Before you travel to Thailand for medical treatment, it is important that you are familiar with the visa rules to ensure you have a trouble-free stay and so you can fully focus on your medical treatment. This article will guide you through the essentials of obtaining a medical visa.
Do You Need a Medical Visa?
For the majority of medical travelers, a dedicated medical visa is not necessary. Thailand offers generous visa exemptions that are often sufficient for most procedures and recovery periods.
Visa Exemption (No Visa Required)
Passports from 93 countries are visa-exempt when visiting Thailand for tourism purposes. As of July 2024, most nationalities can stay up to 60 days without a visa, including travelers from the USA, UK, EU countries, Australia, Canada, China, Japan, and India.
A small number of countries have different arrangements:
- 90 days: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, South Korea, and Peru (bilateral agreements)
- 30 days: Vietnam, Hong Kong SAR, and China (China operates under a mutual exemption allowing 30 days per entry)
- 14 days: Cambodia, Myanmar
See the full list of visa exemptions from the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Any visa-exempt visitor can also apply for a 30-day extension at a Thai immigration office for 1,900 THB, bringing most nationalities to a maximum of 90 days total stay.
Tourist Visa
You could also choose to apply for a tourist visa ahead of time at your local Thai consulate or embassy. The Single-Entry Tourist Visa (SETV) permits a stay of up to 60 days, with the possibility of extending it by another 30 days in Thailand for a total of 90 days.
For most medical procedures including joint replacements, cosmetic surgery, and fertility treatments, visa exemption or a tourist visa provides sufficient time.
When You Need a Medical Visa
A dedicated medical visa becomes necessary if:
- Your passport is from a country with a short visa exemption period
- Your treatment and recovery will exceed 90 days
- You are undergoing extended procedures such as Limb Lengthening Surgery or Sex Reassignment Surgery
Thailand's Medical Visa Options
Thailand offers two dedicated visa categories for medical treatment:
Tourist Visa (MT) - Medical Treatment
The Tourist Visa (MT) is designed for patients seeking short-term medical treatment in Thailand.
Key details:
- Stay permitted: Up to 60 days (single entry)
- Fee: Approximately $40 USD
- Best for: Procedures with recovery periods under two months
Non-Immigrant Visa "O" (Medical Treatment)
For longer treatments, the Non-Immigrant O visa for medical purposes allows extended stays.
Key details:
- Initial stay: Up to 90 days
- Extensions: Can be extended up to 1 year at a Thai immigration office, subject to approval
- Fee: Approximately $80 USD
- Family: Up to 3 immediate family members may accompany the patient
This visa is ideal for patients requiring extended treatment, multiple procedures, or lengthy rehabilitation periods.
Important note: The Non-Immigrant O-A visa is sometimes confused with the medical visa, but the O-A is specifically for retirement (age 50+) and has different requirements. Make sure to apply for the correct visa category.
How to Apply for a Medical Visa
To apply for a medical visa to Thailand, follow these steps:
- Locate the Nearest Thai Embassy/Consulate: Begin by locating the nearest Thai embassy or consulate in your home country via Thailand's embassy directory.
- Complete the Application Form: Fill out the visa application form available at the embassy or on its website.
- Gather Required Documents: Prepare the necessary documents (see requirements below).
- Submit Your Application: Submit your application along with the required documents and visa fee at the Thai embassy or consulate.
- Wait for Processing: Processing times vary by embassy, so apply well in advance of your planned travel date. Check with your local embassy for current processing times.
Requirements for Applying
When applying for a Thai medical visa, you must supply the following:
- Passport: Valid for at least six months beyond your date of entry into Thailand with at least two empty pages.
- Photographs: Recent passport-sized photographs no older than 6 months.
- Medical Documentation: A letter from a Thai hospital or medical facility confirming your appointment and treatment plan. For Non-Immigrant O (Medical), this should include a physician's confirmation specifying the treatment and expected duration.
- Financial Evidence: Proof of sufficient finances to cover your stay in Thailand, such as bank statements or a letter from your bank.
- Travel Itinerary: Details of your travel plans and accommodation in Thailand.
- Visa Fee: Payment of the visa application fee.
- Health Insurance: Proof of international health insurance covering the duration of your stay is recommended.
If you require a medical escort, they can apply for a Non-Immigrant Visa "O" to accompany you. Up to three immediate family members can accompany a patient—they will need to provide proof of relationship and a letter from the treating physician confirming the accompanying persons.
Note that requirements may differ by country and are subject to change. Please check the website of your local Thai embassy to confirm the required documents for your visa application.
Before You Travel: Digital Arrival Card
As of May 1, 2025, all foreign visitors to Thailand must complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) online before traveling. This replaces the paper TM.6 arrival/departure card.
Important: Complete your TDAC at tdac.immigration.go.th at least 72 hours before your arrival. Failure to complete this may cause delays at immigration.
After Arriving in Thailand
Visa Extensions
If you entered on a visa exemption or tourist visa and need more time, you can apply for an extension at a local immigration office. The standard extension is 30 days for 1,900 THB.
For those on a Non-Immigrant O (Medical) visa, extensions up to 1 year are possible with supporting documentation from your treating physician confirming the ongoing medical necessity.
Re-Entry Permits
Medical visas and tourist visas are typically single-entry. If you plan to travel outside of Thailand during your stay (for example, a short trip to a neighboring country), make sure to obtain a re-entry permit before leaving. Without one, your visa will be voided when you exit Thailand and you will need to apply for a new one.
- Single re-entry permit: 1,000 THB
- Multiple re-entry permit: 3,800 THB
Re-entry permits can be obtained at immigration offices or at the airport before departure.
90-Day Reporting
Any foreigner staying in Thailand for more than 90 consecutive days must report their address to immigration every 90 days. This is a legal requirement under Thai immigration law.
You can complete your 90-day report through several methods:
- In person at your nearest immigration office
- Online at tm47.immigration.go.th (available from your second report onwards)
- By registered mail
- Through an authorized representative
The penalty for late reporting ranges from 2,000 to 5,000 THB. Note that the 90-day count resets each time you leave and re-enter Thailand, and the 90-day report is separate from visa extensions.
Please check the immigration website for the latest instructions and requirements.
Need Help?
Navigating all of this yourself can be daunting, but it doesn't have to be! Our team of experienced health advisors assist with everything from visa guidance to coordinating medical appointments and travel plans. We take care of all the details so your medical travel is completely hassle-free.
Trust us to be your experienced guide for your medical travel so you can fully focus on your health and well-being, knowing that you have the expertise and support of Konkai every step of the way. For more information or assistance, please contact us.
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