Thailand Visa for US Citizens

When you’re travelling to this gorgeous Southeast Asian destination, you need to ensure you’ve acquired the right kind of visa for your trip. So, do US citizens need a visa for Thailand?

The good news for Americans travelling here is that if you’re only going to be staying for 30 days or less, you don’t need to make an application in person or online for any type of travel authorisation. With this in mind, whether you’re visiting the bright lights of Bangkok or one of the beautiful beach resorts like Kho Samui, that’s one less thing to worry about for you!

Read on to see what type of requirements you must meet to travel visa-free.

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Thailand Visa for US Citizens Eligibility

If you’re an American going on a Thai vacation, you won’t have to worry about planning ahead to get an eVisa or any other type of travel authorisation. This is because the Thai government has relaxed the rules that permit travellers from certain jurisdictions to enter their country for short periods without a visa.

As long as US citizens have a valid passport in their possession on their arrival, they won’t need to worry about arranging any documentation, either in advance before travelling or on arrival at their vacation destination.

Thailand Visa Requirements for US Citizens

As we’ve already mentioned, there is no need for any type of Thai visa if you’re an American who is only entering the country for a period of up to 30 days on vacation. All you will need in your possession on your arrival is the following:

• A valid passport with 6 months validity remaining from the date you enter the country.
• A blank page in your passport to receive the immigration stamp on your arrival.
• A yellow fever vaccination certificate if you have arrived in the country via another country that is known to have a yellow fever problem. To see if this applies to you, visit the World Health Organisation’s website.
• You may be required to show evidence of your return or onward ticket.

Thailand Visa Fee for US Citizens

There is no fee for US citizens who are entering Thailand on vacation for a period of 30 days or less.

Applying for a Thailand Visa for US Citizens Electronically

There is no need to apply electronically for any type of travel authorisation if you’re a US citizen travelling to Thailand on vacation for a period of 30 days or less. You will simply be able to enter the country as normal with your valid passport.

The Thailand Visa Application Form for US Citizens – Who Needs to Complete It?

If you’re only travelling to this part of Southeast Asia for 30 days or less, you won’t need to complete any kind of online application form. However, if you’re going to be visiting the country for longer periods, you need to make an application for the appropriate visa with the Thai authorities.

Some of the people who require travel authorisation include people who are volunteering for longer periods or those who are visiting members of their family. Those who are planning a long-stay vacation will also need to obtain an appropriate visa.

In this case, you will need to decide whether a single-entry authorisation is right for you or whether a multiple-entry one would best suit your purposes. For example, this might be the 1-Year Multiple Entry non-immigrant Thai visa, if you’re entering and exiting the Land of Smiles repeatedly.

What Else Should You Know About a Thailand Tourist Visa for US Citizens?

We have provided plenty of information above about the Thailand tourist visa for US citizens, but if you need further advice, hopefully, the answers supplied here will resolve your questions.

Visa Restrictions for US Citizens Travelling to Thailand

Entry to the country is possible for all US citizens as long as your passport is valid and has a minimum of 6 months’ remaining validity, and as long as the appropriate travel authorisation is in place.

There are also some entry restrictions for people with HIV/AIDS. In general those restrictions aren’t enforced, although it’s still wise to verify that information with the Thai embassy before travelling.

It’s also recommended that you carry a copy of your US passport ID page with you at all times in case you are asked to show it.

Thailand Visa Extension for US Citizens

It’s possible to travel to Thailand if you’re an American citizen without any eVisa if your trip will be shorter than 30 days. However, if you’ll be visiting for a period of over 30 days you will need to make an application to the Thai authorities for an appropriate travel authorisation.

There is a visa available for US citizens that will grant you entry to the country for up to 60 days. When you have this in your possession,  you can then extend that visa for a further 30 days by visiting the Immigration Bureau in Bangkok and paying an additional fee.

Thailand Visa on Arrival Form for US Citizens

When you arrive at a Thai airport or seaport and are planning to stay for less than 30 days as a US citizen, you’ll be granted a 30-day entry permit on arrival by the immigration authorities.

Thailand Visa for US Permanent Residents

If you’re a US permanent resident, you may need a visa for Thailand, depending on your nationality. Please see our Thailand visa page for more information.

Keep in mind that travel to Thailand is still possible without losing your permanent residence status as long as your green card doesn’t expire while you’re out of the USA.

If you are away for a short vacation, you should have no difficulty in retaining your residency. However, if you’re out of America for over 6 months, the date when you’ll be eligible to make an application for American citizenship could be delayed.

More Information About Thai Visas

If you need more information about travelling to Thailand, visit our helpful pages about Thailand here. For those who may need authorisation to travel, you can also find our Thailand visa page here.