Thailand to roll out e-visa for Bangladeshis from Jan 2: Application process explained

Thailand is set to simplify travel for Bangladeshi citizens with the introduction of an e-visa service, streamlining the visa application process. The service will be available for Bangladeshi applicants starting January 2, 2024, according to a statement from the Royal Thai Embassy in Dhaka. Additionally, Bangladeshi official passport holders will be exempt from visa requirements beginning December 19, 2024.

Official passports are issued to Bangladesh government employees, officials, and individuals representing the government on official missions. Under the new e-visa system, applicants can complete the application process online at https://www.thaievisa.go.th by filling out forms and uploading necessary documents, eliminating the need to submit physical passports.

Once the application is approved, the e-visa will be sent via email. Applicants must print the visa and present it to Thai immigration officials at the entry point.

Due to technical limitations, Bangladeshi applicants cannot pay the visa fee directly on the e-visa website. Instead, after submitting their application, they will receive a "Payment Info Summary" sheet containing an application reference number, QR code, and visa fee amount. Payment must be transferred to the Thai Embassy’s bank account through https://www.combank.net.bd/thaievisa, and the "Payment Info Summary" sheet must be uploaded for verification. Cash payments at the bank will not be accepted. Processing of e-visas is expected to take up to 10 working days. Detailed application guidelines are available on the e-visa website.

To accommodate the transition, the Royal Thai Embassy will stop accepting visa applications through its four visa application centers starting December 24, 2023.