This guide provides an overview of the 90-day non-immigrant B visa in Thailand.
The 90-day non-immigrant visa is one of the most common types of visa for foreigners who wish to enter Thailand as it can be extended and converted to a visa with a longer stay duration.
Let’s find out more about the 90-day non-immigrant B visa.
What is a 90-day non-immigrant B visa?
The 90-day non-immigrant B visa is issued to foreigners who enter Thailand for work or business purposes.
The visa must be used within 90 days from the date of issuance and it grants the holder a 90-day stay inside Thailand. Once the visa has expired, it can be extended for an additional seven days.
Holders of the temporary 90-day non-immigrant visa usually use the visa to enter Thailand, apply for a work permit and once the validity of the visa has run out, they can convert it into a long-term solution, for example, a one-year non-immigrant business visa, one-year business visa extension or others.
This process takes place in Thailand and the applicant does not need to leave Thailand.
What are the requirements?
The 90-day non-immigrant visa must be filed outside of Thailand, usually in the applicant’s home country, and the applicant must be physically present at the time of lodging their visa application.
The general requirements for the 90-day non-immigrant visa include:
- A passport with at least six months validity from the date of your planned arrival in Thailand
- An invitation or confirmation letter to clarify the purpose of travel issued by the concerned organisation
- Additional supporting documents as requested by the Royal Thai Embassy or consulate
- Proof of financial funds and travel itinerary
- Embassy fee
The 90-day non-immigrant visa application process
Step 1. Prepare the application form and other supporting documents as requested.
Step 2. Submit the required documents to the Thai Embassy or consulate in your home country.
Step 3. Pay the embassy or consulate fees by cash, cheque or credit card.
Step 4. The embassy or consulate will review and process the visa application, which the processing time may take 5 – 10 business days, depending on the Thai embassy or consulate.
Overstay penalty
Overstaying your visa in Thailand is illegal. If you overstay for less than 90 days, you will only have to pay a fine.
The fine for overstaying is THB 500 per day and the maximum fine is THB 20,000 when overstaying for 40 days or more.
However, if you overstay for more than 90 days, you will be deported and banned from visiting Thailand. In the case that you are not able to pay the fine or overstay for a long period, you can be taken to jail.
In the case of the foreigner surrendering to the authorities |
| Period of overstay | Period of banning from re-entering Thailand (starting on the departure date) |
| More than 90 days | One year |
| More than one year | Three years |
| More than three years | Five years |
| More than five years | 10 years |
In the case of being arrested and prosecuted |
| Period of overstay | Period of banning from re-entering Thailand (starting on the departure date) |
| Less than one year | Five years |
| More than one year | 10 years |
Conclusion
If you wish to travel to Thailand for business or work purposes, getting a 90-day non-immigrant B visa is the most suitable option. We recommend contacting Acclime’s if you have any additional questions on this type of visa.
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