Tourist visas and the eVisa system: validity is not the same as stay

The single-entry Tourist Visa (TR) gives a 60-day stay, stamped on arrival by the immigration officer. The visa itself is valid for entry within 3 months of issue — and this is the single most-confused point in visa forums: the 3-month figure is the window in which you must enter Thailand, not how long you may stay. The MFA's own Q&A spells it out: the duration of stay is 60 days from the date of entry, and you may apply at any immigration office in Thailand for one further 30-day extension. A multiple-entry tourist visa (METV) is valid 6 months, with 60 days per entry.

Since 1 January 2025 all applications go through the Thai eVisa system at thaievisa.go.th, launched by the MFA across all 94 Royal Thai Embassies and Consulates-General worldwide. At most missions you apply online from your country of location, pay through the portal, and receive the visa electronically — but online payment reached missions progressively through 2025 and some initially collected payment at the counter, so the exact process still varies by mission. The catch is that each mission still sets its own document list, fees in local currency, and lead times: Singapore, for instance, requires application at least 21 working days before travel, bank statements showing a minimum balance, round-trip tickets and accommodation proof.