How to Apply for a Thai Visa in Portland

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

Portland is the most populous city in the state of Oregon and the second-most populous city in the Pacific Northwest after Seattle.  The Portland metropolitan area has a population of 2.5 million people and is the 25th most populous metropolis in the United States.  The city is located on the Columbia and Willamette Rivers, which meet on the northern end of the Willamette Valley.  The valley stretches for 150 miles between forested mountains containing lush farmland and scenic views.  Over 250 agricultural items are produced here, including award winning wines (Pinot noir) and hops used in the production of craft beer.  Although the population of Thai people in the Portland metropolitan area is less than 2,000, the city has over 125 Thai restaurants.  Portland and the state or Oregon is a popular destination for students from Thailand, with Portland State University, University of Oregon, and Oregon State University having active Thai Student Associations.   

Thailand is a Southeast Asian country of nearly 70 million people that is about twice the size of Oregon by land area.  Bangkok is the country’s political capital and commercial center.  There are hundreds of American companies doing business in Thailand, including Portland area firms like Nike, Keen, and Columbia Sportswear.  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 one of the world’s major exporters of seafood.  Thailand, known as the “Land of Smiles”, has a huge tourism sector that attracts nearly 40 million visitors each year, including one million Americans.  Visitors love the nightlife and cultural sights of Bangkok along with the country’s tropical islands and beach towns of Hua Hin, Pattaya, and Patong.   

Obtaining a Thai Visa from Portland 

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 Portland, you must send all the necessary documents by mail or courier service (FedEx, UPS) to the consulate in Los Angeles.  (NOTE: The consulate does not provide in-person service at this time due to COVID-19.)  Here is the mailing address for the consulate:

Royal Thai Consulate General, Los Angeles
611 North Larchmont Blvd., 2nd Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90004

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 visas on the Thai consulate website and ensure your application and all supporting documents are accurate.  Here is the link to the consulate website: https://thaiconsulatela.thaiembassy.org/en/page/visa-information.  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 Consulate-General, Los Angeles” to pay the visa fee.  Processing time will take about 2 weeks.    

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 Portland

If you are a Thai citizen in Porltand with an emergency or require urgent assistance, you can reach the consulate in Los Angeles by calling + 1 323-580-4222.  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 consulate.  You can find more information on the Royal Thai Consulate General Los Angeles website: https://thaiconsulatela.thaiembassy.org/en/page/thai-passport

We Can Help if You Need Assistance

If you live in Portland or anywhere in the state of Oregon 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 Portland:

  • 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)