Thailand eVisa from South Korea: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide
Thailand, known for its tropical beaches, rich culture, vibrant cities, and incredible hospitality, is one of the top travel destinations worldwide. If you’re a foreign national residing in South Korea, such as a Bangladeshi, Indian, or Pakistani, planning a trip to Thailand, you can take advantage of the Thailand eVisa system. This streamlined process enables you to apply for your visa entirely online, saving you the hassle of visiting the Thai Embassy in person.
Note: Visa rules often change, so before applying for a visa by following this guide, it is advisable to contact the relevant embassy or consulate office for the most up-to-date information.
Recently, the Thai government has expanded its eVisa eligibility to include more countries, including Bangladesh. This means Bangladeshi nationals can now apply for a Thailand eVisa directly from Bangladesh or South Korea. Similarly, foreign residents in other eligible countries, such as Japan, India, or Nepal, can follow this process for their applications.
This guide provides a step-by-step walkthrough of the eVisa application process, ensuring that you are fully prepared to apply and avoid common mistakes. Whether you’re applying from South Korea or another eligible country, these instructions will guide you through the requirements, documents, and submission process.
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
Before starting the application process, ensure that your nationality is eligible for a Thailand eVisa.
- Visit the Official Website:
- Go to the Thailand eVisa portal: https://www.thaievisa.go.th.
- Use the nationality checker tool to confirm if your country is eligible for the eVisa application.
- Types of Visas Available:
- Tourist Visa (TR – Single Entry): For leisure and tourism purposes, valid for one entry and up to 60 days.
- Tourist Visa (TR – Multiple Entry): For travelers planning multiple visits within the visa’s validity period.
Make sure your travel purpose aligns with the visa type you are applying for. The Single Entry Tourist Visa is the most commonly chosen option.
Step 2: Gather Required Documents
Proper documentation is crucial for a successful eVisa application. Prepare the following documents in PDF or JPEG format:
1. Passport – A clear, high-resolution scan of the biometric information page.Your passport must have at least 6 months of validity from the intended date of entry.
2. Passport Photo – Recent photo (taken within the last 6 months)
3. Proof of Residency in South Korea – Alien Registration Card (ARC): Provide scans of both the front and back of your ARC. Ensure your ARC is valid for at least 3 months beyond your travel dates.
4. Flight Booking – Confirmed round-trip flight tickets showing entry and exit dates. Include your full name on the reservation. Temporary bookings are acceptable.
5. Accommodation Details – Hotel bookings with your name, address, and stay dates. If staying with a host: Provide an invitation letter with their full name, address, and contact information.
6. Proof of Financial Means
- Bank Statement:
- Minimum balance of 20,000 THB (approximately 800,000 KRW) for individual travelers.
- For families, proof of 40,000 THB (approximately 1,600,000 KRW) is required.
- Alternatively, provide a Bank Solvency Certificate.
7. Entry and Exit Certificate
- Known as 입출국 사실 증명서 in Korean, this document is essential for some applications.
- You can obtainable it from your local dong office (동 주민센터) for a small fee.
- Or you can download it from Gov24 web portal.
Additional Documents (Optional):
- A detailed travel itinerary.
- Any other documents requested by Thai Immigration
Officials during the process: If you encounter any issues while completing the application or have any questions regarding your application, you can contact the embassy visa section at this email address: [email protected].
Important Note: All documents must be in English. If your documents are in Korean or any other local language, ensure they are translated into English by a certified translator.
Klook.comStep 3: Create an Account on the Thai eVisa Website
- Visit the Official Website:
- Go to https://www.thaievisa.go.th.
- Create Your Account:
- Click on “Create an Account” at the top-right corner.
- Provide the following details:
- First Name and Last Name (as per passport).
- Email Address (ensure it’s active for receiving updates).
- Create a secure password.
- Email Verification:
- Check your inbox for a verification email and click the provided link to activate your account.
Step 4: Start Your eVisa Application
- Log In:
- Access your account using your registered email and password.
- Begin the Application:
- Click “Apply for New Visa” on the dashboard.
- Check Eligibility Again:
- Select your nationality and the country you are applying from (e.g., South Korea).
- Choose the visa type: Tourist Visa (Single Entry or Multiple Entry).
Step 5: Fill in Applicant Information
- Upload Documents:
- Passport scan.
- Passport photo.
- ARC (front and back).
- Enter Personal Details:
- Full Name (as per passport).
- Date of Birth, Gender, Place of Birth.
- Nationality.
- Enter Passport Information:
- Passport Number, Date of Issue, Expiry Date, and Issuing Country.
- Contact Information:
- Provide your current address in South Korea.
- Include your phone number and email address.
- Employment Information (if applicable):
- State your profession and employer’s details.
Step 6: Provide Travel Information
- Travel Dates:
- Indicate your planned entry and exit dates.
- Point of Entry:
- Select the airport or border crossing where you will arrive (e.g., Suvarnabhumi Airport).
- Accommodation Details:
- Enter the name, address, and contact information of your hotel or host.
- Travel Companions:
- Add details of family members or friends traveling with you, if applicable.
Step 7: Upload Supporting Documents
- Upload Documents:
- Passport scan.
- Passport photo.
- ARC (front and back).
- Flight tickets.
- Hotel booking confirmation.
- Proof of financial means.
- File Quality:
- Ensure all scans are clear, legible, and meet size requirements (maximum file size is 3 MB per document).
- Combining Files:
- If a specific upload option is missing, combine multiple documents into a single PDF file.
Step 8: Review and Pay the Visa Fee
- Review Your Application:
- Double-check all entered details and uploaded documents to avoid errors.
- Pay the Visa Fee:
- Fees range between 40–80 USD, depending on the visa type.
- Payment methods: credit card or online banking.
Step 9: Submit and Track Your Application
- Submit the Application:
- Click “Submit” to finalize your application.
- Track Your Application:
- Log in to your account and use the “Track Application” section to monitor the status.
- If any additional documents are required, they will notify you via email. You can also check the status and document requirements by logging into your account with your ID.
Statuses You May See:
- Submitted, Payment Completed, Under Review, Additional Documents Required, Pending approval, Approved.
- Processing Time:
- eVisa issuance typically takes 10–14 working days.
- For Destination Thailand Visa (DTV): Processing may take up to 4 weeks.
Step 10: Receive and Print Your eVisa
- Approved Visa Notification:
- You will receive an email notification once your visa is approved.
- Download and Print:
- Log in to your account and download the eVisa PDF.
- Print a copy to present at Immigration when entering Thailand.
Step 11: Enter Thailand
- At the Immigration Counter:
- Present the following documents:
- Printed eVisa.
- Passport.
- Return flight ticket.
- Proof of accommodation.
- Present the following documents:
- Immigration Clearance:
- The officer may verify your documents and stamp your passport, granting entry to Thailand.
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Additional Tips for a Smooth Application
- Start Early:
- Apply at least 3 weeks before your travel date to avoid delays.
- Document Quality:
- Ensure all scans are clear, legible, and meet the size and format requirements.
- Track Updates:
- Check your email regularly for notifications about your application.
- Prepare for Extensions:
- If you plan to stay longer, note that a 30-day extension can be obtained at local Thai Immigration Offices.
- Troubleshooting:
- If additional documents are requested, upload them promptly to avoid delays.
By following this step-by-step guide, foreign nationals residing in South Korea or other eligible countries can successfully apply for a Thailand eVisa. Proper preparation ensures a smooth process, allowing you to focus on enjoying the Land of Smiles. Safe travels!
Why Visit Thailand?
Thailand offers a unique blend of experiences for every traveler:
- Explore vibrant cities like Bangkok and Chiang Mai.
- Relax on pristine beaches in Phuket or Krabi.
- Experience the culture through stunning temples like Wat Arun and Wat Phra Kaew.
- Indulge in world-famous Thai cuisine, from Pad Thai to Tom Yum Goong.