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Courtesy Visa (CY)
ThailandThailand•Asia
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Courtesy Visa (CY)

Work Dependents Allowed

At a Glance

Processing Time

3–10 days

Estimated Cost

Free

Stay Duration

1 month

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

Dependents allowed

PR Pathway

None

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote not required

Overview

Fee-exempt entry permit for diplomatic personnel and government-invited individuals, valid for 30-90 days depending on entry type and sponsoring agency.

The Courtesy Visa is a specialized entry permit issued by the Royal Thai Government as a gesture of diplomatic goodwill, designed for holders of diplomatic, official, or UN passports traveling for non-official purposes, or for ordinary passport holders invited by the Thai government for official tasks.

The visa is fee-exempt and grants 30 days on single-entry permits or up to 90 days on multiple-entry visas. It is renewable and typically processed within 3 to 10 business days. Dependents may accompany the primary visa holder if they meet documentation requirements. No work authorization is granted.

This visa is ideal for diplomats, UN officials, and government-invited guests requiring formal entry to Thailand for temporary official or diplomatic purposes.

Stay & Extensions

Initial grant1 month

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Valid passport (at least 6 months validity)

Visa application form

Passport-sized photographs

Note Verbale from the sending State, international organization, or relevant government agency

Proof of travel (flight itinerary)

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid passport (at least 6 months validity)

Visa application form

Passport-sized photographs

Note Verbale

Proof of travel (flight itinerary)

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

  • Completely fee-exempt — no visa costs for approved applicants
  • Fast processing within 3-10 business days for qualifying applicants
  • Up to 90 days per entry with renewable permits for qualifying travelers
  • Renewable visa allows multiple entries with continued sponsorship
  • Dependents can accompany the primary visa holder with proper documentation
  • Recognized diplomatic status for official government business

Worth Knowing

  • Requires a formal Note Verbale from a government agency or international organization
  • Limited to diplomatic, official, or government-invited purposes only
  • Designed for diplomatic passport holders or formal government invitations
  • No work authorization granted — purely for official and diplomatic travel
  • No Note Verbale means automatic non-qualification and certain denial
  • Not available for tourism, private business, employment, or ordinary purposes

Application Process

1

Verify qualification and gather required documents, including the mandatory Note Verbale.

2

Check the specific requirements of the Thai Embassy or Consulate in your jurisdiction via the E-Visa portal.

3

Submit the application online or in person as directed by the specific embassy.

4

Await processing and receive the visa confirmation.

Application Forms

Thai E-Visa PortalFill online

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