This is NOT an official government website. We are an independent resource providing information and assistance to travelers.

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

Visa on Arrival (VOA)Tourist Visa (TR)Visa Exempt Thailand Immigration Extension Policy 90-Day Stay Visa Requirements for Thailand

Dec 12, 2025

5 months ago

Martin ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

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

710

views

all likes

replies

users

TLDR : Answer Summary

The user inquires about the best option for a 90-day stay in Thailand, debating between a Visa on Arrival (VOA) and a Tourist Visa (TR). Comments clarify that the VOA is not suitable as it only allows for a 15-day stay, while the Visa Exempt option permits a 60-day stay extendable by 30 days, making it more appropriate for the user's needs.

90 DAY REPORTING RESOURCES / SERVICES

Use the trusted Thailand 90 Day Reporting Serviceto get your in-person report done and mailed to you for as low as 375 THB (even if the online system doesn't work for you).
For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.

Pelle Eriksson★★★★★

Absolutely Bangkok's best service I highly...

recently on Facebook

Luca G.★★★★★

I used this agency for my DTV Visa...

recently on Google

Trusted 90 Day Reporting Agent

OVER 100,000 EXPATS SERVED

#1 VISA AGENT IN THAILAND

Phil ******

@Martin *******

VOA is only for 15 days if you mean entering Thailand without a visa or Visa Exempt then thats for 60 days depending on your history you may be allowed an extension for 30 days.

Make sure you have an outward trip within 60 days ฿20,000 or equivalent in cash and where your staying.

Good luck

5 months ago

David *******

The government/immigration can and probably will revert back to the 30 day visa exempt very soon (in my opinion) due to abuse it's had from those trying to live here without the correct visa.

5 months ago

Dan *******

Hope you’re wrong. They need all the tourists they can get. Up to 20 percent of their GNP is generated from tourism. Billions of dollars ( with a B )

Tourists numbers are declining and with the new “rules” ,

it’s going to get worse. Hope I’m wrong. I love Thailand 🇹🇭 but they’re shooting themselves in the foot.

5 months ago

Reply to

Dan *******

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.

5 months ago

Martin ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Jan *****************

so I don't need a visa at all ? I can just go as a tourist again for 60 days visa-free, then apply at immigration office ice for an extension ?

5 months ago

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

@Martin *******

Yes, if your travel pattern is as you described, you should be able to enter again on a normal 60 days visa exemption without needing a visa in advance. When you arrive, you will be stamped in for 60 days, and you can later apply for a 30 days extension at immigration if you wish. As always, the final decision rests with the IO you stand in front of, but with an eight month gap from your last entry snd no border bounce and no extensive entry history, this is normally straightforward.

5 months ago

Reply to

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

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).

5 months ago

Martin ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Donnie ***********************

so I don't need a visa at all ? I can just go as a tourist again for 60 days visa-free, then apply at immigration office ice for an extension ?

5 months ago

Reply to

Martin ********

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).

5 months ago

Martin ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Brandon ***********

so I don't need a visa at all ? I can just go as a tourist again for 60 days visa-free, then apply at immigration office ice for an extension ?

5 months ago

Dan *******

Depends on what country you’re from. Check it out. If you’re on the visa free list , you get the 60 days and can apply for a thirty day extension at the Thai immigration office . I’m in Chiang Mai and got my extension there in about an hour.

There are a lot of stories on the internet about the immigration officers being very meticulous , when they look at your history of visits.

You can get two extensions .

60 plus 30 and

60 plus 7 for a total of 157.

Supposedly , two per year.

It was announced a couple of months ago ( November 13th )

5 months ago

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

@Martin *******

probably

5 months ago

Reply to

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

Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else

... members · 60% approval rate

The Thai Visa Advice And Everything Else group allows for a broad range of discussions on life in Thailand, beyond just visa inquiries.

Join the Group

Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else