Thailand transit visa

Thai missions explain that passengers changing planes at Suvarnabhumi or Don Mueang need no visa if the layover is 12 hours or less, their luggage is checked through, they stay in the transit area and their final destination is outside Thailand. A stopover longer than 12 hours, or a shorter one where you must re-check bags and pass immigration, requires a transit visa unless you can enter visa-free.

For most stopovers, nationals of countries in the visa exemption scheme effective from 15 September 2026 can use their visa-free period instead. The Transit Visa is therefore mainly relevant for crews, athletes and travellers who do not qualify for an exemption.

The e-Visa system lists three transit purposes: transit with a stopover longer than 12 hours, pilots, captains and crew steering vehicles to Thailand's ports or stations, and athletes taking part in sports events. Thai missions label these TS, C and S. The visa is issued for one entry, valid three months from issue, or for two to four entries, valid six months.

You upload the passport biodata page, a photo taken within six months that reflects your current appearance, a document showing where you are now, a travel booking with the onward journey, proof of accommodation in Thailand and financial evidence. Crew members add an employment certificate, and athletes add a letter from the sports event organiser in Thailand. The financial evidence must show at least THB 20,000, through bank statements for the last three months or a sponsorship letter.

Apply on thaievisa.go.th, choosing the country where you are currently located; the Thai embassy or consulate responsible for it handles the file, and normally no passport or paper documents are handed in. One account can hold up to ten applications. Errors in the name or e-mail address can lead to rejection, and the fee is not refunded in any case, so check the form before paying.

Processing times are set by each mission after a complete application, or after a returned application is resubmitted: Bucharest, for example, quotes at least 5 to 10 working days and Islamabad about 14 working days. Print the approval e-mail and show it to the airline and Thai immigration.

Since 1 May 2025 foreign nationals entering Thailand must submit the free Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) at tdac.immigration.go.th within the three days before arrival. Passengers who transit or transfer without passing immigration are exempt. The immigration officer records your permitted stay at entry, and any extension is handled by Immigration Bureau offices inside Thailand.