KATHMANDU: Nepali travellers planning to visit Thailand have been advised to apply for visas at least a month before departure, as the Royal Thai Embassy in Kathmandu seeks to reduce processing delays caused by incomplete applications and inadequate supporting documents.

In a clarification issued on October 15, the embassy said applicants with complete and accurate documents could expect a visa decision within seven to 10 working days. However, it recommended submitting applications no more than three months and at least one month before the intended departure date.

Applicants must submit their applications through Thailand's official e-Visa website, www.thaievisa.go.th, with a passport valid for at least six months from the date of departure, a recent photograph, proof of current location, bank statements covering the previous three months, airline tickets and accommodation details. Additional documents depend on the visa category and purpose of travel.

Tourist and transit visa applicants are generally required to provide tickets showing their arrival and departure dates, along with a travel itinerary indicating their port of departure from Nepal. Those staying with friends or relatives in Thailand must submit an invitation letter and a copy of the host's valid Thai visa or Thai national identity card, as applicable. Hotel bookings must be verifiable and made in the applicant's name, including for minors and family members travelling together.

After completing the online application and uploading the required documents, applicants must visit a Global IME Bank branch within the Kathmandu Valley to deposit the visa fee and obtain a manager's cheque. The cheque must be submitted to the embassy at 167/4, Ward No. 3, Maharajgunj, Bansbari Road, between 9:30 am and 11:30 am on working days.

The embassy said incomplete, unclear or inconsistent documents could trigger requests for additional information and prolong processing. Applications may be rejected if applicants submit fraudulent or invalid documents, fail to meet requirements, or do not correct errors and provide requested documents within a reasonable period. Visa fees are non-refundable, and the embassy does not disclose specific reasons for visa refusals.

The clarification follows a meeting on Wednesday between the Nepal Association of Tour and Travel Agents (NATTA) executive board, led by President Bharat Jung Pandey, and Thai Ambassador to Nepal Donnawit Poolsawat and the deputy chief of mission. The discussion focused on visa-related difficulties faced by Nepali travellers, with the ambassador expressing a commitment to easing procedures and improving facilitation.

The embassy said applicants are generally expected to remain in their country while their e-Visa applications are being processed. Failure to comply may require an interview or further verification, potentially delaying a decision.

It urged applicants to check the requirements for their specific visa category and ensure all information and documents are accurate before submitting their applications.