Tourist Visa in Thailand. Thailand’s tourist-entry landscape has changed a lot since 2019: rule updates, electronic pre-arrival formalities and new pilot schemes mean travelers must plan carefully. Below is a complete, operational guide — who may enter without a visa, the practical differences between visa exemption, visa on arrival and the formal tourist visa, extension mechanics, documentary requirements (including recent reinstatements), immigration interactions at arrival, and an action checklist you can use to avoid costly delays or overstays.
Many nationalities now qualify for the Visa Exemption / visa-free entry that gives 60 days on arrival (previously 30). That period can normally be extended once for 30 days at a local immigration office, so 90 days is typically the maximum without changing visa class.
If you need a formal tourist visa (for example, because your nationality is not exempt, or you want a guaranteed 60-day single entry from a consulate), the standard tourist visa used by most missions grants 60 days and is extendable by 30 days at Immigration.
Thailand has introduced new electronic and pre-arrival requirements in 2025: certain visa-exempt travelers must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) or complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) before travel — check the latest requirement for your country/airport.
As of mid-2025 financial-means documentation (proof of funds) was reinstated for tourist-visa applicants (and may be asked at entry for some travelers). Have bank statements or a recent credit-card statement ready if applying for a visa or if the immigration officer asks.
(These four points are the operational anchors to plan around; read the rest for the how-to and pitfalls.)
Visa-exempt / Visa on arrival (VOA)
Best for short trips or where your passport is eligible. Visa exemption currently supplies 60 days (with 1 extension of 30 days available at Immigration) for most Western passports; VOA is similar but depends on nationality lists and is issued at specific ports of entry. Confirm the list for your country before travel.
Single-entry Tourist Visa (TR)
Applied for at a Thai embassy/consulate (or via e-visa portals in some missions). Valid for entry within the visa validity period and gives 60 days stay on entry; you may extend for 30 days locally for a maximum of 90 days. Choose this when you need guaranteed entry (no risk of being refused a VOA) or when you want to show a pre-approved visa at arrival.
Multiple-entry Tourist Visa (METV)
Some missions issue multi-entry tourist visas allowing repeated 60-day visits without re-applying for a visa each time. Check the issuing embassy’s rules (fees, validity period and whether re-entry permits or outgoing travel are required to “reset” your days). If you plan many short trips in a year this may be economical — but confirm that the embassy issues METVs to your nationality.
Special long-stay tourist programs (digital nomad / DTV / Privilege)
Thailand also runs separate long-stay / digital-nomad and Privilege / Elite channels (different eligibility, fees and permitted activities). These are not “tourist” visas in the strict sense and have distinct rules about work/earnings; consult the specific program guidance if that is your plan.
Pre-flight: check whether you need an ETA or must complete the TDAC; make sure passport validity meets the embassy/immigration requirement (commonly 6 months). If you hold an exempt passport but need the ETA, complete it and print/keep the confirmation.
At the airline check-in: you may be asked to show return/onward ticket and proof of funds (if requested). Keep printed copies of your hotel/booking and bank statement ready.
Immigration counter: present passport, completed arrival card (TDAC where required) and visa/ETA if applicable. The officer stamps your passport with the date and permitted stay. Note the expiry carefully — overstay fines are applied per day.
Extension at Immigration: standard practice is a 30-day extension for tourists (fee approx. THB 1,900). Apply before your stamp expires; Immigration offices typically require passport, arrival card, proof of address and sometimes proof of onward travel or funds.
Converting to another visa: converting a tourist entry to a work visa or non-immigrant visa is possible but often requires leaving and re-entering Thailand (consular advice varies). If you plan to work or take paid assignments you must obtain the correct non-immigrant visa and work permit — do not rely on a tourist stay.
Overstays & penalties: overstaying your permitted stay attracts fines (daily rate, capped) and can result in blacklisting for repeat or long overstays. Pay attention to the stamp date and extend in time if needed. Immigration will be strict about documentation.
Passport valid for at least 6 months (check your embassy).
Return/onward ticket and proof of accommodation (booking).
Proof of funds / recent bank statements (especially for visa applications or if requested at entry). Keep printed originals or PDF accessible.
Visa or ETA confirmation (if required). Print it and keep an electronic copy.
Thailand Digital Arrival Card confirmation / completed TDAC if required.
Relying on outdated online info. Immigration rules change quickly; always verify with the local Royal Thai Embassy/Consulate or the official Thai Immigration / embassy portals within 7–10 days of travel.
Assuming visa exemption equals unlimited flexibility. Although visa-exempt stays are generous now, extensions are discretionary and Immigration can ask for proof of funds/onward travel. Plan and document accordingly.
Trying to work on a tourist stamp. Employment without a proper work permit is illegal and risks deportation, fines and future visa refusals. If your plan includes work, start the non-immigrant B/Work Permit path early.
Missing new electronic requirements. If your entry route now needs an ETA or TDAC, airlines will refuse boarding without it — check and complete those steps well before departure.
Use the 60+30 extension route and keep copies of extension approvals.
Consider a single-entry tourist visa (from an embassy) before travel if you want predictability and the same 60-day stay without relying on a VOA.
For frequent visitors, a multiple-entry tourist visa (if available to your nationality) or a Privilege/Elite membership may be more reliable than repeated visa-exempt entries.
Confirm if your nationality is visa-exempt (and whether ETA/TDAC is required).
If you need a visa, apply through the Royal Thai Embassy/e-visa portal and print the confirmation.
Prepare proof of funds (3–6 months’ bank statements) and an onward ticket.
Complete TDAC/ETA if required and save the confirmation on your phone and printed copy.
Note your passport stamp expiry date and plan an extension application at least 3–5 days before expiry if you will stay longer.
Thailand remains an easy and welcoming destination for tourists, but the procedural environment is more electronic and document-sensitive than before. The single best protection is: confirm official embassy/immigration guidance within a week of travel, carry clear documentary proof of funds/onward travel, and respect visa/work boundaries.