UK Tourist Visa for a Thai National

A UK tourist visa for a Thai wife or Thai girlfriend is also commonly referred to as a UK holiday visa. This visa is given to a Thai National to allow them to travel to the UK on holiday to experience the differences in culture between Thailand and the United Kingdom, meet your family and make sure that if you both wished, Your Thai girlfriend or Thai wife would be comfortable settling in the UK before you continue your marriage considerations.

We take care of all online and paper application forms and associated letters and are completely hands-on from start to finish whilst constantly communicating to update local and overseas customers on the application progress so you can relax and leave it to us

An English owned and managed company with bilingual English / Thai staff who will help your Thai partner through the entire process with no hassle and full support from the beginning of the process right up until you receive your visa

We are a well respected company and affiliated with the Pattaya Expats club. Our team go above and beyond to offer simply the best visa service in Thailand with additional benefits not offered by any other company such as an airport concierge for solo travellers.

I like to call the UK Tourist visa for a Thai the acid test, to make sure that you and your Thai partner are suited to living in your own country because it is a totally different experience than when you are on holiday in Thailand. A UK tourist visa is very sensible and the service I initially offer all my clients for their first application. A UK Tourist visa for a Thai is not designed to allow you to reside with your Thai partner in the UK. It is exactly what it says: A UK Tourist / UK holiday visa and many re-applications are not permitted. The British embassy in Bangkok will take notice if you apply too frequently.

A UK Tourist visa for a Thai is available as a 6 month, 1 year, 2 year and 5 year visa but please be aware that you can only spend a 6 months period in any one year in the UK. So if you are awarded a 6 months holiday for your Thai girlfriend or Thai wife then after 6 months in the UK together your Thai partner must then spend 6 months back in Thailand before reapplying or the British embassy will assume these visas are being used to reside in the UK illegally, “so be careful.” Just because you have had one visa does not mean you will get another.

Our UK tourist visa for your Thai partner service

Successful visa applications to the UK for a Thai national are predominantly about, presentation, documentation and impression. You must give the embassy officer the feeling that you are genuine applicants, not manufactured. The problem is that most Thai’s are fairly poor and don’t have an incentive to return to Thailand. Therefore the documents are so important to contribute to a positive decision.

At Key Visa, we have specialized in obtaining UK visas for Thai wife’s, Thai girlfriends and boyfriends and transsexuals for 18 years. Knowing how to present a visa application is the key factor to success. Taking care of your Thai partner in Thailand is a major part of our service offered to all clients because, most of the time, you are overseas not knowing what is going on and so we take it upon ourselves to babysit you both through the full process. Key Visa’s owner, Darren, is British and is the contact for the foreigner while the application is being processed.

Because the embassy tends to award visas on the merits of the documentation and presentation it is imperative that you and your Thai partner consider using professional services to complete and present your UK Tourist visa application, or the exercise can very easily end in tears. Do not be over confident: The clearing officer at the British embassy can, and will try to, find numerous reasons to refuse a UK tourist visa for a Thai.

View our information on how to prove your relationship is genuine.

Why is it so difficult? Because not every Thai national is going to the UK for the correct reasons or planning on returning.Below we have given the service offered and also the procedure we take when applying for a UK tourist visa or other associated visas.

If you are unable to come to Thailand to travel back with your partner, there is no need to worry about them travelling alone through strange airports and getting stressed when they arrive in your country alone. Our airport concierge service can meet your partner directly from their flight, escort them through the airport and through immigration to meet with you at a pre-arranged point in the airport.

  • We start by advising the sponsor and the Thai applicant of the documents required.
  • Our English staff deals with the sponsor and our Thai staff deals with your partner, which is important.
  • When the documents are received we collate and do the translations that are needed.
  • We advise if we feel any documents are missing or if there is anything that needs amending.
  • We prepare the online application for the client with no mistakes and register it.
  • We pay the fees online whilst doing the online application.
  • We write all associated letters for you and your Thai partner with the necessary wording.
  • We book the appointment to submit the visa application with your Thai partner.
  • We make sure that your Thai partner says the correct information to the officers, which is important.
  • We then track and check the status of the application every single day.
  • When the decision has been made on the visa application we then will collect the application and passport and visa on behalf of your Thai partner from the Embassy in Bangkok.
  • We then advise you when the visa has been issued and invoice you for the remaining balance.
  • We also train your lady how to be polite and say the correct information to the Immigration in the UK when the documents and passport have been collected
  • Or we can post this to your Thai partner’s home if they so wish if they do not wish to travel to Pattaya.

For a 6 months UK tourist visa our total fee for all of the above is ฿30,000. Included in our fee are all costs incurred during the visa application including embassy fees, translations, etc., at no increase in the quoted price.

Our company policy is you only pay a 10,000 baht deposit to start the process and then no more money until the visa has been awarded, meaning there is no financial risk to you or your partner just as stated on our home page. Only when the visa has been awarded do you pay the 20,000 baht remaining balance. No visa, no charge. The deposit that was originally paid we use to pay the Embassy so in reality we are not being paid anything until success is achieved.

If for any reason the visa was not given we would take it on the chin and redo the visa application, paying the embassy fee ourselves. When the visa is eventually awarded you still only pay 20,000 Thai baht.

Click on the questions below to read the answers

Can a UK Tourist visa be granted to a Thai lady who worked in a Bar?
The answer is yes of course a UK tourist visa for a Thai national is open to all applicants as long as they have the correct paperwork and guidance the meeting place e.g. a bar or night club is a small and unimportant part of a UK Tourist visa application the British Embassy is more interested in the ongoing relationship that the place the relationship began which is why using Key Visa to present the visa application to the UK is important.
If we have had one tourist visa to UK is it easier the second time?
When you have had one tourist visa to the UK and your Thai partner has returned on time then the second and third visa application to the UK will be looked upon more favorably as long as you have both kept withing the boundaries of the tourist visa to the UK. You must remember that when you apply the documents you supply have to be complete the same as your first application including photographs of you both in the UK on holiday, do not do as we have seen before where clients have presumed they can do themselves the second time and only produced half the documents required.
How long should we wait before applying for another UK tourist visa?
The unwritten rule is if your Thai partner spends the full six months in the UK on the tourist visa then they have to spend 6 months back in Thailand as the rule is one visa in a one year period, the reason is UK tourist visas should not be used for residing in the UK with your UK partner they are for visiting and holidays, so remember the rule unless it has mitigating circumstances one visa in a one year period. Visas to the UK can have many pitfalls.
How Do I Save Skype Messages & Record Calls?
As technology is improving, moire and more people are using the internet from all walks of life and ages. A popular choice of communication is Skype which we find most of our clients use to contact their Thai girlfriends from the UK, Australia or Ireland. But as we have seen, Skype is not easy to obtain records from so you can chat for hours and after months of great service, have no records to show. This does not help when applying for a visa. Please be aware that continuing using Skype is great but most people are not aware you can download a conversation log from Skype which is free. This logs all calls and chat in a printable form and allows you to keep all records. I am constantly being told in my office “We use Skype but we cannot get records”, now you have no excuse. Look up Skype Log View and download it. It allows you to keep all your records which is great because with all visa applications, the more contact information we have, the more chance we have of getting you a visa. Make sure before you download anything free you have virus checked it first.
A massive massive thank you to Darren worked wonders for my wife and I! Probably one of his hardest but so professional and confident. Strongly recommended using a reputable company like Key Visa.
5 / 5 stars
Neil Walker

I did a search of the internet, looked at quite a few sites but kept coming back to Key Visa. Asked a friend who lives in Pattaya and who attends the ExPats Club if he could recommend Darren? He instantly returned my email and said there wasn’t anyone better or more trustworthy in the visa business, so on his recommendation I contacted Key Visa and started the process to obtain a six month tourist visa for my Thai girlfriend to visit the UK.
5 / 5 stars
James Bremner

Would like to say thank you to Darren and his team at Key Visa he did a great job getting my partners visa first time to visit England, Cheers again Darren
5 / 5 stars
Bernie Mullen

expat

18 years of visa experience, honesty and integrity for both our Thai national and expat clients.

nationwide

Nationwide service across Thailand, no matter where you live in the country we can solve your visa problems

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No visa, no professional fee. If you don’t get the visa we don’t get paid – No hassle, no heartbreak.

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    GB
    GB
    04:16 09 Mar 24
    Dolby D
    Dolby D
    10:51 04 Mar 24
    The best place for anything visa related , dealt with them for a good few years now and cannot fault the service !! Truly exceptional company xx malc
    K C
    K C
    09:54 03 Mar 24
    I've used this agent for the last 3 years. They can help you navigate the system.
    Thomas J.
    Thomas J.
    05:46 13 Feb 24
    Absolut perfekt. Professionelle Beratung, Sachkundiges und sehr freundliches Personal. Schnelle und preiswerte Bearbeitung. Kann ich uneingeschränkt weiterempfehlen.
    Duane T.
    Duane T.
    05:51 06 Feb 24
    Darren was so easy to work with and made everything simple to do for us this is the second time …
    Ian M.
    Ian M.
    11:26 18 Jan 24
    Dan Keeling (Farang D.
    Dan Keeling (Farang D.
    05:19 14 Jan 24
    Neil S.
    Neil S.
    16:36 01 Jan 24
    Christopher B.
    Christopher B.
    07:21 19 Dec 23
    Ray Z.
    Ray Z.
    09:08 18 Dec 23
    Key Visa is the best. I couldn't ask for better service in regard to renewing my U.S. Passport. Imagine an Embassy where they don't want their citizens appearing in person? Key Visa helped to alleviate a lot of stress and anxiety regarding this matter. I paid the fee, gave them the photos and some information....and they did the rest. My renewed passport was back in less than 6 weeks and now, all the stress is gone. I cannot thank Key Visa service enough. Nice staff as well. Ray Zimmerman U.S.A.
    N L.
    N L.
    13:47 08 Dec 23
    I have used this service for obtaining a second UK passport. Excellent service where I obtained my passport hassle free. Just doing the same again. Highly recommend you use. Darren sadly passed away and his wife continues the business. I was able to get my second British passport renewed with excellent service a few days ago.
    Ray N.
    Ray N.
    04:06 01 Dec 23
    If you are considering to get married to your thai partnerThen I recommend key visaIt was a stress free procedure thanks to kook who was very professional, and arranged everything for us in a very short time periodMany thanks Ray and kai
    Chris S.
    Chris S.
    04:03 23 Nov 23
    Good visa agent. Ann is Thai but succeeded the business from her falang husband who recently passed to the best of my knowledge. She is efficient and knowledgeable and my visa process was less expensive than my experience in Phuket as well. I would recommend Key Visa to future Visa seekers.
    Jeffrey W.
    Jeffrey W.
    02:55 16 Nov 23
    Super easy process. I got everything I needed done. It was taken care of quickly after the first session which included getting a Thai bank account and my O retirement visa. Very professional service
    Anthony P.
    Anthony P.
    04:45 11 Nov 23
    This has been my "go to" visa/passport agency for the last 10 years. They have always been friendly and professional..........have never let me down. Recommended by me 100%.
    garry B.
    garry B.
    08:28 07 Nov 23
    It took about 3 weeks for the UK to process my daughter's passport. We had to send better quality pictures and documents, which caused a slight delay beforhand, but overall, their service was excellent. I'm grateful to the Key Visa staff for their help in renewing my daughter's passport, and I would definitely use their services again.
    Oi Y.
    Oi Y.
    06:39 06 Nov 23
    This is the 2nd time I have used Key Visa and the service they provide is fantastic the 1st was with Darren was just so good he told me every step of the process and what I needed to do and bring in with me he made sure I understood how and what would be the process of applying for my Visa to stay in Thailand. And with the passing of Darren his wife Ann has kept the business running which I am so grateful for as they in my opinion are the best service you can get. We have now engaged them to do a visa for my Thai partner for a visit to Australia to see and spend time with my Aussie family and see some of Australia as she so wants to see snow. Once again I thank you Ann and all her staff for their help and support
    t4toph
    t4toph
    11:39 16 Oct 23
    Today was my worst nightmare .. dealing with a problem ... I can't commend enough how GREAT k Aun & the staff of Key Visa went above & beyond to help me .. I have used their service for several years & wouldn't hesitate to to use professional agents .. that guarantee their work ... I am eternally grateful.. best wishes ... toph ...
    Alan J.
    Alan J.
    01:24 13 Oct 23
    Non imm "O" extension quick efficient no hassles service.
    Birol O.
    Birol O.
    00:30 15 Sep 23
    Very knowledgeable and excellent customer service. Best visa agent ever.
    Pou K.
    Pou K.
    14:08 05 Sep 23
    Great Visa Company Located in Pattaya Thailand which offers reasonable prices and noteworthy services
    Clive B.
    Clive B.
    06:23 25 Aug 23
    UK passport renewed in just over 3 weeks, very professional staff, can’t thank them enough, highly recommended
    Strawman C.
    Strawman C.
    10:13 21 Aug 23
    Excellent.
    D S.
    D S.
    14:09 18 Aug 23
    Good and reliable service
    David G.
    David G.
    06:52 01 Aug 23
    Steve T.
    Steve T.
    04:30 30 Jul 23
    Always excellent service for this retired American.
    Stephen L.
    Stephen L.
    04:22 27 Jul 23
    Excellent service. I got my retirement visa here it was quick and painless.
    J T.
    J T.
    13:29 21 Jul 23
    So far so good. If you want to make some money in Thailand, don't open a bar, get into opening a visa consultant agency.However this agency has been good so far on a small matter l used them for.I definitely recommend them.
    Michael M.
    Michael M.
    08:53 15 Jul 23
    We have been trying for a long time to get an Australian tourist visa for our Thai friend. We applied in the past using an Australian immigration lawyer based in Australia and the application (which was expensive and time consuming) was rejected for lack of evidence (intention to return to Thailand etc). Second time round we used Gemma from Key Visa and were successful. Unlike our first agent/lawyer, Gemma examined our evidence in detail and gave suggestions as to where it could be improved. It's clearly beneficial to use an agent who is familiar with this specific visa stream (ie someone in Thailand familiar with getting Thai people into Australia) and the "no win, no professional fee" clearly incentivizes them to help as much as possible. As always in Thailand the service is not perfect and there are some communication gaps etc, but we are very happy with the outcome and would recommend these guys 100%.
    gary K.
    gary K.
    14:41 14 Jul 23
    Andy W.
    Andy W.
    11:20 12 Jul 23
    Once again i would like to thank the staff at keyvisa for there service .
    The P.
    The P.
    06:10 06 Jul 23
    Excellent, professional, trustable Agency. The best Visa Agency services I've been use in many years here in Thailand. A little issue... They told that my passport will back in 30 days. Actually 33 days..
    Tim M.
    Tim M.
    14:53 27 Jun 23
    Got my first retirement visa with these. Great service. Everything sorted by them.
    Charles Robert H.
    Charles Robert H.
    00:53 16 Jun 23
    Very helpful. The place to go if you want solutions to your visa problems.
    Robert P.
    Robert P.
    00:40 05 Jun 23
    Very fast, simple smooth, efficient service.
    Lewi L.
    Lewi L.
    03:04 21 May 23
    If you need assistance with any visa related this is the place in Pattaya.
    Stephen A.
    Stephen A.
    07:41 05 Mar 23
    Key visa was the best. Sadly the owner, Darren, past away December 22.
    danny W.
    danny W.
    03:43 13 Feb 23
    Absolutely fantastic service great staff totally stress free and professional services I highly recommend.
    Bob C.
    Bob C.
    11:33 09 Feb 23
    Dave C.
    Dave C.
    14:30 08 Feb 23
    been using this company for years, great service.
    Keith J.
    Keith J.
    04:01 26 Jan 23
    Tom A.
    Tom A.
    23:04 21 Jan 23
    kook A.
    kook A.
    10:17 18 Jan 23
    DAVID C.
    DAVID C.
    06:47 17 Jan 23
    Recently obtained a visa for myself and British passport for my partner..No hassle no immigration queueing. Great staff great service thank you Key Visa Thailand…..
    Frank J.
    Frank J.
    10:43 01 Jan 23
    Very helful and efficient.
    Francisco M.
    Francisco M.
    08:20 31 Dec 22
    I went to key visa company for a consultation about marriage visa. it turned out they don't do that type of visa but there was another option and the lady was professional and courteous. but since my visa is not finalized I can't honestly give a full report on visa company.
    tony L.
    tony L.
    01:17 30 Dec 22
    The service and support I received from Darren & his Team in relation to a recent Passport Application for my son was exemplary.The service & professional way in which they expedited the application & explained clearly each step of the process's involved, was faultless.All of which resulted in a speedy & positive result.Darren & TeamThank you very much & I wish you all,A Very Happy & Prosperous New Year 2023 ( post Covid)Tony
    Kristijan C.
    Kristijan C.
    16:48 22 Dec 22
    Great helpful staff
    Sean T.
    Sean T.
    11:39 21 Dec 22
    Job done, Thank you team and sorry to hear of the passing of Darren 🙏
    Thomas K.
    Thomas K.
    14:21 13 Dec 22
    Thank you for your reply, but there is no ringtone or pickup when ringing your office and none of my mails and messages have been answered.
    Michael S.
    Michael S.
    15:42 10 Dec 22
    I read today that Darren suddenly has passed away - far too early in his life.It's never too late to write a review and his services on his company - named Key Visa Co. - so I will use this review to say that I have always been satisfied helping me by his large knowledge about the visa system in Thailand.Every time I met him I was surpriced to noticed his honest and friendly commitment, and over the years I was always convinced that he was not only helpful but also indicated in his way of recognizing his customers. You could always count on him and I was never disappointed.It pains me that he has passed away at such an early age, but I believe that his customers will always remember him as a businessman who only wanted to give his customers the best possible experience and service.He will be missed!R.I.P. Darren.
    C B
    C B
    15:54 09 Dec 22
    Seems to know about visas in Thailand
    Peter W.
    Peter W.
    07:23 08 Dec 22
    The Key visa team led by Darren have 18 years of experience navigating the visa minefield.I am just one of Darren’s satisfied clients.
    Chris T
    Chris T
    13:24 03 Dec 22
    Fast and friendly
    Ross C.
    Ross C.
    16:28 30 Nov 22
    Fantastic company. Darren & his team couldn’t of been better! Polite, responsive, knowledgeable and most importantly they know what they’re doing & get the job done!! Very pleased with the entire process start to finish, me & my GF will be using the company for all of our visa needs moving forward! Thank you Darren & the team!!UK tourist visa application for Thai national.
    Leo T.
    Leo T.
    09:53 25 Nov 22
    Fantastic service
    Christopher W.
    Christopher W.
    08:01 25 Nov 22
    key Visa has a proven track record. They have got me a retirement visa for years and renewed my passport without me having to go to Bangkok. They also got my daughter, born in Thailand, an English passport.Use Key Visa to sort out your retirement visa problems and for getting passports renewed or being obtained for citizens of dual nationalityExceptionally efficient
    finlay S.
    finlay S.
    10:06 24 Nov 22
    Had to renew my uk passport and chose key visa to deal with my application as I am up country in Chaiyaphum province.Great service from Darren and staff always quick and friendly replies to emails.Passport back in 11 weeks time it takes for uk to process.Collected by Key visa and posted by ems to me with old passport and letter to transfer visa stamps to new passport.Great service.
    Michael H.
    Michael H.
    07:31 20 Nov 22
    Michael “Mick” N.
    Michael “Mick” N.
    11:05 19 Nov 22
    Polsky E.
    Polsky E.
    01:56 11 Nov 22
    After attempting for 2 days to get a retirement visa myself with my Thai girlfriends help to no avail and being left totally frustrated I eventually gave up and contacted Darren. After consultation with Darren he calmly brought me back down to earth, reassuring me that the visa would be procured with little effort by myself. I left feeling very confident and reassured at what Darren had said. Yesterday I collected my passport with said visa for 15 months. Many thanks to Darren and team, Key Visa did a great job.
    Bryan P.
    Bryan P.
    02:53 06 Nov 22
    Very pleased with the service I received here. Darren was very knowledgeable. Now my retirement Visa has been issued. I am delighted with Key Visa. Fantastic service. I am very grateful.
    Tim M.
    Tim M.
    08:08 30 Oct 22
    No wasting time
    Martin William B.
    Martin William B.
    09:43 27 Oct 22
    Only go to the best !!!
    Joe on the Go !
    Joe on the Go !
    02:44 24 Oct 22
    Maurice P.
    Maurice P.
    10:51 21 Oct 22
    Having had a difficult time renewing my UK passport I have to thank Key Visa service for their excellent help in difficult times in successfully getting my updated passport. Covid has played a big part in delays from the passport office along with increased demand and the Ukraine conflict but for those non UK residents this has caused many delays. Darren and his staff have been most helpful in ensuring this was completed as quickly as possible and I thoroughly recommend their service to anyone who are looking for this type of service. Many thanks for a five star service.
    berny P.
    berny P.
    06:23 20 Oct 22
    Australian friend having problems with thai wife spouse visa, agency are being very helpful with a excellent customer service
    Christopher B.
    Christopher B.
    15:21 18 Oct 22
    As always absolutely top class advise and speedy response - these guys have been looking after us for around twenty years and in my opinion the very best.
    Jim T.
    Jim T.
    07:55 15 Sep 22
    Thanks to Darren and his team for renewing my retirement visa and re-entry permit! I got it back in ONE DAY! Awesome service. I highly recommend Key Visa and will definitely be using them again in the future!
    Brenda B.
    Brenda B.
    03:16 12 Sep 22
    Friendly and efficient service ...
    Nicholas D.
    Nicholas D.
    22:35 19 Aug 22
    In difficult times they got the job done. UK passport renewal in 2022. My only gripe is my emails and phone calls went unanswered during the process. I was rude to the lady in the office. Sorry about that. When we asked for my (old) passport to be sent back on short notice for the 90 day renewal they sent it back immediately. Thanks guys. Sorry for the trouble
    Steve H.
    Steve H.
    06:47 12 Aug 22
    Darren and his staff are friendly, helpful and most of all very knowledgeable. If you need real and accurate advice then look no further.
    Ian L.
    Ian L.
    04:53 08 Jul 22
    Darren and his team are truly excellent offering an exemplary service. Was updated regularly as visa was processed and everything went smoothly. Darren took time to explain the process and was always available to answer questions. Highly recommended. Thank you
    Wayne C
    Wayne C
    01:52 07 Jul 22
    Great service from Darren and his Team, highly recommended! They get the job done courteously and professionally every time.
    Chris H.
    Chris H.
    04:22 06 Jul 22
    Passport renewal
    Travelling O.
    Travelling O.
    01:43 05 Jul 22
    Good and quick service, reliable staff that can handle all visa issues within reason.
    Jason M.
    Jason M.
    15:16 02 Jul 22
    Great staff very helpful. Highly recommend Key Visa.
    Nicholas W.
    Nicholas W.
    00:38 02 Jul 22
    Key Visa fantastic helpful staff you want your loved ones to go home with you this is the place that will make it happen.
    William F.
    William F.
    12:03 01 Jul 22
    I received the answers I wanted. Quickly and easily
    Brian C.
    Brian C.
    03:58 15 Jun 22
    I have used Key Visa since moving to Thailand over 3 years ago. Darren quickly helped sort out my VISA, back then and arranged for me to open a Bank Account with Bangkok Bank which is invaluable and a must for any long term stay or ex pat. Also directed me to some one who helped me get Motorbike and Driving Licence. 3 years later and on this occasion I asked them to arrange a new 50 page UK passport along with renew VISA etc. Highly recommend Darren and his staff of front office ladies to get you sorted. Thanks
    Tim F
    Tim F
    07:59 01 Jun 22
    A big thank you to Darren and the staff at Key Visa. I received prompt, courteous and professional communications and service for the annual renewal of my extention of stay and multiple reentry permit. I will be back once again this time next year. Great job!
    David H.
    David H.
    01:04 31 May 22
    T A.
    T A.
    06:30 27 May 22
    Great staff and excellent service.Both polite and prompt.
    H A
    H A
    12:05 24 May 22
    Professional and honest man, he extended my tourist visa in one day and at a reasonable price, definitely recommend this office.Hassan,
    andy W.
    andy W.
    03:21 24 May 22
    well Darren it had been 2 years since i last saw you ,i would like to thank you and your staff for an excellent service for my visa. I can highly recommend key visa for all services and i have used them for many years .Dont go anywhere else use Key Visa
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