How to Apply for a Thai Visa in Tampa

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

The city of Tampa, located in the West Central region of Florida on the Gulf Coast, is one of the three principal cities (the other two being St. Petersburg and Clearwater) that make up the Tampa Bay Area.  The Tampa Bay Area is the 18th-largest metropolis in the United States and has a population of 3.1 million people.  The metro area includes the counties of Hillsborough, Pinellas, Citrus, and Manatee, along with the towns of Brandon, Palm Harbor, Dunedin, Largo, Tarpon Springs, and Bradenton.  Although the Asian immigrant population in Tampa is not huge, their numbers have been growing the past two decades due to the expansion of technology-focused companies in the area.  There is a growing population of immigrants from Vietnam and Thailand that have come to Tampa to study and open small businesses.  Tampa has a Thai Buddhist temple that offers religious services and a Sunday market selling authentic Thai foods and other items.

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 Tampa-based Bloomin’ Brands.  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 frozen seafood.  Thailand, known as the “Land of Smiles”, has a huge tourism industry that attracts nearly 40 million visitors each year, including one million Americans.  Visitors enjoy the historic and cultural sights of Bangkok and its abundance of street markets, food, and nightlife.  Thailand is also well known as a tropical paradise that has hundreds of exotic beaches and islands.

Obtaining a Thai Visa from Tampa

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 Tampa, 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 Tampa

If you are a Thai citizen in Tampa 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 Tampa Bay Area 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 Tampa:

  • 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)