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🇹🇭THAILAND

🇺🇸UNITED STATESTH-US

Do Thailand passport holders need a visa to visit United States?

Visa required. B1/B2 visitor visa, USD 185. Thailand is not on the Visa Waiver Program. Thai ordinary passport holders need a visa to enter the United States — Thailand is not on the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). The standard tourist/business visa is the B1/B2, costing USD 185. The application requires the DS-160 form and an in-person interview at the US Embassy in Bangkok or the Consulate General in Chiang Mai. B1/B2 visas are typically issued for 10 years with multiple entries (Thailand has the favourable 10-year reciprocity), and each visit allows up to 6 months as determined by the CBP officer on arrival. Interview wait times in Bangkok have ranged from a few weeks to several months depending on demand.

VISA REQUIREDTOURISMMULTIPLE ENTRYLast verified 2026-05-27

For guidance only — visa rules change with little notice. Always confirm directly with the destination's embassy or foreign ministry before booking non-refundable travel. Information here applies to ordinary (non-diplomatic) passports unless noted.

/01 — The numbers

Key facts

Last verified 2026-05-27

Visa type

B1/B2 Visitor Visa

Maximum stay

Up to 6 months per visit (CBP discretion)

per entry

Entries

Multiple

from issue date

Visa fee

USD 185

consular fee only

Processing time

Interview wait 1-3 months

standard track

Validity

Usually 10 years (reciprocity)

from issue date

/02 — The process

How to apply

/01

Check passport validity

Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond intended stay with at least 1 blank page.

· 6-month rule

/02

Complete DS-160

Online non-immigrant visa application at ceac.state.gov. Save the confirmation page with barcode.

· DS-160

/03

Pay USD 185 MRV fee

Pay the Machine Readable Visa fee at Krungthai Bank or via the bank channel for Thailand. Save the receipt with reference number.

· USD 185

/04

Schedule interview

Book at the US Embassy in Bangkok or Consulate in Chiang Mai. Interview waits typically 1-3 months for first-time applicants.

· embassy interview

/05

Attend interview

Bring DS-160 confirmation, passport, photo, fee receipt, financial evidence, employment letter, itinerary. Decision usually same day; passport returned in 5-10 working days.

· in-person interview

/03 — The paperwork

Required materials

12 items

Personalized checklist

0 / 12 complete

Thai passport

Valid 6 months beyond stay, 1 blank page

DS-160 confirmation

With barcode

Passport photo

5×5 cm (2×2 inch), white background

USD 185 fee receipt

MRV fee

Interview appointment

At US Embassy Bangkok or Consulate Chiang Mai

Thai ID card (บัตรประชาชน)

Original

Employment letter

With salary and leave approval (in English)

Bank statements

Last 6 months (passbook bankok or e-statement)

Property/business evidence

Strong ties to Thailand (land title, business registration)

Itinerary

Flight bookings and accommodation (optional but helpful)

House registration (ทะเบียนบ้าน)

Optional but useful

Travel insurance

Strongly recommended; US healthcare is extremely expensive

Track your progress · save & email a copy

/04 — The cost

Fee breakdown

All-in estimate

Line itemAmountSource

B1/B2 visa (MRV fee)USD 185Non-refundable; per applicant

Visa Issuance FeeFreeThailand is not subject to reciprocity issuance fees

Global Entry (optional)USD 1205-year fast-track membership for approved travellers

Overstay penalties3-10 year banStrict enforcement

Total estimateUSD 185 — USD 185incl. all

/05 — The wait

Processing time

B1/B2 standard

1-3 months interview wait

Includes interview scheduling, in-person appointment, and passport return.

Interview waiver (renewal)

2-4 weeks

For renewals within 48 months of expiry of previous B1/B2; document drop-off only.

Emergency appointment

Variable

Available for medical, urgent business, or student emergencies.

/06 — The risks

Common refusal reasons

by frequency

/01

Strong ties not demonstrated

Need to show ties to Thailand (job, family, property) so the consular officer believes you'll return.

High

/02

Inconsistent answers

Differences between DS-160 and interview answers raise red flags.

Medium

/03

Past US overstay

Any previous overstay or removal heavily affects future approvals.

Medium

/04

Suspected immigrant intent

Section 214(b) refusals are the most common reason. The consular officer must believe you'll leave the US.

High

/05

Weak travel history

First-time international travellers may need stronger supporting evidence (especially funds and employment).

Medium

/07 — On arrival

After you land

/01

CBP inspection

A visa lets you request admission. CBP decides the actual period of stay and records it in your I-94.

/02

Customs

Declare food, agricultural items, and cash over USD 10,000. Missing declarations can cause fines or seizure.

/03

Connectivity

Airport SIMs are expensive; eSIMs or prepaid plans bought online often work better for short trips.

/08 — The history

Policy changelog

since 2024

2026-05-27

Thailand to US route verified

Confirmed B1/B2 USD 185, Thailand not on VWP, 10-year reciprocity validity typical.

2023-05-30

MRV fee raised to USD 185

US increased non-immigrant visa application fee from USD 160 to USD 185.

/09 — The questions

Frequently asked

Do Thai citizens need a visa for the US?—

Yes — Thailand is not on the Visa Waiver Program. Thai ordinary passport holders need a B1/B2 visitor visa (USD 185) to enter the US for tourism, business, or transit.

How much does the US visa cost?+

How long does the US visa take?+

How long is the B1/B2 valid for Thais?+

Is Thailand joining the Visa Waiver Program?+

What if my B1/B2 visa is refused?+

/11 — Passport tools

Tools for the Thailand passport

Compare the Thailand passport

Stack it up against another passport→

Thailand visa-free map

See where this passport goes visa-free→

Thailand passport power

Global rank and destination breakdown→

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