Visa Processing Procedures and Services in Thailand (US Embassy Bangkok)

U.S. Embassy is launching a nationwide visa information and appointment system. Anyone applying for a visa in Thailand must make an appointment by accessing the “Visa Information and Appointment Website and Call Center Service” by Internet or telephone. To use this service, you must purchase a Personal Identification Number (PIN) online or by phone using a credit card or at a participating Thailand Post Office. The PIN will allow you to access visa information and to schedule nonimmigrant visa appointments for up to five family members residing at the same address.

WEB VS PHONE SERVICE:

WEB SERVICE	PHONE SERVICE
Schedule appointments for up to five immediate family members in same household	Schedule appointments for up to five immediate family members in same household
Cost: 432 Bath or 12 USD	Cost: 720 Bath or 20 USD
Webpage, no live operators	Live operators
Information available online	Questions answered by operators
24 hours a day, 7 days a week	8:00 to 17:00, Monday through Friday, except on Thai holidays
Language: Thai or English	Language: Thai or English
Unlimited access for 90 days after purchase, or 10 days after your interview appointment, whichever comes first	Three calls
Can cancel and reschedule appointment twice	Can cancel and reschedule appointment twice

PURCHASING YOUR PIN:

ONLINE/BY PHONE: You may purchase your PIN directly from the website or call center using a Visa or Mastercard. PINs can be used immediately.
• Web Service:
Web address: http://thailand.us-visaservices.com
• Phone Service
Phone number: 001-800-13-202-2457

THAILAND POST: PINs may be purchased in cash at a participating Thailand Post office. PINs can be used after 13:00 the next business day.

STEP-BY-STEP: NEW PROCEDURES FOR VISA APPLICATIONS

1. Pay visa processing fee at the nearest participating Thailand Post office: see http://bangkok.usembassy.gov/services/visa/NIVChecklist.pdf for locations: Bath 3,600

2. Purchase information and appointment service PIN directly from the Website/Call Center using a credit card or at a participating Thailand Post office using cash.
o web-based service PIN: Bath 432 or USD 12, or
o phone-based service PIN: Bath 720 or USD 20

2. Schedule interview via web or phone for up to five immediate family members in the same household (husband, wife, mother, father, child, brother or sister)

3. Find information on
• U.S. Embassy (http://bangkok.usembassy.gov/services/visa/index.htm) and Consulate (http://bangkok.usembassy.gov/consulcm/) Webpages: free
• visasbkk@state.gov and conschiangmai@state.gov: free
• Visa Information and Appointment Website: 90 days following purchase of web-based information and appointment service PIN
• Visa Information and Appointment Call Center: Three calls with purchase of phone-based information and appointment service PIN

4. Prepare necessary documents and photos

5. Chiang Mai Only: Purchase Express Mail Service envelope at Mae Ping Post office: Baht 65

6. Go to Embassy or Consulate on scheduled day for interview

7. Bangkok Only: Purchase Express Mail Service envelope at Embassy: Baht 65

8. Passport returned by Thailand Post within 3 working day