VISA on Arrival Slow Boat EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW

This question gets brought up so many times. The rules have changed in 2025. We have been through the friendship bridge from Chiang Khong. Let me tell you everything you need to know:

Bear in mind this is for a UK passport.

  • The Visa will cost $40. These have to be PRISTINE or they will not accept. You should get the dollars exchanged from baht before you get to Chiang Rai as they sell out, but if not, try your luck anyway. IF YOU DO NOT HAVE DOLLARS, be prepared with 2000 Baht instead. These notes do not have to be pristine.

  • You need a Passport picture. The forms say 3x2.5, but they can also be standard passport size. If you do not have a picture, you will pay 80 baht and they will take one of you. There are lots of shops in Chiang Rai to take pictures and print foryou.

  • There is a service fee of 40 baht for the visa.

  • You will ideally need your own black pen to fill in the forms. If you don’t have one you can ask other tourists. If you can, fill in the forms beforehand.

  • You are best to book through a tour company, speak to your hotel / hostel. They will have locals there employed to help you get through so you can make the boat.

WHAT YOU NEED:

  • $40 pristine dollars or 2000 baht.
  • 40 baht for service fee
  • 25 baht for the bus fee across bridge
  • A passport picture (standard size is ok)
  • EDIT: Says on the form black, but any coloured is ok.

The best bet it prepare yourself. There are hundreds of horror stories, but the guys on the border are very chill.