Thailand’s official e-visa portal has become the primary method for international travelers to apply for tourist and other types of visas before visiting the country. Operated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, the portal allows users to complete the visa application process online without visiting a Thai embassy or consulate in person. As of May 2025, several new rules have been introduced, and travelers must now be more careful when preparing their applications.
The official website for the Thai e-visa system is https://www.thaievisa.go.th. It is the only government-authorized platform for electronic visa applications. Travelers are advised to avoid third-party websites that may charge higher fees or provide incorrect information. The portal is designed to support a variety of visa categories, including tourist visas, non-immigrant visas for business or education, and long-stay visas such as the O-A and O-X retirement visas.
One of the most significant updates to the process is the reinstatement of the financial proof requirement. This rule was temporarily suspended in November 2023 to encourage tourism after the COVID-19 pandemic. However, Thai embassies around the world, including those in the United States, France, and Norway, have now reintroduced the policy. Applicants must now show they have access to at least 20,000 Thai Baht, which is roughly 550 US dollars. This proof helps immigration officials ensure that travelers can support themselves while in the country. Acceptable forms of proof include bank statements from the past three months. If someone else is sponsoring the trip, then a signed sponsorship letter must be provided instead.
To use Thailand’s official e-visa portal, travelers must first create an account on the website. After signing in, users can fill out the visa application form, upload the necessary documents, Thailand’s Official E-Visa Portal and pay the visa fee through a secure payment system. The portal accepts most major payment methods. Once submitted, the application usually takes between three to ten business days to process. Approved applicants receive their e-visa via email, which they must print and present when entering Thailand.
In addition to the financial documents, several other items must be uploaded during the application process. These include a passport that is valid for at least six months from the date of entry, a recent passport-size photograph, and proof of accommodation in Thailand. This can be shown through hotel bookings, a rental contract, or even a utility bill from a host. Travelers must also include a confirmed ticket showing both arrival and departure dates.
Although Thailand’s official e-visa portal has simplified the visa process, travelers should still be cautious. Thai immigration officers at the border have the right to ask for proof of funds, even if this was not required during the online application. While such checks are not always carried out, travelers who are unable to provide evidence of financial support may be denied entry. Therefore, it is advisable to carry a recent bank statement or some cash while traveling, even if the documents were already submitted online.
Passport holders from 93 countries are still allowed to enter Thailand without a visa for up to 60 days. However, this visa-free stay policy is currently under review by Thai authorities. There are growing concerns that some visitors may be misusing visa exemptions. As a result, the government is considering reducing the visa-free period to 30 days. No official change has been announced yet, but updates are expected in the coming months.
Thailand’s official e-visa portal is a useful tool for tourists and business travelers alike. It makes the application process more convenient and helps authorities ensure that visitors meet all entry requirements. As travel resumes globally after the pandemic, understanding the new rules and preparing the correct documents is essential for anyone planning to visit Thailand in 2025.
