Update
April 12, 2024

Information for U.S. Citizens in the Middle East

U.S. Visas

English

U.S. Visa: Reciprocity and Civil Documents by Country

Thailand

Thailand
Kingdom of Thailand

Reciprocity Schedule

Select a visa category below to find the visa issuance fee, number of entries, and validity period for visas issued to applicants from this country*/area of authority.

Explanation of Terms

Visa Classification: The type of nonimmigrant visa you are applying for.

Fee: The reciprocity fee, also known as the visa issuance fee, you must pay. This fee is in addition to the nonimmigrant visa application fee (MRV fee).

Number of Entries: The number of times you may seek entry into the United States with that visa. "M" means multiple times. If there is a number, such as "One", you may apply for entry one time with that visa.

Validity Period: This generally means the visa is valid, or can be used, from the date it is issued until the date it expires, for travel with that visa. If your Validity Period is 60 months, your visa will be valid for 60 months from the date it is issued.

Visa Classifications

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V
Visa
Classification
Fee Number
of Entries
Validity
Period
A-1 None Multiple 60 Months
A-2 None Multiple 6 Months
A-3 1 None Multiple 24 Months
B-1 None Multiple 120 Months
B-2 None Multiple 120 Months
B-1/B-2 None Multiple 120 Months
C-1 None Multiple 60 Months
C-1/D None Multiple 60 Months
C-2 None Multiple 12 Months
C-3 None Multiple 60 Months
CW-1 11 None Multiple 12 Months
CW-2 11 None Multiple 12 Months
D None Multiple 60 Months
E-1 2 None Multiple 6 Months
E-2 2 None Multiple 6 Months
E-2C 12 None Multiple 6 Months
F-1 None Multiple 12 Months
F-2 None Multiple 12 Months
G-1 None Multiple 60 Months
G-2 None Multiple 60 Months
G-3 None Multiple 60 Months
G-4 None Multiple 60 Months
G-5 1 None Multiple 24 Months
H-1B None Multiple 12 Months 3
H-1C None Multiple 60 Months 3
H-2A None Multiple 60 Months 3
H-2B None Multiple 60 Months 3
H-2R None Multiple 60 Months 3
H-3 None Multiple 60 Months 3
H-4 None Multiple 12 Months 3
I None Multiple 6 Months
J-1 4 None Multiple 60 Months
J-2 4 None Multiple 60 Months
K-1 None One 6 Months
K-2 None One 6 Months
K-3 None Multiple 24 Months
K-4 None Multiple 24 Months
L-1 None Multiple 12 Months
L-2 None Multiple 12 Months
M-1 None Multiple 60 Months
M-2 None Multiple 60 Months
N-8 None Multiple 60 Months
N-9 None Multiple 60 Months
NATO 1-7 N/A N/A N/A
O-1 None Multiple 60 Months 3
O-2 None Multiple 60 Months 3
O-3 None Multiple 60 Months 3
P-1 None Multiple 60 Months 3
P-2 None Multiple 60 Months 3
P-3 None Multiple 60 Months 3
P-4 None Multiple 60 Months 3
Q-1 6 None Multiple 15 Months 3
R-1 None Multiple 12 Months
R-2 None Multiple 12 Months
S-5 7 None One 1 Month
S-6 7 None One 1 Month
S-7 7 None One 1 Month
T-1 9 N/A N/A N/A
T-2 None One 6 Months
T-3 None One 6 Months
T-4 None One 6 Months
T-5 None One 6 Months
T-6 None One 6 Months
TD 5 N/A N/A N/A
U-1 None Multiple 48 Months
U-2 None Multiple 48 Months
U-3 None Multiple 48 Months
U-4 None Multiple 48 Months
U-5 None Multiple 48 Months
V-1 None Multiple 60 Months
V-2 None Multiple 60 Months 8
V-3 None Multiple 60 Months 8

Country Specific Footnotes

Although care has been taken to ensure the accuracy, completeness and reliability of the information provided, please contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you plan to apply if you believe this information is in error or if you have further questions.

ALL /

Visa Category Footnotes

  1. The validity of A-3, G-5, and NATO 7 visas may not exceed the validity of the visa issued to the person who is employing the applicant. The "employer" would have one of the following visa classifications:

    • A-1
    • A-2
    • G-1 through G-4
    • NATO 1 through NATO 6

  2. An E-1 and E-2 visa may be issued only to a principal alien who is a national of a country having a treaty, or its equivalent, with the United States. E-1 and E-2 visas may not be issued to a principal alien if he/she is a stateless resident or national of a country without a treaty.  *When the spouse and children of an E-1 or E-2 principal alien are accorded derivative E-1 or E-2 status and are themselves a national of a country that does not have a treaty with the United States – the reciprocity schedule, including any reciprocity fees, of the principal alien’s country of nationality should be used.  **Spouse and children of an E-1 or E-2 visa principal applicant, where the spouse and children are also nationals of a country that has a treaty with the United States – the reciprocity schedule, including any reciprocity fees, of the spouse and children’s country of nationality should be used.  

    *Example 1: John Doe is a national of Country A that has an E-1/E-2 treaty with the U.S. however his wife and child are nationals of Country B which has no treaty with the U.S. The wife and child would, therefore, be entitled to derivative status and receive the same reciprocity as John Doe, the principal visa holder.

    **Example 2:  Mike Doe is a national of Country Y that has an E-1/E-2 treaty with the U.S. however his wife and child are nationals of Country Z that also has a treaty with the U.S. The wife and child would, therefore, be entitled to derivative status and receive the reciprocity issued to nationals of Country Z.

  3. The validity of H-1 through H-3, O-1 and O-2, P-1 through P-3, and Q visas may not exceed the period of validity of the approved petition or the number of months shown, whichever is less.

    Under 8 CFR §214.2, H-2A and H-2B petitions may generally only be approved for nationals of countries that the Secretary of Homeland Security has designated as participating countries. The current list of eligible countries is available on USCIS's website for both H-2A and H-2B visas. Nationals of countries not on this list may be the beneficiary of an approved H-2A or H2-B petition in limited circumstances at the discretion of the Department of Homeland Security if specifically named on the petition.  

    Derivative H-4, L-2, O-3, and P-4 visas, issued to accompanying or following-to-join spouses and children, may not exceed the validity of the visa issued to the principal alien.

  4. There is no reciprocity fee for the issuance of a J visa if the alien is a United States Government grantee or a participant in an exchange program sponsored by the United States Government.

    Also, there is no reciprocity fee for visa issuance to an accompanying or following-to-join spouse or child (J-2) of an exchange visitor grantee or participant.

    In addition, an applicant is eligible for an exemption from the MRV fee if he or she is participating in a State Department, USAID, or other federally funded educational and cultural exchange program (program serial numbers G-1, G-2, G-3 and G-7).

    However, all other applicants with U.S. Government sponsorships, including other J-visa applicants, are subject to the MRV processing fee.

  5. Under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), Canadian and Mexican nationals coming to engage in certain types of professional employment in the United States may be admitted in a special nonimmigrant category known as the "trade NAFTA" or "TN" category. Their dependents (spouse and children) accompanying or following to join them may be admitted in the "trade dependent" or "TD" category whether or not they possess Canadian or Mexican nationality. Except as noted below, the number of entries, fees and validity for non-Canadian or non-Mexican family members of a TN status holder seeking TD visas should be based on the reciprocity schedule of the TN principal alien.

    Canadian Nationals

    Since Canadian nationals generally are exempt from visa requirement, a Canadian "TN' or "TD" alien does not require a visa to enter the United States. However, the non-Canadian national dependent of a Canadian "TN", unless otherwise exempt from the visa requirement, must obtain a "TD" visa before attempting to enter the United States. The standard reciprocity fee and validity period for all non-Canadian "TD"s is no fee, issued for multiple entries for a period of 36 months, or for the duration of the principal alien's visa and/or authorized period of stay, whichever is less. See 'NOTE' under Canadian reciprocity schedule regarding applicants of Iranian, Iraqi or Libyan nationality.

    Mexican Nationals

    Mexican nationals are not visa-exempt. Therefore, all Mexican "TN"s and both Mexican and non-Mexican national "TD"s accompanying or following to join them who are not otherwise exempt from the visa requirement (e.g., the Canadian spouse of a Mexican national "TN") must obtain nonimmigrant visas.

    Applicants of Iranian, Iraqi, Libyan, Somalian, Sudanese, Syrian or Yemeni nationality, who have a permanent resident or refugee status in Canada/Mexico, may not be accorded Canadian/Mexican reciprocity, even when applying in Canada/Mexico. The reciprocity fee and period for "TD" applicants from Libya is $10.00 for one entry over a period of 3 months. The Iranian and Iraqi "TD" is no fee with one entry over a period of 3 months.

  6. Q-2 (principal) and Q-3 (dependent) visa categories are in existence as a result of the 'Irish Peace Process Cultural and Training Program Act of 1998'. However, because the Department anticipates that virtually all applicants for this special program will be either Irish or U.K. nationals, the Q-2 and Q-3 categories have been placed only in the reciprocity schedules for those two countries. Q-2 and Q-3 visas are available only at the Embassy in Dublin and the Consulate General in Belfast.

  7. No S visa may be issued without first obtaining the Department's authorization.

  8. V-2 and V-3 status is limited to persons who have not yet attained their 21st birthday. Accordingly, the period of validity of a V-2 or V-3 visa must be limited to expire on or before the applicant's twenty-first birthday.

  9. Posts may not issue a T-1 visa. A T-1 applicant must be physically present in the United States, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands or a U.S. port of entry, where he/she will apply for an adjustment of status to that of a T-1. The following dependents of a T-1 visa holder, however, may be issued a T visa at a U.S. consular office abroad:

    • T-2 (spouse)
    • T-3 (child)
    • T-4 (parent)
  10. The validity of NATO-5 visas may not exceed the period of validity of the employment contract or 12 months, whichever is less.

  11. The validity of CW-1 and CW-2 visas shall not exceed the maximum initial period of admission allowed by DHS (12 months) or the duration of the transition period ending December 31, 2014, whichever is shortest.

  12. The validity of E-2C visas shall not exceed the maximum initial period of admission allowed by DHS (24 months) or the duration of the transition period ending December 31, 2014, whichever is shortest.

 

 

ALL / ALL /

General Documents

General Document Information

Bangkok is divided into 36 districts. Marriage/Birth/Adoption Certificates must be requested from the district office that recorded the original certificate. Districts in Bangkok are listed below under Visa Services.

General Issuing Authority Information

Birth/Marriage/Divorce Certificates are available at "Amphur" (geographic subdivision roughly equivalent to a county in the U.S.) district authorities having jurisdiction over the place of birth or where the marriage or divorce took place.

Birth, Death, Burial Certificates

Birth Certificates

Available

Fees: There are no fees

Document Name: “Sutibat”

Issuing Authority: District “Amphur” Registration Office having jurisdiction over the place of birth

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: Garuda

Issuing Authority Personnel Title: District Registrar

Registration Criteria: Registration must be made within 15 days of the birth.

Procedure for Obtaining: A parent to bring Hospital Birth Report, national ID and house registration to register birth at the Amphur.

Certified Copies Available: Certified copies are available.

Alternate Documents: Birth Certifying Letter “Bai Rub Rong Kan Kerd”

Exceptions: The issuance of birth certificates in Thailand began in Bangkok in 1917. Records of birth are often lacking for people born in Bangkok before World War II and for those born in other areas of the country up until the 1970s.

Comments: bora.dopa

 

Death Certificate

Available

Fees: There are no fees

Document Name: “Morana Bat”

Issuing Authority: District “Amphur” Registration Office having jurisdiction over the place of death

Issuing Authority Personnel Title: District Registrar

Registration Criteria: Registration must be made within 24 hours after the death is found by hospital, family members, or police.

Procedure for Obtaining: An authorized person (family member/relatives/hospital staff) brings the Hospital Death Report or Police Report, national ID of the informant, and deceased’s house registration to register death at the Amphur. If the person dies from unnatural causes or an accident, proof of death from the local police station where the incident took place is required.

Certified Copies Available: Certified copies are available.

Alternate Documents: “Bai Rub Rong Kan Tai”

Exceptions: None

Comments:  bora.dopa

Marriage, Divorce Certificates

Marriage Certificate

Available

Fees:  There are no fees

Document Name:  “Tabien Somros” and “Bai Samkhan Kan Somros”

Issuing Authority:  Any district “Amphur” Registration Office

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format:  Garuda

Issuing Authority Personnel Title:  District Registrar

Registration Criteria:  Bride and groom are both legally free to marry.

Procedure for Obtaining:  Both parties’ ID and House Registration

Certified Copies Available:  Certified copies are available.

Alternate Documents:  Family Records filed with National Registration Database

Exceptions:  None

Comments:  Same-sex marriage is not recognized in Thailand. Couples must be age at least 17 years old on the date of registration. Divorcees can get married 310 days after the final dissolution of their first marriage, except if the person marries their former spouse (same person); proof of non-pregnancy or court allows the new marriage to be proceeded. bora.dopa



Divorce Certificate

Available

Fees:  There are no fees

Document Name:  “Tabien Yah” and “Bai Samkhan Kan Yah”

Issuing Authority:  District “Amphur” Registration Office where the marriage registration took place, or any district “Amphur” Registration Office

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format:  Garuda

Issuing Authority Personnel Title:  District Registrar

Registration Criteria:  There are no registration criteria.

Procedure for Obtaining:  Both parties’ ID, House Registration, and Marriage Certificates or final dissolution of marriage by court (in case of divorce by order of the court)

Certified Copies Available:  Certified copies are available.

Alternate Documents:  Family Records filed with National Registration Database

Exceptions:  If spouse dies, documentary proof of the death or death certificate is required.

Comments:  bora.dopa

Adoption Certificates

Available

Fees: There are no fees

Document Name: “Tabien Rab Bud Boontham”

Issuing Authority: Local District Registration Office (Amphur)

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: Garuda

Issuing Authority Personnel Title: District Registrar

Registration Criteria: Adoptive parents, accompanied by two witnesses, must legally register the adoption with the registrar of the local district.

Procedure for Obtaining: To adopt a minor, adoptive parents must process the adoption through Thailand’s Child Adoption Center, Department of Children and Youth (DCY). After the adoption is approved, the adoptive parents then submit the DCY approval letter to legally register the adoption at the Thai local district.

Certified Copies Available: Certified copies are available.

Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents.

Exceptions: None

Comments: Department of Children and Youth is the sole governmental social welfare agency that is responsible for the child adoption in Thailand:  dcy.go.th.  bora.dopa

Identity Card

Available

Fees:  There are no fees

Document Name:  “Bat Prachachon”

Issuing Authority:  Any district “Amphur” Registration Office

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format:  Ministry of Interior Stamp

Issuing Authority Personnel Title:  District Registrar

Registration Criteria:  A person ages between 7 to 70 years old

Procedure for Obtaining:  A person to bring original house registration and birth certificate to the Amphur

Certified Copies Available:  Certified copies are available.

Alternate Documents:  There are no alternate documents.

Exceptions:  Those who are older than 70 and receive an exception by local law are not required to obtain an ID card.

Comments:  bora.dopa

Police, Court, Prison Records

Police Records

Available

Fees:  100 Baht; must be paid in Thai currency.

Document Name:  “Nang Sue Rab Rong Khwam Praprued”

Issuing Authority:  Royal Thai Police

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format:  Garuda

Issuing Authority Personnel Title:  Police Clearance Service Center, Building 24, Royal Thai Police Headquarters, Rama I Road, Patumwan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand; Tel: 66-2205-2168-9; Fax: 66-2205-1295; E-mail: pcscenter@royalthaipolice.go.th, pcsc.thaipolice@gmail.com

Registration Criteria: There are no registration criteria.

Procedure for Obtaining:  Residents of Thailand requesting a Thai police certificate need to present two recent photographs (2” x 2”), the original and a copy of his/her passport, identification card, household registration, name change certificates (if any), marriage and divorce certificates (if any). Thai males aged 17-45 must also present military record or proof of exemption from military service. Non-residents should send their requests to the Royal Thai Police Department at the above address with the required documents and a fingerprint taken by a police authority at their place of residence. Normal processing time is approximately 30 business days.

Certified Copies Available: One certified copy (must be requested at the time of application)

Alternate Documents:  There are no alternate documents.

Exceptions:  None

Comments:  The certificate application will not be processed until all required documents and certificate fee are provided: pcscenter.sb

 

Court/Prison Records

Available

Fees:  There are no fees

Document Name:  “Kham Pipaksa San”

Issuing Authority:  The First Section, Second Division, Scientific Branch, Police Department, Bangkok or the Penitentiary Department, Bangkok, and Provincial Court of Justice

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format:  Garuda

Issuing Authority Personnel Title:  Court Judge

Registration Criteria: There are no registration criteria.

Procedure for Obtaining:  Applicants have to submit the court case number (Red/Black Case Number), National ID Card, Household Registration and complete the requested form at the Court of Justice.

Certified Copies Available:  Certified copies are available.

Alternate Documents:  There are no alternate documents.

Exceptions:  None

Comments:  Certified copy is available only for the court case with Civil Court, Appeal Court, and Supreme Court, including court orders.

Military Records

Available

Fees: There are no fees

Document Name: “Bai Rab Rong Kan Ken Tahan”

Issuing Authority: Military Personal Recruitment Division / Military Recruitment at Local District Registration

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: Garuda

Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Chief of Military Personal Recruitment Division / District Military Conscription Chief

Registration Criteria: All Thai males at the age of 17 years old must register for a voluntary military service. 21 years old males must register for compulsory military service at the Military Personal Recruitment Division or at the Military Personal Recruitment Division of the Local District Registration Office.

Procedure for Obtaining: Thai males at the compulsory age need to present birth certificate, national ID card, and household registration to register for a military service at the Military Recruitment Division or at the Military Personal Recruitment Division of the Local District Registration Office.

Certified Copies Available: Certified copies are available.

Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents.

Exceptions: None

Comments: Thai Military Personal Recruitment Division Website: sassadee.rta.mi.th

Passports & Other Travel Documents

Types Available (Regular, Diplomatic, Official, etc.):  There are four types of Thai passports:

Ordinary Passport (dark brown cover): Issued for all Thai citizens for ordinary travel. It is valid for 5 years.

  • Official Passport (dark blue cover): Issued to individuals representing the Thai government or a government officer on official business. It is valid not more than 5 years.
  • Diplomatic Passport (red cover): Issued to members of the Thai royal family, top ranking government officials, and diplomatic couriers. It is valid not more than 5 years.
  • Temporary Passport (dark green cover): Issued for Thai citizens waiting for their ordinary passport while aboard or traveling to other countries. It is valid for 1 year.
  • Other Special Passport – Hajj Passport: Issued to Thai Muslims for a pilgrimage to Mecca. It is valid for 2 years.

Fees:  Ordinary and Official Passports fee is 1,000 Baht. Hajj Passport fee is 400 Baht. Temporary Passport fee is 296 Baht. Diplomatic Passport is no fee.

Document Name:  “Nang Sue Deun Thang”

Issuing Government Authority:  Passport Division, Department of Consular Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format:  Garuda

Issuing Authority Personnel Title:  Passport Division, Department of Consular Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Registration Criteria:  There are no registration criteria.

Procedure for Obtaining:  Aged above 20 years old, presents only National ID card. For minor, birth certificate and consent of parents with their National ID card are required.

Certified Copies Available:  Yes; contact: Passport Division, Department of Consular Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 123 Chaengwattana Road, Lak Si, Bangkok 10210, Thailand; Tel: 66-2203-5000, call center: 66-2572-8442; Website: mfa.go

Alternate Documents:  There are no alternate documents.

Exceptions:  None

Comments:  None
 

Other Documents Available:

Travel Document for Alien (T.D.) (yellow cover): Issued for aliens who are (1) granted permanent residence in Thailand and have been denied by their own government in issuing passport or travel document; (2) stateless persons; (3) granted permanent residence in Thailand under a special ten-million investment program.

Travel document is valid for 1 year and the application fee is 500 Baht issuance or renewal.

Contact:

Visa and Travel Documents Division
Department of Consular Affairs
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Chaeng Wattana Road, Bangkok 10210
Thailand
Tel: 662-981-7171, ext. 3201 or 3202, direct line 66-2575-1062-3
Website: mfa.go

Emergency Certificate (E.C.): Issued for (1) political refugees; (2) stateless children under patronage of the Department of Public Welfare; (3) foreigners whose passport or travel document is lost and no consular mission of that national is located in Thailand. 

Certificate fee is 300 Baht.

Contact:

Visa and Travel Documents Division
Department of Consular Affairs
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Chaeng Wattana Road, Bangkok 10210
ThailandTel: 66-2981-7171, ext. 3201 or 3202, direct line 66-2575-1062-3
Website: mfa.go

Other Records

Not applicable.

 

Visa Issuing Posts

Post Title:  U.S. Embassy, Bangkok

Mailing Address: 

APO AP 96546-7200

Street Address:

95 Wireless Road,
Lumpini, Patumwan,
Bangkok 10330, Thailand

Phone Number:  011 (66-2) 205-4049

Visa Services:  See th.usembassy.gov

Comments / Additional Information:  None

Visa Services

Bangkok handles immigrant visas for all of Thailand and nonimmigrant visas for the following provinces:

  • Amnat Charoen
  • Ang Thong
  • Ayutthaya
  • Buri Ram
  • Chachoengsao
  • Chai Nat
  • Chaiyaphum
  • Chanthaburi
  • Chon Buri
  • Chumphum
  • Kalasin
  • Kanchanaburi
  • Khon Kaen
  • Krabi
  • Loei
  • Lop Buri
  • Maha Sarakham
  • Mukdahan
  • Nakhon Nayok
  • Nakhon Pathom
  • Nakhon Phanom
  • Nakhon Ratchasima
  • Nakhon Sawan
  • Nakhon Si Thammarat
  • Narathiwat
  • Nong Bua Lamphu
  • Nong Khai
  • Nonthaburi
  • Pathum Thani
  • Pattani
  • Phang Nga
  • Phattalung
  • Phetchaburi
  • Phuket
  • Prachin Buri
  • Prachuap Khiri Khan
  • Ranong
  • Ratchaburi
  • Rayong
  • Roi Et
  • Sa Kaeo
  • Sakon Nakhon
  • Samut Prakan
  • Samut Sakhon
  • Samut Songkhram
  • Saraburi
  • Satun
  • Si Sa Ket
  • Sing Buri
  • Songkhia
  • Suphan Buri
  • Surat Thani
  • Surin
  • Trang
  • Trat
  • Ubon Ratchathani
  • Udon Thani
  • Uthai Thani
  • Yala
  • Yasothon
Chiang Mai issues nonimmigrant visas for the following provinces:
  • Chiang Mai
  • Chiang Rai
  • Kamphaeng Phet
  • Lampang
  • Lamphun
  • Mae Hong Son
  • Nan
  • Phayao
  • Phelchabum
  • Phichit
  • Phitsanulok
  • Phrae
  • Sukhothai
  • Tak
  • Uttaradit

Additional Information for Reciprocity

Although care has been taken to ensure the accuracy, completeness and reliability of the information provided, please contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you plan to apply if you believe this information is in error or if you have further questions.