How long does it take to get a Thai visa on arrival?

Okay, so you wanna know about the Thai visa on arrival? Buckle up, buttercup, because it’s a real mixed bag. I’ve heard whispers of people practically skipping through in under half an hour, like poof magic! But me? My experience? Let’s just say, last time it felt like I aged about ten years standing in that queue. Seriously.

Thirty minutes? Sure, maybe if you’re lucky and the stars align and maybe a unicorn prances by. But if it’s busy… oh boy. Picture this: a sea of sweaty, tired travellers, all crammed together, shuffling forward at a snail’s pace. An hour? Totally possible. More? Ugh, don’t even get me started. I swear, one time, I felt like I was in line for longer than my actual flight! (Slight exaggeration, but you get the point, right?)

It’s all about timing, see? How many other poor souls decided to land at the same time as you. It’s a lottery, basically. Last year, I went with a friend, and we landed early morning – practically deserted. Zoom, through we went. But then, another trip, late afternoon flight… Nightmare. Absolute chaos. Shoulda packed a camping chair, honestly.

So, yeah, how long does it take? Nobody knows! It’s a mystery wrapped in an enigma, sprinkled with a dash of Thai bureaucracy. My advice? Prepare for the worst. Download a podcast, bring a book, maybe even learn a few Thai phrases to entertain yourself. And hope for the best. You know, just in case that unicorn does show up. ????