Thai passport holders enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to many destinations across Asia, the Middle East, and parts of South America, but there are still several popular countries that remain challenging to enter due to strict visa requirements, lengthy application processes, or low approval rates.
If you’re planning your first big overseas trip and dreaming of visiting places like Europe, the United States, or Australia, you’ve probably realized it’s not as simple as just booking a flight.
For Thai passport holders with no prior visa history, some countries are still very difficult to enter, even as a tourist.
Here’s what you need to know.
United States
Entry Type: B1/B2 Visa
No ESTA for Thai passport holders
Long processing times and high rejection rates compared to neighboring countries
Requires interview at the US Embassy in Bangkok, proof of income, ties to Thailand, and a detailed itinerary
For first-timers:
Without a previous travel record, especially to countries with strict immigration (e.g. Japan or Korea), approval is harder. The US wants to see strong evidence you’ll return to Thailand — like a full-time job, property, or close family ties.
United Kingdom
Entry Type: Standard Visitor Visa
Thai travelers must apply in advance and pay fees (not refundable)
Proof of accommodation, funds, and return plans required
Interview not always required but scrutiny is high
For first-timers:
No previous visas or travel history? That’s a red flag to UK visa officers. They’ll look more closely at your financial situation and whether your trip makes sense for someone in your circumstances. You may also need to explain why you’re visiting and how you’re paying for it.
Schengen Area (e.g. France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Switzerland)
Entry Type: Schengen Visa (Type C)
Apply through VFS Global for the country you plan to spend the most time in
Long list of documents: insurance, flight bookings, proof of funds, hotel reservations, employment letter
Processing time: around 15 days or longer
Some countries have tighter standards (Germany and Netherlands tend to be stricter than Italy or Spain)
For first-timers:
You’re more likely to be approved if you’ve already been to easier destinations like Japan or Korea. Without that, you’ll need to present an especially well-prepared application.
Australia
Entry Type: Visitor Visa (subclass 600)
Requires online application with comprehensive supporting documents
Approval times vary; often several weeks
Applications are assessed case-by-case and refusals are not uncommon
For first-timers:
Even with a clean background, the lack of travel history makes it tough. A rejection is common on the first try if your documents are weak or inconsistent.
Canada
Entry Type: Visitor Visa (TRV)
Long online application process and document requirements
Biometrics and financial proof required
Approval can take weeks to months
For first-timers:
Travelers without travel history or strong supporting documents are at higher risk of refusal.
Why Is It Hard for First-Time Travelers?
No visa history means consulates have no reference for your behavior abroad
Authorities fear overstays or illegal work
They assess your financial stability, purpose of trip, and whether you have a reason to return home
Even if you have no bad intentions, your application may still be seen as risky if you’re young, unemployed, or don’t have strong savings.
Tips to Improve Your Chances
Start by traveling to easier countries first: Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Hong Kong
Keep bank statements clean and consistent — don’t just top up before applying
Prepare real itineraries, not fake bookings
Show ties to Thailand: a full-time job, student status, family, property
If applying through a travel agent, check everything. Bad advice = rejection
Better First-Time Options
If you’re traveling abroad for the first time and want to build visa history, consider:
Japan (15-day visa-free stay for Thai tourists)
South Korea (currently visa-free for Thai passport holders for short stays)
Taiwan or Hong Kong (relatively easier entry with eVisa or visa-free periods)
Singapore, Malaysia, or Vietnam — stress-free and great for first-time international travelers
Final Word
Getting a visa as a first-time Thai traveler isn’t impossible — but it takes planning, honesty, and patience. The more prepared and realistic you are, the better your chances.
Build your travel record step-by-step, and those “hard” countries will be much easier the next time.
If you are Thai and need help with the visa application process for traveling abroad, please contact us:
Phone: +66 2 651 5449
Whatsapp: +66 89 929 6355
LINE: @visathai
Email: [email protected]
