How to Apply for a Thailand eVisa from South Korea: A Step-by-Step Guide
If you’re a foreign national residing in South Korea (e.g., Bangladeshi, Indian, Pakistani), planning to travel to Thailand, you’ll likely need a visa to enter. The Thailand eVisa system allows you to apply for your visa entirely online, making the process smooth and convenient without visiting the embassy in person.
This comprehensive guide provides step-by-step instructions on how to apply for a Thailand eVisa from South Korea. From creating an account on the Thai eVisa portal to submitting your documents and tracking your application, this guide covers everything you need to know.
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
Before you start, confirm whether your nationality is eligible for a Thailand eVisa:
- Visit the Thailand eVisa official website: https://www.thaievisa.go.th.
- Select your nationality to verify your eligibility for an eVisa.
- If you are a Bangladeshi or other foreign national residing in South Korea, you are eligible to apply.
Types of Visa Available:
- Tourist Visa (TR – Single Entry): For tourism purposes; valid for one entry.
- Tourist Visa (TR – Multiple Entry): For those planning multiple visits within the visa validity period.
Ensure that your travel purpose matches the selected visa type. Most travelers will need a Single Entry Tourist Visa.
Step 2: Gather Required Documents
Prepare the following documents in PDF or JPEG format before starting the application:
- Passport
- A clear scan of the biometric information page.
- Passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your planned date of entry.
- Passport Photo
- Recent photo (taken within the last 6 months).
- White background.
- Size: 35mm x 45mm.
- Proof of Residency in South Korea
- 개인 이미문 치밀보광 증명서 (Alien Registration Card – ARC), both front and back.
- ARC must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your intended travel date.
- Flight Booking
- Round-trip flight tickets showing entry and exit from Thailand.
- Booking confirmation must include your full name.
- Flight reservations (even temporary bookings) are acceptable.
- Accommodation Details
- Confirmed hotel bookings with your name and travel dates.
- If staying with a host, include an invitation letter and their address.
- Proof of Financial Means
- Bank statement showing at least 20,000 THB (approx. 800,000 KRW) for individuals.
- For families, proof of 40,000 THB (approx. 1,600,000 KRW) is required.
- 은행 정보 증명서 (Bank solvency certificates) are also acceptable.
- Entry and Exit Certificate
- Known as 입쉬 통쉬 증명서 in Korean.
- Obtainable from your local dong office (동 주민센터).
- Local Community Office Contact: Visit your neighborhood dong office for inquiries. Alternatively, request it online via 정부24 (Gov24) if you are proficient in Korean.
- Language Requirement
- All documents must be in English. Documents in Korean or any other local language will not be accepted.
- Additional Supporting Documents (Optional)
- Travel itinerary.
- Any additional documents as requested by Thai immigration.
Important Tip: Ensure that all scans are clear, legible, and do not exceed the portal’s file size limits.
Step 3: Create an Account on the Thai eVisa Website
- Go to the official Thai eVisa website: https://www.thaievisa.go.th.
- Click on “Create an Account” at the top-right corner.
- Fill in your details:
- First Name and Last Name (as per passport).
- Email address (use one you have frequent access to).
- Create a secure password.
- Verify your email:
- Check your inbox for a verification email.
- Click the link provided to activate your account.
Step 4: Start Your eVisa Application
- Log in to your Thai eVisa account.
- Click on “Apply for New Visa” from the dashboard.
- Check Your Eligibility:
- Select your passport country.
- Choose the country you are applying from (South Korea).
- Select the visa type: Tourist Visa (Single Entry or Multiple Entry).
- Proceed to the application form.
Step 5: Fill in Applicant Information
- Upload Documents:
- Passport (front page).
- Passport-sized photo.
- Personal Details:
- Full name (as per passport).
- Date of Birth, Gender, Place of Birth.
- Nationality.
- Passport Information:
- Passport number, Issue Date, Expiry Date, and Issuing Country.
- Contact Information:
- Current address in South Korea.
- Phone number and email address.
- Occupation:
- State your profession and employer details (if applicable).
Step 6: Provide Travel Information
- Travel Dates:
- Planned entry and exit dates.
- Point of Entry:
- Choose the airport or border point of arrival (e.g., Suvarnabhumi Airport).
- Accommodation:
- Enter hotel/host details: name, address, and contact information.
- Travel Companions (if applicable):
- Add details of family members or friends traveling with you.
Step 7: Upload Supporting Documents
- Upload the required documents:
- Passport scan
- Passport photo
- ARC (front and back)
- Flight tickets
- Hotel booking confirmation
- Proof of financial means
- Combining Files:
If any document upload option is missing, combine all supporting documents into a single PDF file and upload it under the relevant section. - File Quality:
- Files must be clear, well-scanned, and meet size requirements.
Step 8: Review and Pay the Visa Fee
- Review your application:
- Double-check all entered details and uploaded documents.
- Pay the Visa Fee:
- Approximately 40-80 USD depending on the visa type.
- Payment can be made via credit card or online banking.
- Save the payment confirmation receipt.
Step 9: Submit and Track Your Application
- Click “Submit” to finalize your application.
- You will receive a confirmation email with an application reference number.
- To track your application:
- Log in to your account and click “Track Application”.
Processing Time:
- Typically 3-10 business days, but it may vary.
Step 10: Receive and Print Your eVisa
- Once approved, you will receive an eVisa PDF via email.
- Download and print your eVisa.
- Log in to your account to download it directly if needed.
Step 11: Enter Thailand
At the Immigration Counter in Thailand, present the following:
- Printed eVisa
- Passport
- Return flight ticket
- Proof of accommodation
The immigration officer will verify your documents and stamp your passport.
Troubleshooting: What if Additional Documents Are Required?
- You will receive an email notification if additional documents are required.
- Log in to your account, where a notification will appear.
- Upload the additional documents using the new upload button.
Important Notes
- All documents must be in English; documents in Korean or other local languages are not acceptable.
- Visa Validity: A Single-Entry Tourist Visa is valid for 3 months from the issue date. You can stay in Thailand for up to 60 days.
- Visa Extension: Extendable for 30 days at a local immigration office in Thailand.
- Common Rejection Reasons:
- Incomplete documents.
- Poor-quality scans.
- Errors in the application.
By following these detailed steps, foreign nationals residing in South Korea can easily apply for a Thailand eVisa without hassle. Ensure all your documents are accurate and clear to avoid delays.
Enjoy your journey to the Land of Smiles! 🌏