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4 ways to enter

Thailand visas

Thailand transit visa

Some airport connections of less than 12 hours qualify for transit without a visa. The airport, airline and nationality rules matter.

Ways to get a Thailand transit visa

  1. Visa-free transit at Suvarnabhumi

    Transit without a visa

    Passengers connecting for less than 12 hours, except citizens of Pakistan and passengers travelling on the excluded airlines.

    Stay
    Less than 12 hours.

  2. Visa-free transit at Don Mueang

    Transit without a visa

    Passengers connecting for less than 12 hours on Thai AirAsia or Thai AirAsia X, except citizens of Pakistan.

    Stay
    Less than 12 hours.

  3. Transit visa, category TS

    Visa needed

    Travellers entering Thailand while travelling to another country or returning to their own country.

  4. Crew transit visa, category C

    Visa needed

    People in charge of, or serving as crew on, a vehicle or vessel coming to a Thai port, station or other area.

Who needs it

Citizens of Pakistan need a visa whenever they transit through Thailand. Other travellers must meet the relevant airport and airline conditions to transit without a visa.

Who doesn't

Eligible passengers can transit without a visa for less than 12 hours at Suvarnabhumi or Don Mueang, subject to airline restrictions.

Changing planes

Longest transit
12 hours
Transit without a visa
The connection must be less than 12 hours. At Suvarnabhumi, listed airlines are excluded. At Don Mueang, only Thai AirAsia and Thai AirAsia X qualify. Citizens of Pakistan always need a visa.

Good to know

  • The visa-free transit limit is strictly less than 12 hours.
  • Permission to leave the airport during visa-free transit is not specified.

Questions

Do I need a transit visa for Thailand?

Citizens of Pakistan need a visa whenever they transit through Thailand. Other travellers must meet the relevant airport and airline conditions to transit without a visa. Eligible passengers can transit without a visa for less than 12 hours at Suvarnabhumi or Don Mueang, subject to airline restrictions.

What are the ways to get a transit visa for Thailand?

There are 4 options: Visa-free transit at Suvarnabhumi (transit without a visa); Visa-free transit at Don Mueang (transit without a visa); Transit visa, category TS (a visa from an embassy); Crew transit visa, category C (a visa from an embassy).

How long can I stay in transit in Thailand?

Up to 12 hours, if you meet the conditions. The connection must be less than 12 hours. At Suvarnabhumi, listed airlines are excluded. At Don Mueang, only Thai AirAsia and Thai AirAsia X qualify. Citizens of Pakistan always need a visa.

What rules do I have to follow on a Thailand transit visa?

The visa-free transit limit is strictly less than 12 hours.

Does my passport change whether I need a transit visa for Thailand?

Yes. Rules depend on the country that issued your passport. Open the Thailand visa page and choose your passport for a plain answer.

Can a transit visa for Thailand be refused?

Yes. Officials can refuse a visa or entry, even after you apply. Give true answers, bring the documents asked for, and keep proof of your onward trip and money.

Where do I check the latest Thailand transit visa rules?

On Thailand's official immigration or foreign ministry website, or at its embassy. Rules change, so check close to your trip.

Can I change my transit visa once I am in Thailand?

Often you cannot switch visa type inside the country. Ask the immigration office before you travel if you might need to.

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