Thailand Visa Guide

This is the most important update in this guide. The 60-day visa exemption scheme that had been in place since July 2024 officially ended on 15 September 2026. The Thai Cabinet approved the change on 19 May 2026, the new rules were published in the Royal Gazette on 31 August 2026, and they took effect 15 days later. Here is what you need to know:

• Current Status (as of November 2026): The 60-day exemption no longer exists. Anyone arriving on or after 15 September 2026 receives a 30-day stamp (or 15 days for a small number of nationalities).

• What Changed: The 60-day scheme for 93 countries was revoked. Nationals of 60 countries and territories (including the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, India and all EU member states) now receive a 30-day visa exemption for tourism only. Mauritius and Seychelles receive 15 days, and 21 nationalities lost visa-free entry altogether.

• Extensions Remain: A one-time extension of up to 30 days is still available at local immigration offices for 1,900 THB, at the officer’s discretion, giving a maximum of around 60 days total for most travellers.

• Earlier Stays Were Protected: Travellers stamped in on or before 14 September 2026 kept the 60-day permission shown in their passport for that entry. Always go by the date on your stamp, not the headlines.

• Why the Change? The Thai government cited concerns over illegal work, nominee businesses, and transnational crime operations exploiting the generous 60-day window. Tourism data also showed that the average foreign visitor stays around 9 days, making the 60-day window largely unnecessary for genuine tourists.

Our advice: If your trip is 30 days or under, the impact on you is minimal. If you want to stay longer, read the visa options below carefully and sort out the right visa before you fly.

Regardless of the visa policy changes, one requirement is fully in force and applies to everyone: the mandatory Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC). This replaced the old paper TM.6 form that you used to fill in on the plane. Do not skip this step.

• Who Must Complete It: Every foreign national entering by air, land, or sea.

• When to Do It: Within 72 hours (3 days) before your arrival, for every entry. Not earlier, not on arrival.

• Cost: Completely free. Be extremely wary of third-party websites charging a fee. Only use the official Thai Immigration government portal.

• What You Get: A QR code sent to your email. Save it on your phone and print a backup copy. Immigration officers will scan it at the border.

• Mobile Data Tip: To access your QR code and complete last-minute checks at the airport, you need reliable data the moment you land. Activate an Airalo, Yesim, or Saily eSIM before departure. SMS network verification codes for apps like Grab and PassApp cannot be received without live mobile data at the baggage carousel.

1. The Visa Exemption (Most Visitors)

For most people planning a holiday of up to a month, this is your entry route. Nationals of the 60 eligible countries and territories arrive at the airport and receive a 30-day stamp at no cost. If you want more time, you can apply once for an extension of up to 30 days at a local immigration office for 1,900 THB (~£43 / $57), taking your total to around 60 days. Extensions are at the officer’s discretion, so do not treat them as guaranteed.

• Best for: Short holidays, island hopping, and first-time visitors staying 30 days or less.

• Requirement: A passport with at least 6 months validity, proof of onward travel within 30 days of arrival, proof of accommodation, and a completed TDAC QR code.

• Land Border Note: Visa-exempt entries via land borders are limited to two per calendar year (nationals of Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia and Singapore are excepted). Some Thai embassies apply the two-per-year wording to all exemption entries, so do not plan on more than two.

3. The Destination Thailand Visa (DTV)

If you are a digital nomad or a remote worker, the DTV is the gold standard, and the cut to the exemption makes it even more attractive. This is a 5-year multiple-entry visa that allows you to stay for 180 days at a time, with a 180-day extension available per entry. The exemption changes did not affect the DTV itself, but its application rules were tightened on 31 August 2026: you must now apply in a country where you are a national or permanent resident, and supply a criminal record certificate. The old “DTV run” to Vientiane or another neighbouring country no longer works.

• Best for: Remote workers, freelancers, and anyone taking long-term Muay Thai or cooking courses.

• Extension: Extend once per entry for another 180 days (1,900 THB) without leaving the country.

• Requirements: Proof of 500,000 THB (~£12,000 / $15,000) in a bank account, typically seasoned for 3 to 6 months. Proof of remote employment, freelance work, or course enrolment. Proof of nationality or permanent residence in the country you apply from, plus a criminal record certificate. Comprehensive health insurance is strongly recommended. SafetyWing is a popular and cost-effective option widely used by the DTV community.

• Security: When working from cafes and co-working spaces across Bangkok or Chiang Mai, NordVPN is essential for protecting financial data on public networks. It is also useful for booking through Agoda or 12GO on pier Wi-Fi.

Thai immigration officers are generally warm and professional, but the current climate of stricter policy enforcement means they are paying closer attention than they were a year ago. Come prepared and you will breeze through.

• Proof of Funds: Immigration can ask to see at least 20,000 THB per person or 40,000 THB per family (approximately £460 / $600 per person) in cash or equivalent. While they rarely check casual tourists, having some cash on hand is good practice and good sense.

• Onward Travel: Visa-exempt visitors need proof of onward travel within 30 days of arrival, and your airline may not let you board without it. If you have a one-way ticket, book a throwaway bus or cheap flight to a neighbouring country like Laos or Malaysia. Booking platforms like 12GO are useful for this.

• Frequent Visitors: Thai Immigration has said that travellers with more than two visa runs and no valid reason can be refused entry, at international airports as well as land borders. If you visit Thailand often, expect questions. A Tourist Visa or DTV removes this friction entirely.

• Print Your Documents: Even in 2026, having a physical printout of your TDAC QR code and your first hotel booking can save the day if your phone dies or airport Wi-Fi is unreliable.

• Flight Delays and Disruption: If your inbound flight is significantly delayed or cancelled, AirHelp can assist you in claiming compensation for disrupted international travel under EU261 and related frameworks.

• Airport Transfers: For families or groups arriving at Suvarnabhumi or Don Mueang, Welcome Pickups offers fixed-price pre-booked transfers that eliminate the stress of taxi negotiation at the arrivals gate.

Grab and Bolt: Essential for getting around Bangkok and reaching piers without overpaying. Both apps require an active mobile connection and SMS verification when you first install them, so activate your eSIM before you land.

Yesim or Saily: Secure an eSIM before landing. Having 5G signal the moment you step off the plane is not just a convenience, it is a practical necessity for verifying apps and accessing your TDAC QR code.

Klook and Get Your Guide: Use these to book day trips, snorkelling excursions, and cooking classes. Pre-booking means guaranteed spots and no pier-side haggling.

NordVPN: Vital when booking through 12GO or Agoda on public pier or cafe Wi-Fi. Protect your financial data anywhere you connect.

Currency (THB): Always carry 500 THB in small notes (20s and 100s). Smaller island piers like Koh Kood do not accept cards for mandatory cleaning and departure fees.

Understanding a little bit of Thai etiquette goes a long way toward a warmer welcome, and that includes at immigration. When you hand your passport to the officer, a small nod and a genuine smile are appreciated far more than you might expect.

In Thailand, the head is considered the most sacred part of the body, while the feet are the lowest. Never point your feet at people or sacred objects, and always remove shoes before entering temples and many guesthouses. You will also notice the Wai, the traditional greeting where palms are pressed together. As a visitor, a polite smile paired with Sawasdee-ka (for women) or Sawasdee-krab (for men) will make you friends everywhere from temple courtyards to night market stalls.

The Thai royal family and monarchy are held in the deepest respect. Be mindful of your words and conduct around images, symbols, and any conversation on the subject. Lèse-majesté laws in Thailand are actively enforced.