Thailand
General visa requirements for travelling to Thailand. These policies apply to all nationalities unless a country-specific policy exists.
Have a specific passport country? Check your specific route.
Journalist visa (Short-Term Media Coverage (Visa-Free))
Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026
Visa free
- Maximum stay
- 60 days
- Processing time
- Assessed at point of entry
- Fee
- Free
- Validity
- Duration of passport validity
- Entry
- Single entry
Journalists from visa-exempt countries covering short-term events (international conferences, sporting events, breaking news) may enter Thailand under the standard visa exemption for up to 60 days. For extended media work, filming projects, or assignments requiring a Work Permit, a Non-Immigrant M visa is required. Short-term media assignments can also use a Non-Immigrant B (Business) visa. The distinction between short-term coverage and work requiring a visa/Work Permit can be ambiguous; journalists should consult the Thai embassy or the Foreign Correspondents' Club of Thailand.
Eligibility
-
Nationality
Journalists from the 93 visa-exempt countries.
Eligible countries: Albania, Andorra, Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Bhutan, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Canada, China, Colombia, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Estonia, Fiji, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Korea (Republic of), Kuwait, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macao, Malaysia, Maldives, Malta, Mauritius, Mexico, Monaco, Mongolia, Morocco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russian Federation, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Province of China, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkey, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States of America, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Viet Nam
-
Employment
Must be covering a short-term event. Extended media work, filming, or paid production requires a Non-Immigrant M visa and Work Permit.
Required status: Short-term event coverage only
Documents you need
-
Passport
Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 6
-
Flight reservation
Provide flight booking or itinerary evidence when the route asks for travel plans.
Must be confirmed: Yes; Must show return: Yes
How to apply
-
Document gathering
Prepare passport, press credentials, return ticket, and event accreditation if applicable.
Journalist visa (Non-Immigrant Visa M (Media/Journalist))
Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026
e-Visa
- Maximum stay
- 90 days
- Processing time
- 10-20 business days
- Fee
- THB 2,000 / USD 80
- Validity
- 3 months from date of issue
- Entry
- Single entry
The Non-Immigrant Visa M (Media) is for foreign journalists, reporters, correspondents, film producers, and media professionals working in Thailand for 90+ days. The applicant must be affiliated with a credible media entity registered for at least 6 months, work solely as a media professional, discharge media duties for a minimum of 90 days, and produce at least 12 pieces of content per year about Thailand. Application requires registration with the Department of Information, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through the MMOS (MFA Media Online Service). If approved, the journalist receives a visa, work permit, and press card valid for up to 12 months. Short-term media assignments can use a Non-Immigrant B visa instead. As of 31 August 2025, the M category remains a separate consolidated visa category.
Eligibility
-
Nationality
Open to all foreign media professionals.
-
Purpose of visit
Media work including news reporting, filming, documentary production, and coverage of events in Thailand for a minimum of 90 days.
-
Employment
Must be affiliated with or employed by a credible media entity duly registered for at least 6 months. Must work solely as a media professional for the entire stay. Must produce at least 12 pieces of content per year about Thailand. Must not have produced content constituting a threat to public order or safety. Must provide a portfolio of 10 most recent media reports.
Required status: Affiliation with credible media entity registered for at least 6 months
Documents you need
-
Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6
-
Photo
Count: 1; Specifications: Recent passport-sized photograph (4x6 cm)
-
Invitation letter
Host requirements: Official letter from the media organization's headquarters addressed to the Director-General of the Department of Information, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand
-
Application form
Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.
Form name: Non-Immigrant M Visa Application / e-Visa Form; Form url: https://mmos.mfa.go.th/
-
Visa fee payment
Accepted methods: Credit card, debit card, or cash at embassy; Amount: THB 2,000 (approx. USD 80) single entry / THB 5,000 (approx. USD 200) multiple entry
-
Press credentials
Provide a press card, assignment letter or accreditation from the media organisation you represent.
How to apply
-
Document gathering
Gather: passport, photo, official letter from media organization, press credentials, criminal clearance certificate, portfolio of 10 most recent media reports, and detailed description of planned media activities.
-
Online application
Register with the Department of Information through MMOS (mmos.mfa.go.th). Apply via e-Visa portal or contact the Thai Embassy for interview and authorization.
-
Processing wait
Wait for authorization from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The M visa can only be issued after authorization is received. Processing takes 10-20 business days.
-
Fee payment
Pay THB 2,000 (single entry) or THB 5,000 (multiple entry) visa fee.
-
Visa collection
Upon approval, receive the M visa. After arrival, report to the Press Division, Information Department, and apply for a Work Permit and press card. Valid for up to 12 months.