How to Apply for a Visa to Thailand

I once checked the requirements for a Thailand visa as a Nigerian citizen and passport holder living in Lagos, Nigeria. The details I found pushed the country further down my travel list.

This isn’t to say that getting a Thai visa from Nigeria is impossible, it just required several hoops that I was not prepared to jump at the time.

Grand Palace Thailand

Fast forward to a few years later, Mark and I moved to Nairobi and there, I checked again for the visa requirements to apply from Kenya. Although I can’t find the reference for this information now, I could have sworn that the embassy’s website stated (at the time) that Nigerians in Kenya needed to travel back to Nigeria to apply.

After reading this, I decided I would save Thailand for such a time when the visa application process became more favourable.

That time came in February 2024 when I reviewed the embassy’s website again and it stated that they would receive and review applications from Nigerians on a case-by-case basis.

Armed with this information, I emailed the embassy and was glad to receive a quick response, stating that I could submit my documents in Kenya. And so, my journey to Thailand with Mark began!

Chai Lai Orchid Thailand Elephant Bathing

If you’re like me, living outside Nigeria and looking to visit Thailand then continue reading to see how I successfully applied for my tourist (TR) visa in Kenya. I have also included additional information for applicants in Nigeria.

How To Apply for a Thailand Visa

The first thing you should do when applying for a Thailand visa is to check the official Royal Thai Embassy website in your country of residence. For Nigeria, this is the website address; for Kenya, this is it. You will find up-to-date information about the Thai visa requirements and application procedures there.

Next, compile your documents and submit them in person at the Royal Thai Embassy. If you apply in other countries, like Kenya, there might be an option to have a third party submit on your behalf.

Holm Cafe Zamalek

Trip Planning Resources

Book your accommodation: Find accommodation options for any budget on Booking.com

Purchase Travel Insurance: I use SafetyWing for both my travel and visa application needs

Activities: Find fun activities and tours in your destination via Get Your Guide, Viator or Klook Travel

The requirements for the visa will also vary per country, especially for Nigerians. Generally, these are the requirements for a tourist visa to Thailand for Nigerians applying for this visa from Nigeria.

Thailand Visa Requirements for Nigerian Citizens

  • Original current and previous passports
  • Application forms, including the document checklist form filled and signed by the applicant
  • A copy of the passport data page and a copy of every previous Thai visa and immigration stamp on the current and immediate previous passport
  • An original certificate of police clearance*
  • A copy of a drug clearance certificate (aka NDLEA certificate)*
  • A copy of your resident permit – for non-citizens
  • Proof of profession
  • Introduction letter from your employer
  • Proof of financial status
  • 6-month bank statement
  • Proof of accommodation/residence in Thailand
  • Reservation of return air tickets
  • Documents relating to the purpose of visit/category of visa
Best temples in Bangkok

You can see and download the full checklist of documents required here. Note that if you apply for this visa outside Nigeria, you might not need the two asterisked documents, i.e. Police Clearance and NDLEA certificate. Nevertheless, you should email the embassy to confirm before going there to submit.

In my case, the embassy asked for 2 sets of my visa application documents, excluding the Police Clearance and NDLEA certificate.

Wat Rong Suea Ten Temple in Chiang Rai

Thailand Visa Application Fee

I submitted my documents in person at the embassy and paid 5,000 Ksh (~$36) for a single-entry tourist (TR) visa. The embassy accepts MPESA and cash payments in Nairobi, but only cash payments are in Abuja.

Thailand Visa Application Processing Times

The processing time for the Thailand Visa will vary based on the location you apply from. In Kenya, it takes 2 working days to get your visa, while in Nigeria, it is 5 working days. This is one of the fastest (sticker) visa processing times I’ve seen and the application process in Kenya was seamless and efficient.

Picnic on a boat Long-tail island tour Thailand

Royal Thai Embassy Addresses in Nigeria and Kenya and Opening Times

The Royal Thai Embassy in Nairobi is located at Rose Avenue, Off, Denis Pritt Rd, Nairobi. They are open every working day, except public holidays, from 9 am to 12:30 pm for application submissions and 9 am to 11 am for collections.

In Nigeria, the embassy is located in Abuja at 34 Rhine Street, Maitama and is open from 9 am to 11 am for submission and 2 pm to 3 pm for collection.

Thailand visa for nigerians

That’s it for the process of applying for a Thailand visa as a Nigerian passport holder living in or outside the country.

I would like to hear about your experience. Have you applied for this visa before? If you are applying from Nigeria, are you willing to go through the process of applying for this visa? Share with me in the comment section below!

4 comments

  1. hello! I am applying from Nigeria but like you know, the NDLEA certificate is a crazy crazy process. I’m traveling for a conference. Do you think the Thai embassy in Nigeria will waive the requirement for the certificate? Perhaps I should send them an email stating my predicament and ask it be waived because the timeframe is too short? I’d like to hear what you think, please. Thank you so much!

    1. Hello Zai, I believe it’s worth taking a chance and emailing them, even though it’s unlikely they’ll waive it. To strengthen your case, you might consider asking the conference organizer to write a letter of support on your behalf.

  2. You never talked or mentioned the stress of getting the ndlea certificate

    1. That’s because I didn’t need one when applying from Kenya. But I hinted about it in the opening line of this article. The NDLEA cert and police clearance were part of the reasons why I never applied for this visa in Nigeria.

I love to hear from you, Leave a comment here!

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Aesthetically pleasing spaces in Kenya 🍂🦒
Aesthetically pleasing spaces in Kenya 🍂🦒
17 hours ago
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Kenya had dropped the paid ETA requirement for most Africans, including Nigerians. 💃🏾🎉

And in celebration of that, I'm sharing some of my favourite places to include in your Kenyan holiday itinerary!

Will you be visiting or have you been to any of these places?
Kenya had dropped the paid ETA requirement for most Africans, including Nigerians. 💃🏾🎉 And in celebration of that, I'm sharing some of my favourite places to include in your Kenyan holiday itinerary! Will you be visiting or have you been to any of these places?
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___________________

I needed a quick break from Nairobi and thought to visit Diani and Tsavo. While finding accommodation in Diani was fairly easy, I struggled to find a place that fit my schedule, budget, and preference in the Voi/Tsavo area.

When I stumbled upon The Hildana Lodge, I couldn't be happier. Luckily, they had availability for the exact dates I wanted, a resident's rate, and no single supplement!

I stayed here for 2 nights but could have easily stayed longer! This place is magical, and I can't wait to return! ✨️
This lodge in Taita-Taveta was such a great last-minute find for me! ___________________ I needed a quick break from Nairobi and thought to visit Diani and Tsavo. While finding accommodation in Diani was fairly easy, I struggled to find a place that fit my schedule, budget, and preference in the Voi/Tsavo area. When I stumbled upon The Hildana Lodge, I couldn't be happier. Luckily, they had availability for the exact dates I wanted, a resident's rate, and no single supplement! I stayed here for 2 nights but could have easily stayed longer! This place is magical, and I can't wait to return! ✨️
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As someone who enjoys travelling and pursuing a fulfilling career, I don't believe that you have to give up one for the other. ✈️🍂✨️

You can maintain a healthy travel life without forfeiting a career you love, and here's one of the best ways to do so ⤵️

Taking advantage of public holidays, combined with your vacation days. For example, there's a public holiday coming up next month.

It'll be a 2-day holiday, and if you take only 2 days off work, you'll get 6 vacation days! - perfect for this "Beach and Bush" holiday in Kenya! 🐚🐘🌊

Work-life balance is key, so find ways to do the things that are important to you now that you can!💙
As someone who enjoys travelling and pursuing a fulfilling career, I don't believe that you have to give up one for the other. ✈️🍂✨️ You can maintain a healthy travel life without forfeiting a career you love, and here's one of the best ways to do so ⤵️ Taking advantage of public holidays, combined with your vacation days. For example, there's a public holiday coming up next month. It'll be a 2-day holiday, and if you take only 2 days off work, you'll get 6 vacation days! - perfect for this "Beach and Bush" holiday in Kenya! 🐚🐘🌊 Work-life balance is key, so find ways to do the things that are important to you now that you can!💙
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Weekends in Kenya that look like this! 🐘💙🦒

How wonderful!
Weekends in Kenya that look like this! 🐘💙🦒 How wonderful!
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Here's what you can expect when you ride the premium class train from Nairobi to Mombasa and vice versa 🚅

It's a slow but scenic ride to the coast, but I love it and rather prefer it to flying. ✨️

PS: If you want great views of Tsavo National Park as you pass through (Nairobi > Mombasa), sit on the left side of the train (i.e., even numbered seats)

But be aware that some seats have partial window views. Seats 26, 21, 25, 15, and 6 are great!(Nairobi > Mombasa)

Seat on the opposite side on the Mombasa > Nairobi train. I couldn't keep track of all the good seats on this train 🥹.

The train also has a first and economy class coach, which are significantly cheaper than premium class. And once you're back in Nairobi, all "premium services end" 🤭😋

Have you gone on this train before? What was your experience like? 💬

Are team train 🚆 or flight ✈️?
Here's what you can expect when you ride the premium class train from Nairobi to Mombasa and vice versa 🚅 It's a slow but scenic ride to the coast, but I love it and rather prefer it to flying. ✨️ PS: If you want great views of Tsavo National Park as you pass through (Nairobi > Mombasa), sit on the left side of the train (i.e., even numbered seats) But be aware that some seats have partial window views. Seats 26, 21, 25, 15, and 6 are great!(Nairobi > Mombasa) Seat on the opposite side on the Mombasa > Nairobi train. I couldn't keep track of all the good seats on this train 🥹. The train also has a first and economy class coach, which are significantly cheaper than premium class. And once you're back in Nairobi, all "premium services end" 🤭😋 Have you gone on this train before? What was your experience like? 💬 Are team train 🚆 or flight ✈️?
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This trip was so easy to plan and embark upon from Nairobi. I travelled by rail from Nairobi to Mombasa and then to Diani. 🌊

On my return leg, I stopped in Voi and transferred to a super gorgeous lodge, where I spent the weekend enjoying massages, spotting elephants 🐘 and giraffes 🦒, and just having a swell and relaxing time!

Sharing details on my blog and IG stories!✨️
The most relaxing staycation ever! Coastal vibes in Diani Beach and a wonderful safari in Taita-Taveta county! 🐚🐘 This trip was so easy to plan and embark upon from Nairobi. I travelled by rail from Nairobi to Mombasa and then to Diani. 🌊 On my return leg, I stopped in Voi and transferred to a super gorgeous lodge, where I spent the weekend enjoying massages, spotting elephants 🐘 and giraffes 🦒, and just having a swell and relaxing time! Sharing details on my blog and IG stories!✨️
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The Best of Both Worlds! 🥰

Just took the SGR again, and I got to try out the Premium Class coach - I loved the experience!

I'll be sharing all about this experience in my next blog post on www.travelwithapen.com -  what to expect from this train ride, the best seats for unobstructed views and elephant sightings in Tsavo National Park, and notable changes in the journey from Nairobi to Mombasa and Diani!

#diani #dianibeachkenya #sgr #railtravel #tsavo #tembeakenya
The Best of Both Worlds! 🥰 Just took the SGR again, and I got to try out the Premium Class coach - I loved the experience! I'll be sharing all about this experience in my next blog post on www.travelwithapen.com - what to expect from this train ride, the best seats for unobstructed views and elephant sightings in Tsavo National Park, and notable changes in the journey from Nairobi to Mombasa and Diani! #diani #dianibeachkenya #sgr #railtravel #tsavo #tembeakenya
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Bougainvillea in full bloom in Nairobi 🌸, always a highlight of our strolls!
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