Tourist visa to Thailand

Thailand

Do you need a visa for a tourist trip to Thailand? How long must your passport be valid for?

A visa for a single visit to Thailand for up to 30 days or 60 days?

For the most common tourist trips, the immigration officer will not require anything from you. Entry to the Kingdom of Thailand is visa-free, with a stay limited to 30 days for citizens of 93 countries worldwide.

The visa-free entry period was extended from 30 to 60 days on 1 June 2024; however, in May 2026, the Thai government agreed once again to revert the scheme to 30 days.

However, to date, this change has not been implemented, so visa-free entry for up to 60 days currently remains in force. (Personally verified in July 2026).

💬 Have you had a different experience, or are you aware of any more recent rules? Please let us know in the comments below the article – thanks!

Official information and a list of countries that do not require a visa to enter Thailand can be found on the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ website:thaievisa.go.th.

Compare flight prices to Thailand

At an international airport or land border crossing, you will receive a stamp in your passport indicating the latest date by which you must leave the country.

In very rare cases, you may also be asked to present a return ticket or prove that you have sufficient funds (20 000 thb per person or 40 000 thb per family).

Multiple entries into Thailand within a six-month period

If you are planning to travel around South-East Asia and visit several neighbouring countries, or if Thailand is your second home, please bear in mind that the maximum total number of days you may stay within a six-month period is 90 days.

Exceeding the maximum length of stay

If, for whatever reason, you happen to leave Thailand for longer than the 30-day visa-free limit, you can expect to be fined. For each additional day, you will pay 500 thb, with a minimum of 1 000 thb and a maximum of 20 000 thb.

In the event of a serious breach of the permitted length of stay in Thailand, you will face court proceedings and deportation from the country, along with a 10-year entry ban.

Online arrival card

With effect from 1 May 2025, all travellers, including those who do not require a visa to stay in Thailand, must complete an online arrival card.

How do I complete the entry card?

Please complete the arrival card exclusively on the official website:tdac.immigration.go.th/arrival-card

You only need to provide your personal details, health information and details of your accommodation in Thailand. You do not need to upload any photographs or scan your passport when completing the form.

How much does the arrival card cost?

You can currently complete the arrival card free of charge.

How long before my trip do I need to fill in the arrival card?

You must complete the entry card online no earlier than 3 days before your planned arrival in Thailand.

Can I amend the entry card after I’ve filled it in?

Yes, if your details change – for example, if you have a new passport – you can amend your arrival card on the websitetdac.immigration.go.th/arrival-card.

Visas for Thailand for stays of 61 days or more

If you wish to stay in Thailand for longer, you have three practical options for extending your stay:

  • Extending your stay in Thailand for a further 60 days at the immigration office
  • By applying for a standard visa at the Thai Embassy in your country
  • By undertaking a so-called ‘visa run’

You can apply for a single-entry or multiple-entry visa:

Single-entry visa to Thailand

You can obtain a so-called single-entry tourist visa within 3 days for a fee of approximately 1 300 thb. It is valid for a stay of 30 days, and you may enter Thailand within 3 months of the visa being issued.

Multiple-entry visa for Thailand

You can also obtain a ‘multiple-entry tourist visa’ within 3 working days, but for a fee of 5 000 thb. It is valid for an unlimited number of entries for a period of 6 months from the date of issue. A single stay must not exceed 30 days, but there is no limit on the total number of days you may stay.

Visa run

The term ‘visa run’ or ‘visa running’ simply refers to leaving Thailand for another country and returning immediately.

In practical terms, all you need to do is go through immigration at a land border crossing and return straight away. Only in this case will the immigration officer require you to prove that you have left Thailand within 60 days and to show proof of cash, as mentioned above.

The ideal option seems to be leaving Thailand for 1–3 days to visit one of the neighbouring cities or islands, such as Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Langkawi or Penang.

  • ✈️ Compare cheap flights from Thailand to neighbouring countries on skyscanner.com
  • 🎟️ Book ferry, bus or train tickets on 12go.asia

Passport validity

To travel to Thailand, your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after you leave Thailand.

Conversely, there is no requirement regarding how long your passport must have been issued before travelling to the country. You can travel to Thailand with a brand-new passport.

Other documents

Apart from a valid passport and the online arrival card mentioned above, no other documents are required.

It is advisable to have proof of your return journey printed out or to hand on your mobile phone, or a recent bank statement, particularly if you are entering the country on multiple occasions.

Customs regulations

All items imported into Thailand must be in reasonable quantities. For example, the limit for cigarettes is 200 per person and for alcohol 1 litre per person. Exceeding the limit, even slightly, can result in heavy fines. For example, for 5 packets of cigarettes, the fine is up to 7 000 thb.

Please also bear in mind that the limit must not be exceeded by any one person, even if they are carrying alcohol or cigarettes in their luggage for other travelling companions. Each person must remain within the limit.

The import and export of narcotics and pornography are strictly prohibited. The export of antiques, religious artefacts and Buddha statues is subject to authorisation. This authorisation does not apply to small figurines and items commonly purchased at tourist markets.

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