Thailand

1. Passport Requirements

• Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into Thailand.
• It should have at least one blank page for entry stamps.
• Machine-readable passports are required for visa-exempt entry.
• Passport must not be damaged or expired – immigration officers can refuse entry.

2. Visa or Visa Exemption – What You Need Depends on Your Nationality

Thailand offers visa exemption or visa on arrival to citizens of many countries for tourism and short visits.

• Visa-exempt nationalities (59–63 countries, e.g. most EU including Poland, UK, USA, Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, etc.)
  → No visa required for tourism/business.
  → Allowed stay: 60 days if arriving by air; 30 days if by land/sea.
  → Extendable once by 30 days (1,900 THB fee at immigration office).
  → Total possible: up to 90 days per entry.
• Visa on Arrival (VoA) eligible nationalities (~20 countries, e.g. India, China, Ukraine, Saudi Arabia, Kazakhstan, etc.)
  → Granted at major airports and some land borders.
  → Stay: 15 days, extendable by 7 days (1,900 THB).
  → Fee: 2,000 THB cash only.
  → Long queues possible during peak season.
• Countries requiring a visa in advance (e.g. some African, Middle Eastern, South American countries)
  → Apply for a tourist visa (single-entry or multiple) at a Thai embassy/consulate before travel.
  → Stay: usually 60 days + 30-day extension.
  → Or use e-Visa system (thaievisa.go.th) for eligible nationalities – 60 days + extension.

Quick check: Official visa exemption & VoA list → thaievisa.go.th or Ministry of Foreign Affairs

3. Length of Stay

• Visa exemption (air): up to 60 days + 30-day extension = 90 days max.
• Visa exemption (land/sea): 30 days + 30-day extension = 60 days max.
• VoA: 15 days + 7-day extension = 22 days max.
• Tourist visa/e-Visa: usually 60 days + 30-day extension.
• You cannot work or study long-term without separate visas/permits.
• Frequent visa runs (leave and re-enter) may lead to refusal after several times.

4. Other Important Requirements

• Proof of onward/return ticket — very often checked at check-in or immigration.
• Proof of sufficient funds (~10,000–20,000 THB/person) and accommodation — may be asked (rarely strict).
• No COVID-19 vaccination/testing/quarantine required (rules removed since 2022).
• Customs: Declare cash over 20,000 THB (~USD 600), restricted items (food, plants, medicines, weapons, etc.). Fill out customs declaration on arrival.

5. Practical Tips for a Smooth Trip

• Submit TDAC early (72–24 hours before arrival) to avoid delays at immigration.
• Verify latest rules directly on official sites (rules can change):
  → TDAC: tdac.immigration.go.th
  → Visa & exemption: thaievisa.go.th
  → Immigration Services: immigration.go.th
  → Tourism Authority: tourismthailand.org
• Admission is at the discretion of immigration officers — answer questions honestly and have documents ready.
• Avoid overstaying – fines 500 THB/day (max 20,000 THB); over 90 days may lead to detention/deportation/ban.

Safe travels to Thailand — whether you're heading to Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai, Krabi, Koh Samui or Pai!