How to Apply for a Thai Visa in Miami

UPDATED November 27, 2022 (Please see information below under "Other things to consider")

The Greater Miami Area is the seventh-largest metropolitan area in the United States and has a population of 6.2 million people.  The metropolitan area is located in the South Florida region of the U.S. state of Florida and is composed of Miami-Dade County, Broward County, and Palm Beach County.  Its main cities include Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Coral Gables, West Palm Beach, Hialeah, Miramar, Pembroke Pines, Hollywood, and Boca Raton.  This is a diverse community where 40% of the population was born in another country. While this diversity does not include a large population of Asian immigrants, there are a few thousand Thai people living throughout South Florida.  Miami has a Thai Buddhist temple and a Thai Trade Center (an organization sponsored by the Thai government facilitating trade between Thailand and the U.S.).  South Florida’s climate is similar to Thailand’s climate, allowing farmers in the area to grow Thai tropical fruits and vegetables.

Thailand is a Southeast Asian country that is over three times the size of Florida in both land area and population.  Bangkok is the country’s political capital and commercial center.  There are hundreds of American companies doing business in Thailand, including Miami-based Bacardi, Benihana, Hard Rock Cafe, Royal Caribbean, and other cruise lines. Thailand is the 2nd largest economy in Southeast Asia and has a growing industrial sector that includes the manufacture and export of vehicles, electrical appliances, and computer equipment.  The country also has a strong agriculture sector and is a major producer and exporter of seafood.  Thailand, known as the “Land of Smiles”, has a huge tourism industry that attracts nearly 40 million visitors each year.  Visitors enjoy the historic and cultural sights of Bangkok and its abundance of shopping, food, and nightlife.  Phuket, Krabi, Koh Samui, Koh Chang, and Koh Lanta are popular beach destinations.  

Obtaining a Thai Visa from Miami

Visas for Thailand are issued by the Thai government in the United States.  The Thai government is represented by three consulates in Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York City, along with one embassy located in Washington, D.C.  To apply for a Thai visa from Miami, you must send all the necessary documents by mail or courier service (FedEx, UPS) to the embassy in Washington, D.C.  (NOTE: The embassy does not provide in-person service at this time due to COVID-19.)  Here is the mailing address for the embassy:

Royal Thai Embassy
Consular Section (Attn: Visa)
2300 Kalorama Rd., N.W.
Washington, D.C 20008-1623

UPDATE: Starting 27 SEP 2021, Thailand now has a new e-Visa Stickerless System.  This means you will no longer mail your passport and visa application documents to the consulate.  Instead, you must apply for the visa online and submit your documents electronically through this website: Official Website of Thailand Electronic Visa (thaievisa.go.th) The visa will be issued electronically by email. 

It is important to review the requirements for the visa on the Thai embassy website and ensure your application and all supporting documents are accurate.  Here is the link to the embassy website: https://thaiembdc.org/visas/.  You will also include a self-addressed return envelope with a $26.35 postage stamp (US Postal Service Express Mail) along with a money order made payable to “Royal Thai Embassy” to pay the visa fee.  Processing time will take at least 15 business days.

Other things to consider: 

  • U.S. citizens do not require a visa for stays of up to 45 days if they are traveling for tourism or visiting family.
  • U.S. citizens should have a valid passport that does not expire within six months of their date of arrival into Thailand, AND an onward/return ticket that shows they are leaving Thailand within 45 days (if traveling to Thailand without a visa).
  • Starting October 1, 2022 travelers entering Thailand are no longer required to show Proof of Vaccination or a COVID-19 test result.  
  • It is recommended to purchase travel insurance before any international trip in case of medical emergencies.  We advise getting the Geo Blue Voyager Single Trip Plan.
  • Please visit the U.S. Department of State website and review the Entry, Exit, and Visa Requirements for the latest information: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Thailand.html

Emergency Assistance for Thai Citizens in Miami

If you are a Thai citizen in Miami with an emergency or require urgent assistance, you can reach the embassy in Washington, D.C. by calling + 1 202-640-5310.  If you need to renew your Thai passport or obtain an emergency passport, you must schedule an appointment online and appear in person at the embassy.  Please click on the following link for more information: https://thaiembdc.org/thai-e-passport-eng1/

We Can Help if You Need Assistance

If you live in the South Florida region and have difficulty applying for a Thai visa, or require assistance with any part of the visa process, please give our office a call at 404-682-5445 or schedule an appointment with our company.  We are a private agency in Atlanta providing Thailand visa services for Americans and other U.S.-based residents.  Our number one goal is to ensure your application documents for a visa are submitted accurately to the Thai government.  Our services eliminate delays and give you the peace of mind to focus on your travel plans.  

We provide the following Thai visa services for our customers in Miami:

  • Thai Tourist Visas (Category “TR” – Single and Extended Multiple Entry)
  • Thai Business Visa (Category “B”)
  • Thai Work Visa (Category “B”)
  • Thai Medical Visa (Category “MT”)
  • Thai Spousal Visa (Category “O”)
  • Thai Retirement Visa (Category “O-A” – 1 Year and Category “O-X” – 10 Year)
  • Thai Student Visa (Category “ED”)
  • Thai Elite Visa
  • Thai Smart Visa
  • Thailand Special Tourist Visa (STV)