Thailand Visa Application Tips
Most visitors to Thailand, whether for sightseeing or business purposes, can enter visa-free under Thailand's visa exemption scheme, including Chinese citizens (up to 30 days per stay since 15 September 2026). Those not eligible for visa exemption need to apply for a visa in advance through the official e-Visa platform, or a Visa on Arrival at the airport where their nationality is covered. The necessary documents for a Thailand visa include a passport valid for at least six months with blank pages, a recent photo, round-trip tickets, hotel bookings and proof of funds, and any other documents as required by the Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate. The fee varies by nationality and visa type. Before working out your Bangkok travel plan, check whether you are covered by Thailand's visa exemption policy at the official portal: [https://www.thaievisa.go.th](https://www.thaievisa.go.th) .
**How to apply for a Thailand visa (for those who need one)?**
**Step 1:** Collect all the documents you need, including a passport valid for at least six months and with blank pages, a recent passport-size photo, confirmed round-trip tickets and hotel bookings covering your entire stay, and proof of funds (at least 10,000 THB per person or 20,000 THB per family, in cash or easily convertible currency).
**Step 2:** Apply online at [https://www.thaievisa.go.th](https://www.thaievisa.go.th) — fill in the application form, upload the scanned documents and pay the fee online. Thailand has moved to a fully electronic visa system since 1 January 2025, so no visit to the embassy is required.
**Step 3:** Once approved, you will receive an e-Visa approval letter by email. Print it out and present it together with your passport at immigration upon arrival in Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi BKK or Don Mueang DMK airports).
**Visa-exempt entry (applicable to most attendees):** no application form or fee is needed — just bring your passport (valid for at least six months and with blank pages), a return ticket, hotel bookings and proof of funds. You will receive an entry stamp for up to 30 days at immigration, which can be extended once for another 30 days at a Thai immigration office (fee 1,900 THB) if needed.
In normal cases, the e-Visa application takes about 3 to 10 working days to process, so it is advised to apply at least three to four weeks before departure. Visa exemption is granted on the spot at immigration with no fee; a Visa on Arrival, where eligible, costs 2,000 THB and allows a 15-day stay. Should you have any doubt about your eligibility, it is strongly advised to start preparing early to avoid delays and complications.
invitation letter
Important information regarding invitation letters (please read):
The invitation letter will be issued after the successful registration.
Your name must be listed exactly as it appears on your passport. Any differences between the name on your passport and the name on your invitation letter or other documentation could lead to a delay and/or denial of your visa.
Please note ICAIE Conferences and the organizing committee of the conference are not authorized to assist with the VISA process beyond providing the Notification of Invitation Letter issued by ICAIE Conferences and conference Committee Board. Should your application be denied, ICAIE Conferences and the organizing committee of the conference cannot change the decision of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, nor will ICAIE Conference and the organizing committee of the conference engage in discussion or correspondence with the MOFA or the Embassy on behalf of the applicant. The registration fee cannot be refunded when the VISA application of an individual is denied.
It takes time for the Embassy to process the VISA application, please register as early as you can to make sure you have enough time.