Last reviewed: May 2026
TL;DR- Address: 29-30 Queen's Gate, London SW7 5JB
- Switchboard: +44 (0)20 7589 2944
- Most categories now go through the Thailand e-Visa system linked from london.thaiembassy.org
- Tourist, Non-Immigrant Business, Education, Retirement and Transit visas processed for UK based applicants
- UK passport holders qualify for visa exempt entry for short tourist visits, subject to current rules
The Royal Thai Embassy in London is the diplomatic mission of the Kingdom of Thailand in the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland. It oversees passport services for Thai nationals, attestation, consular matters and visa issuance for travellers to Thailand whose stay falls outside the visa exempt rules. Thailand has shifted most visa processing to an online e-Visa system, which routes applications electronically to the embassy in London for review. Applicants only attend in person where the e-Visa rules require it.
Address and Contact Details
The Royal Thai Embassy is at 29-30 Queen's Gate, London SW7 5JB, in South Kensington. The building sits a short walk from South Kensington and Gloucester Road underground stations, both on the Piccadilly, Circle and District lines. The main telephone number is +44 (0)20 7589 2944. The official website is london.thaiembassy.org, which carries notices on opening hours, public holidays and current visa rules. The embassy office serves consular functions, while visa processing is largely managed through the e-Visa portal. Public holidays in both Thailand and the UK affect opening times and are published on the website.
Visa Services Available
The embassy processes several visa categories. The Tourist Visa is for visitors whose stay exceeds the visa exempt period or who travel for reasons not covered by exempt entry. The Non-Immigrant Visa Business category covers meetings, conferences and short term business activity. The Non-Immigrant Visa Education category supports study at Thai institutions and language courses. The Non-Immigrant Visa Retirement supports applicants aged fifty or over who meet financial requirements. The Transit Visa covers passengers transiting Thailand under specific conditions. Long stay categories such as the Thailand Privilege residence schemes are administered separately by the relevant government bodies.
How to Book an Appointment
Most applicants use the Thailand e-Visa system, which the embassy links from london.thaiembassy.org under the visa services page. The portal collects biographical details, intended travel dates and uploaded supporting documents. Payment is taken online in pounds sterling. Where the system requires in person attendance for biometrics or interview, the e-Visa portal allocates an appointment slot. Embassy walk in service for visa applications has been phased out for most categories. Applicants requiring consular services such as legalisation of documents can book through the consular contact channels listed on the embassy website.
Documents and Requirements
Standard documents include a passport valid for at least six months beyond the intended stay with at least one blank page, a recent digital passport photograph meeting the e-Visa specification, evidence of accommodation in Thailand such as hotel bookings, a return or onward flight booking, proof of funds at the level required for the category, and the visa fee paid online. Non-Immigrant Business applicants supply a covering letter from the UK employer and an invitation letter from the Thai counterpart. Education applicants supply an acceptance letter from the Thai institution. Retirement applicants supply evidence of income or savings to the threshold set in Thai immigration rules.
Processing Times and Fees
Standard e-Visa processing typically takes between three and fifteen working days, depending on category and case complexity. Tourist applications are often faster than Non-Immigrant categories. The Tourist Visa fee is the lowest published figure, with Non-Immigrant categories carrying higher fees. Multiple entry options attract a higher fee than single entry. Payment is taken in pounds sterling at the time of online submission and is non refundable for refused applications. The latest fees appear on london.thaiembassy.org under the visa services page. UK passport holders entering for short tourism may qualify for visa exempt entry and pay no fee at all.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do UK passport holders need a visa for Thailand?
UK passport holders qualify for visa exempt entry for short tourist stays under current Thai rules. Longer stays and non tourist purposes require a visa, which is applied for through the e-Visa portal.
Where do I apply for a Thai retirement visa?
Retirement applicants apply through the Non-Immigrant Visa Retirement category on the e-Visa portal linked from london.thaiembassy.org. Financial thresholds are set by Thai immigration rules.
Can I get a Thai visa on arrival?
Visa on arrival exists for some nationalities, although UK passport holders generally use visa exempt entry or the e-Visa system. Conditions are published on the embassy website.
How do I extend my stay in Thailand?
Extensions are handled by Thai immigration offices inside Thailand. The London embassy does not process in country extensions but publishes general guidance.
Does the embassy issue legalised documents?
Yes, the consular section handles legalisation of UK documents for use in Thailand, subject to FCDO apostille beforehand.
How We Verified This
Details were checked against the Royal Thai Embassy London website, the Thailand e-Visa portal and GOV.UK travel advice for Thailand. Address, phone, visa categories and online application route were cross checked across official sources. Fee figures and processing times are illustrative and applicants confirm current values on the embassy website.
