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Should I choose a Visa on Arrival or a Tourist Visa for a 90-day stay in Thailand?

Tourist Visa (TR)Visa on Arrival (VOA)Visa Exemption Thailand Immigration Visa Extension Travel to Thailand Expat Advice

Dec 12, 2025

13 hours ago

I'm coming to thailand in February. I was last here in June for 7 weeks.

I want to stay for up to 90 days. 

So. What is best ?  VOA or apply for a TR. 

Both offer a 60 day visit and both extendable by 30 days. 

Why would I apply for a TR over a VOA when they are effectively the same ?  

Thank-you

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The user is planning a trip to Thailand for up to 90 days and is weighing the benefits of a Visa on Arrival (VOA) versus applying for a Tourist Visa (TR). Comments clarify that the user may need a 60-day visa exemption, which can be extended for 30 days, as the VOA is not suitable for their situation. Different immigration offices have varying policies for extensions, and receiving a new visa exemption should not pose a problem as long as there isn't a significant history of frequent entries.

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Jan ******************

A new 60-day visa exemption 8 months after your last entry should normally be no issue if you don't have any previous extensive entry history.

6 hours ago

Donnie ************************

I think what you're after is the 60 day visa exempt, which can be easily extended for a further 30 days (total 90 days).

Different immigration offices have different policies on when you can apply for that extension (Krabi for instance states last 15 days before 60 days end, while Chiang Mai is 45 days).

10 hours ago

Brandon ************

You do not qualify for Visa on Arrival. That is where people apply for and pay for a 15 day visa at the airport. You are asking about Visa Exempt (being exempt from needing a visa. Not any visa at all).

13 hours ago

Reply to

Brandon ************

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