Visa requirements
Thailand Visa Requirements 2026: Complete Guide
Quick answer: Most Western travelers get 60 days visa-free (up from 30 in previous years). TDAC (Thailand Digital Arrival Card) is required online before flight — free, 3 minutes. Some nationalities can stay longer or need pre-arranged visa.
Who gets visa-free entry
From 2024-2025, citizens of 93 countries get visa-free entry to Thailand for 60 days. Most Western countries (US, UK, EU, Australia, Canada), most Asian neighbors (Japan, Korea, Singapore), most Latin American countries.
TDAC (Thailand Digital Arrival Card)
Since mid-2025, all travelers must complete TDAC online before flight. Free. Takes 3-5 minutes. Apply at the official Thai e-immigration site (within 72 hours before flight). Replaces the old paper TM6 form.
60-day visa-free stay
You can stay up to 60 days from arrival on visa-free entry. Cannot work. Can extend once at local immigration office for additional 30 days (~1,900 baht extension fee).
How to apply for TDAC
Visit the official site (linked from official Thai government immigration pages). Fill in passport details, arrival flight, accommodation address. Submit. Receive QR code by email. Bring printed or digital QR code with passport.
Beyond 60 days: visa options
Tourist Visa (60 days, single or multiple entry, ~$80). Education Visa (ED visa, for language schools). Smart Visa (specialized professionals). Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visa (10 years, for high-income earners). Retirement Visa (50+ years old, financial requirements).
Specific country exceptions
Some African + Middle Eastern + Eastern European nationalities require pre-arranged visa. China + India face occasional special rules. Verify at the official Thai e-visa portal.
Documents required at border
Passport valid 6+ months. TDAC QR code. Onward ticket. Accommodation address. Sufficient funds (technically required, rarely asked).
Common issues
Multiple visa-free entries within 6 months can trigger questioning at immigration. Recent overstay history flagged. Some nationalities limited to land-border visa-free entry.