Visiting Thailand with a visa on arrival is surely convenient. But still, you need to prepare several documents, one being a visa photo. There are specific requirements on the Thai visa on arrival photo size. Read this complete guide on the Thailand visa on arrival photo size and specifications for a smooth visa application.
Which Countries Need Visa on Arrival for Thailand
From 15 July 2024, passport holders of the following 31 countries and territories can apply for a Thailand visa on arrival for tourism purposes. Here is the list of the countries and territories. Check if your country is eligible for a Thai visa on arrival.
| Africa | America | Asia | Europe | Oceania |
| Namibia | Bolivia | Bhutan | Armenia | Fiji |
| Seychelles | Costa Rica | China | Belarus | Nauru |
| Tunisia | El Salvador | India | Bulgaria | Papua New Guinea |
| Ethiopia | Mexico | Kazakhstan | Georgia | Vanuatu |
| Paraguay | Kyrgyzstan | Malta | ||
| Venezuela | Taiwan | Romania | ||
| Uzbekistan | Russia | |||
| Saudi Arabia | Serbia | |||
| Cyprus |
Thailand Visa on Arrival Requirements
Being eligible for a Thai visa on arrival does not mean you can visit the country without securing a visa. Instead, you will need to submit the necessary documents for a visa directly at the immigration counter upon your arrival at a designated international airport in Thailand. When applying for a Thailand visa on arrival, you will need to present the following documents:
- A 4 x 6 cm photo taken within 6 months
- A passport valid for 6 months at least
- A completed Visa on Arrival Form
- Visa fee of 2000 THB
- Proof of accommodation in Thailand such as a hotel booking confirmation
- Proof of funds to support your stay (10000 THB for a single traveler and 20000 THB for a family)
- Proof of onward or return travel such as a plane ticket for exiting Thailand.
Thai Visa on Arrival Photo Size
Generally, there are two Thailand visa photo sizes. If you apply for a visa in advance at a Thai Embassy or Consulate in your own country, a 35 x 45 mm photo is required. While a 4 x 6 cm photo is required for the Thailand visa on arrival. It is important to know the difference for a smooth visa application.
There are photo booths at the immigration points where you can get a visa photo on-site. However, it will save you money and a long time queuing, if you already have a 4 x 6 cm visa photo taken and printed before you enter Thailand.
Thailand Visa on Arrival Photo Specifications
If you are taking a 4 x 6 cm photo yourself before visiting Thailand, ensure your photo follows the official Thailand visa-on-arrival photo specifications.
Size
The visa on arrival Thailand photo size must be 4 x 6 cm (4 cm in width and 6 cm in height) or 1.57 x 2.36 inches. This dimension is equivalent to 472 x 709 pixels with a resolution of 300 dpi.
Background
The background must be plain white. There must not be any patterns or shadows in the visa photo.
Photo quality
The photo should be printed on high-quality matte photo paper in natural color, with no damage or defects.
Face in photo
Your face should be clearly visible. Do not turn or tilt your face when taking the photo. The face should cover 80% and shoulder 20% of the Thai visa on arrival photo. Position your face in the center of the photo, not too far or too close.
Expression
Keep a neutral expression and look directly into the camera when taking the visa photo.
Lighting
Ensure perfect lighting to avoid over- or under-exposure by making use of natural sunlight and lamps. Your face should be evenly lit.
Glasses and eyes
When taking a visa photo, ensure your eyes are visible. Although wearing glasses is allowed, it is not advised. Prescription glasses can reflect light and cast shadows on your face, which is unacceptable in the photo. Eyeglasses with tinted glasses such as sunglasses that can hide your eyes are unacceptable too. If you must wear ones for medical reasons, opt for clear contact lenses.
Headwear
Headwear, headbands, and hats are not allowed except for religious reasons. If wearing one, ensure it does not obstruct your face.
Visa photo attire
Although there are no specific rules regarding the attire, it is recommended to dress appropriately for your Thai visa on-arrival photo. Wear subtle daily clothes in dark colors such as beige and blue that can create a contrast with the white background. Low tops and uniforms are unacceptable.
Recency
The photo for the Thai visa on arrival should be taken within the last six months.
Visa on Arrival Thailand Photo for Babies & Toddlers
The Thai visa-on-arrival photo rules for adults apply to children, and there are additional requirements for photos of them. If you take a visa photo for your little ones, follow the guidelines below:
- As mentioned, the visa photo background must be white without any objects. You can photograph the child on a baby chair, car seat, or bed covered with a plain white sheet. Ensure your hands or any objects such as toys, bottles, or pacifiers are not visible in the visa photo.
- Dress the child in plain, solid-color clothing in colors that contrast with the background. Avoid clothing in busy patterns.
- In the Thai visa photo, the child’s eyes should be wide open and mouth closed. Its head should be straight towards the camera and in the center of the picture. You can use toys to attract their attention to the camera when taking a photo.
Is Passport Size Photo Required for Thailand Visa on Arrival?
Yes. A 4 x 6 cm passport-sized photo is required for a Thai Visa on Arrival. Upon your arrival at a designated international airport in Thailand, you need to submit a 4 x 6 cm photo along with the necessary documents at the immigration counter to obtain a visa.
Common Reasons that Thai Visa Photo Gets Rejected
Here are the most common reasons why a Thai visa photo might be rejected:
- Incorrect size or format: The Thailand visa photo size on arrival must be 4 x 6 cm. Many may confuse it with the other Thai visa photo size 35×45 mm.
- Poor photo quality: The photograph should be clear and sharp in natural color with no defects. Blurry pixelated or damaged photographs are unacceptable.
- Incorrect background: Any objects or patterns are not acceptable in the photo. The background must be plain white with no other objects or patterns.
- Photo editing or retouching: The visa photo must not be altered or retouched with any photo editing software, as it can lead to unnatural facial features or distortions. You can resize the picture only.
- Facial expression: Smiling, frowning, eyes closing, or looking away from the camera is not acceptable in the visa photo. The expression should be neutral, with mouth closed and eyes open and looking at the camera.
- Head position: Tilting or turning the head is not acceptable in the visa photo. The head must be centered and face the camera directly.
- Eyeglasses: Glasses that reflect glares or cast shadows are not acceptable. It is recommended to remove them when taking a visa photo.
- Headwear: Your facial features are obstructed by a religious head covering. You should ensure your face is fully visible if wearing headwear.
- Inappropriate clothing: Uniforms, low tops, hats, and clothing with large logos or busy patterns are not allowed in the visa photo.
- Accessories: Accessories that could obscure the face such as large earrings, necklaces, and piercings are not allowed. Remove them when taking the visa photo.
How to Avoid Thai Visa on Arrival Photo Rejection
Strictly following the Thai visa on-arrival photo specifications and guidelines above generally secures you a compliant visa photo. Do not crop the photo from another larger picture. It’s advisable to use a high quality VOA photo printed on photographic paper. Plus, you should make sure that your face and eyes are completely visible.
One easy way to completely avoid your Visa on Arrival photo from being rejected by the Thai immigration authorities is to AiPassportPhotos. It is a convenient online visa photo maker backed by advanced AI tech, completely free of use. Simply upload a portrait photo to the website, and it will run a compliance test, resize the photo, and remove inappropriate background. That way your visa photo is 100% compliant with the Thai Visa on Arrival photo requirements.
FAQs
How can I fast track my visa on arrival in Bangkok?
To enjoy fast track Immigration service at Bangkok airport, you need to get a fast track pass. Generally, your airline will only offer it to Business or First Class flyers. Or you can purchase this service from an authorized re-seller such as Klook.
Is it mandatory to carry 10000 Thai baht in 2024?
Yes. You must provide proof of sufficient funds to cover expenses during your stay in Thailand. For a single traveler, the amount is set to 10000 Thai baht in minimum; and for a family, 20000 Thai baht.
Is a matte or glossy photo required for a Thailand visa?
A matte finish photo is required for your Thailand visa photo. Glossy photos are generally not accepted. Ensure that your photo is printed on high-quality matte paper and meets all other specific requirements, such as size, background color, and facial expression.
Do Indians need an entry visa to visit Thailand?
Yes. As an Indian passport holder, you need a visa on arrival to visit Thailand. Upon your arrival at a designated international airport in Thailand, you need to apply for a visa at the immigration counter.
Conclusion
Even if the Thai visa on arrival saves travelers efforts and time for an advance visa application, it is always better to plan ahead and prepare well. This article aims to help you fully understand the visa on arrival Thailand photo size and requirements for a smooth visa application. Wishing you a wonderful and relaxing trip to Thailand!
Erin Lo