Visa & Entry Requirements for Thailand
Last updated: January 2025
Planning your trip to Pattaya? Here's everything you need to know about entering Thailand, from visa requirements to what documents you'll need at immigration.
Quick Summary
| Your Situation | What You Need | Stay Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Citizens of 93 countries (US, UK, EU, Australia, etc.) | Passport only (visa exemption) | 60 days |
| Countries not on exemption list | Visa on Arrival (VOA) | 15 days |
| Staying longer than 60 days | Tourist Visa (apply before travel) | 60 days + extensions |
Most Western passports enter visa-free for 60 days and can extend once for 30 days in-country.
Visa Exemption (Most Western Travelers)
Since July 2024, Thailand allows citizens of 93 countries to enter visa-free for up to 60 days. This was extended from the previous 30-day limit.
United States, Canada, Mexico, Argentina (90 days), Brazil (90 days), Chile (90 days), Peru (90 days), Colombia, Ecuador, Panama, and more.
All EU countries, United Kingdom, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland.
Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia.
Israel, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, UAE.
Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and Peru receive 90 days instead of 60 days under bilateral agreements.
Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC)
Effective May 1, 2025, all visitors must complete the TDAC online before arrival.
How to Complete TDAC
- Visit tdac.immigration.go.th.
- Complete the form within 72 hours of your flight.
- Provide passport details, flight info, and accommodation address.
- Save or screenshot your confirmation.
- Immigration will verify electronically (no printout required).
The TDAC replaces the old paper TM6 arrival/departure card.
Proof of Funds - Take This Seriously
Thailand enforced proof of funds requirements more strictly starting in 2025. Immigration officers can ask to see:
| Visa Type | Per Person | Per Family |
|---|---|---|
| Visa Exemption / Tourist Visa | 20,000 THB (~$570 USD) | 40,000 THB (~$1,140 USD) |
| Visa on Arrival | 10,000 THB (~$285 USD) | 20,000 THB (~$570 USD) |
Carry cash in Thai Baht. When asked at immigration, only cash is reliably accepted. Bank statements and app screenshots have been rejected. There is no ATM before immigration at Bangkok airports.
Extensions
Standard 30-Day Extension
You can extend your visa exemption or tourist visa by 30 days at any Immigration Office in Thailand.
- Passport
- TM.7 application form (available at office)
- One passport photo (4x6 cm)
- Copy of passport pages (photo page, entry stamp, departure card)
2025 Extension Limits (New Rules)
As of November 2025, visa exemption extensions are limited:
- First extension: 30 days (as usual)
- Second extension: Only 7 days
- Maximum: 2 extensions per calendar year
- Land border entries: Not eligible for extensions
Tourist Visa (For Longer Stays)
If you need more than 60 days, apply for a Tourist Visa before traveling.
Single Entry Tourist Visa (SETV)
- Passport valid 6+ months
- Completed application form
- Passport photo
- Proof of onward travel
- Accommodation booking
- Bank statement showing ~$700 USD equivalent
Multiple Entry Tourist Visa (METV)
Visa on Arrival (Limited Countries)
If your country isn't on the visa exemption list, you may qualify for a 15-day Visa on Arrival.
- Passport valid 6+ months
- One passport photo
- Return ticket within 15 days
- Proof of funds (10,000 THB per person)
- Completed VOA form
- Accommodation address
VOA is available at major airports and some land borders. Processing can take 1-2 hours during busy periods.
The 2025 Crackdown on "Visa Runs"
What changed
- Immigration can deny entry after 2 consecutive visa runs without valid reason
- Maximum 2 visa-free entries per calendar year (after frequent travelers)
- Land border entries receive less favorable treatment
- Officers scrutinize travel history more closely
Who it affects
People attempting to live in Thailand long-term using repeated tourist entries.
Genuine tourists visiting for holidays. If you're visiting once or twice a year for vacation, these rules don't apply to you.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Arriving without proof of funds — Carry 20,000 THB cash
- No return ticket — Book a flexible or refundable flight out
- Forgetting TDAC — Complete it at least 72 hours before arrival
- Cutting it close on passport validity — Need 6+ months remaining
- Trying to extend on the last day — Offices close weekends and Thai holidays
- Confusing validity with stay duration — A visa's validity is when you can enter; stay duration is how long you can remain
Arrival Process at Bangkok Airport
- Before arrival: Complete TDAC online
- On the plane: Fill out customs form if carrying restricted items
- Immigration hall: Join queue for your passport type (most Westerners use "Passport Control" lanes)
- At the counter: Present passport; officer checks TDAC electronically
- Possible questions: "Where are you staying?" "How long?" "Do you have a return ticket?"
- Stamp received: Shows entry date and permitted stay-until date
- Baggage claim: Collect bags, proceed through customs
Tip: Keep your hotel booking and return ticket accessible on your phone.
Useful Links
FAQs
Can I extend my visa exemption?
Yes, once for 30 days at any Immigration Office (1,900 THB fee).
What if I overstay?
Overstay fines are 500 THB per day (max 20,000 THB). Serious overstays can result in detention and bans from re-entering Thailand.
Do I need a COVID vaccine?
No. Thailand dropped COVID vaccination requirements and has not reinstated them.
Can I work on a tourist visa?
No. Working (including remote work for Thai clients) requires a proper work permit.
What about the 90-day rule?
The 90-day reporting applies to long-term visa holders, not tourists. If you're on a tourist visa or visa exemption, you don't need to worry about this.
Last updated: February 2026
