The "Free" Stamp)

• Cost: 0 THB (Free).
• Duration: 60 Days (extended from 30 days in mid-2024).
• Who gets it: Citizens of 93 Countries.
• Process: You skip the "Visa on Arrival" desk entirely. You go straight to the passport control officer, stamp in, and enter.

2. Visa on Arrival (The "Paid" Stamp)

• Cost: 2,000 THB (approx. $60 USD).
• Duration: 15 Days (Non-extendable).
• Who gets it: Citizens of 31 Countries who are not on the exemption list.
• Process: You must stop at the "Visa on Arrival" counter before passport control, show documents, and pay the fee in cash.

Is there a "Fee Waiver" for VOA in 2025?

As of late 2025, there is no blanket waiver of the 2,000 THB fee for the remaining VOA countries.

• Historical Context: In the past, Thailand sometimes waived the 2,000 THB fee for specific high-season months. Currently, this is not active. If you are from a VOA country (like Mexico or Ethiopia), expect to pay.
• The "Free" Confusion: Most people asking about "Free VOA" are from China or India. For these nationals, you do not pay the VOA fee anymore because you have been upgraded to the Visa Exemption (Free) list.

Check Your Status: The 2025 Lists

Group A: The "Free" List (93 Countries)

You do NOT need to pay. You get 60 days.

• Asia: China, India, Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Philippines, Vietnam, etc.
• Americas: USA, Canada, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru.
• Europe: UK, France, Germany, Russia, Italy, Spain, Sweden, Norway, Switzerland, and most EU nations.
• Others: Australia, New Zealand, UAE, Saudi Arabia, South Africa.

Group B: The "Paid" List (31 Countries)

You MUST pay 2,000 THB. You get 15 days.

• Americas: Mexico, Venezuela, Bolivia, Costa Rica, El Salvador.
• Europe: Bulgaria, Romania, Serbia, Malta, Georgia.
• Africa/Middle East: Ethiopia, Tunisia.
• Oceania: Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu.

(Note: Lists are subject to change by the Ministry of Interior. Always verify before flying.)

The New 2025 Requirement: "TDAC"

Even if your visa is free, your entry requires a digital form. The old paper "TM.6" card is gone.

• What: Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC).
• When: Submit within 72 hours before arrival.
• Cost: Free.
• Where: Official Immigration App or Website.

Step-by-Step Entry Guide

For "Free" Exemption Travelers:

1. Before Fly: Fill out the TDAC online.
2. Arrival: Ignore the "Visa on Arrival" signs. Walk to "Passport Control."
3. Docs: Show Passport + Boarding Pass + TDAC QR Code.
4. Stamp: Get a 60-day stamp.

For "Paid" VOA Travelers:

1. Before Fly: Fill out the TDAC online. Prepare 2,000 THB cash.
2. Arrival: Follow signs to "Visa on Arrival."
3. Docs:
   • Passport (30+ days validity).
   • Return ticket within 15 days.
   • 1 Photo (4x6 cm).
   • Proof of accommodation.
   • 10,000 THB cash (proof of funds).
4. Pay: Hand over 2,000 THB.
5. Enter: Proceed to passport control.

Top Agencies for Long-Term Solutions

If 15 or 60 days isn't enough, or if you want to bypass the queues entirely, consider these professional services.

Company NameSpecialtyLocationContactThailand Elite (Privilege Card)5-20 Year Visas, VIP Fast TrackBangkok (Sathorn)www.thailandprivilege.co.thSiam Legal InternationalLTR Visa, Business VisaBangkok (Asoke)www.siam-legal.comThai E-Visa OfficialOfficial VOA Pre-ApprovalOnlinethailandevoa.vfsevisa.comBKK Fast TrackAirport Meet & GreetSuvarnabhumi Airportwww.bkkfasttrack.comMahanakorn PartnersBusiness Setup & Work PermitBangkok (Wireless Rd)www.mahanakornpartners.com

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Contact Information for Assistance

• Thailand Elite (Privilege Card)
  • Phone: +66 2 352 3000
  • Address: 110/2 North Sathorn Road, Silom, Bangrak, Bangkok.
  • Why them: If you travel frequently, this membership gives you a 5-year renewable visa and a personal assistant to walk you through immigration, skipping all lines.
• Siam Legal International
  • Phone: +66 2 254 8900
  • Address: Interchange 21 Building, Asoke, Bangkok.
  • Why them: They are the experts on converting "Tourist" entries into Long-Term Resident (LTR) or Retirement visas.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I pay the VOA fee in US Dollars? No. The counters strictly accept Thai Baht only. There are exchange booths right before the checkpoint, but the rates are poor. It is highly recommended to bring Thai Baht with you.
• Is the "Fast Track" lane free? No. There is a "Priority Lane" for VOA, but it often costs an extra 200 THB service charge. Official E-VOA applicants (who pay online in advance) also get a dedicated lane.
• Can I extend the "Free" 60-day exemption? Yes. You can visit any local Immigration Office in Thailand and pay 1,900 THB to extend your stay for another 30 days. This gives you a total of 90 days.
• Can I extend the 15-day Visa on Arrival? No. The VOA is generally non-extendable. You must leave the country. Exceptions are made only for severe medical illness preventing travel (requires hospital letter).
• What if I am from China? Do I pay? No. As of 2025, Chinese nationals are under the Permanent Visa Exemption agreement. You enter for free (60 days). You do not need to go to the VOA desk.

References

• Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Thailand - Visa Exemption List 2025
• Immigration Bureau - TDAC Digital Arrival Card
• Royal Thai Embassy, Washington D.C. - Entry Regulations
• VFS Global - Official E-VOA Application
• Tourism Authority of Thailand - Newsroom Updates

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