Planning a trip to Thailand? Good news first: getting in is still easy for most travellers. But the rules changed on 15 September 2026, and a few details now work differently from what you may have read online.
Here’s a friendly, up-to-date rundown of what you need before you fly, what happens at the counter, and how to enjoy your stay without any surprises.
What Changed on 15 September 2026
Thailand replaced its 60-day visa exemption with a shorter, tiered system, published in the Royal Gazette on 31 August.
| Rule | Before | Now |
|---|---|---|
| Visa-free stay (most visitors) | 60 days | 30 days |
| Countries on the main list | 93 | 60 |
| Visa on arrival | 31 countries | 3 countries |
| Optional extension | 30 days | 30 days |
Already in Thailand? Relax. The stay stamped in your passport when you arrived still applies.
Which Entry Route Applies to You?
Your passport decides your route. Country lists are easy to misquote, so it is worth a quick check with the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs before you book.
| Route | Stay | Who it covers |
|---|---|---|
| 30-day visa exemption | 30 days, extendable once | 60 countries, incl. the US, UK, Canada, Australia, most of Europe, India and Japan |
| 15-day visa exemption | 15 days | Mauritius and Seychelles |
| Bilateral agreements | 90, 30 or 14 days | e.g. South Korea (90), China and Vietnam (30) |
| Visa on arrival | 15 days (2,000 THB) | Azerbaijan, Belarus and Serbia |
| e-Visa | Depends on visa | Everyone else |
The new exemption is described as being for tourism, so meetings or short-term work may need a business visa. Our guide for business travellers in Bangkok has more tips for work trips.
Want more than 30 days? You can extend once for up to 30 days at an Immigration Bureau office, for about 1,900 THB. For longer holidays, a tourist visa is the simpler route. If your passport is not covered above, apply on the official Thai e-Visa website before you travel.
The TDAC: One Quick Form for Everyone
Every foreign traveller needs a Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC). It takes a few minutes and is free on the official TDAC portal.
- When: within three days before you arrive.
- Who: every passenger, children included. Travelling with little ones? See our tips for families arriving in Thailand.
- Tip: stick to the official site, as some lookalike sites charge fees. Save a screenshot of your QR code for easy access.
What Officers May Ask to See
Most arrivals are quick and friendly. It simply helps to have these ready, just in case:
- A passport valid for at least six months
- An onward or return ticket
- Your hotel or accommodation address
- Proof of funds, commonly 20,000 THB per person
Officers will also take a quick photo and fingerprints at the counter.
Arriving: What to Expect
After landing, you’ll walk to immigration, get your entry stamp, then collect your bags and head through customs. The counter itself takes just a couple of minutes.
The wait before it varies. From November to April, queues at Suvarnabhumi Airport can stretch past an hour when several long-haul flights land together. Curious how much time you could save? Here is fast track vs regular immigration at Suvarnabhumi, compared side by side.
With Fast Track Thailand, a friendly team member meets you on arrival and guides you through the priority lane at Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang and Phuket, so your holiday starts sooner.
Good to Know During Your Stay
- Keep track of your dates. Overstays are fined 500 THB per day, and longer overstays can affect future visits.
- Land borders: visa-exempt travellers can enter by land twice per calendar year. Flying in has no such limit.
- Staying 90+ days? You’ll need to report your address every 90 days. Hotels handle guest registration for you.
- Keep ID handy: carrying your passport or a copy is always a good idea.
Quick FAQ
Does my arrival day count towards my 30 days?
Yes, the day you land counts as day one. The simplest way to be sure is to check the “admitted until” date stamped in your passport.
What if I made a mistake on my TDAC?
You can update your details on the official portal before you travel. If a key detail such as your passport number is wrong, simply submit a new card.
Do I need a new TDAC every time I enter Thailand?
Yes. Each entry needs its own TDAC, so if you pop over to a neighbouring country and come back, fill in a fresh one.
Do I need a TDAC if I’m only transiting?
Not if you stay airside and do not pass through immigration. If you leave the airport between flights, you will need one. More questions about our service? Visit our FAQs.
Ready for Your Thailand Trip?
The new rules mean a little more planning, but nothing complicated. Check your entry route, fill in your TDAC, and you’re all set.
Want the smoothest possible start? Fast Track Thailand helps you skip the long queues and step straight into your holiday. See the top benefits of fast track and our pricing, or add lounge access for a relaxing trip home.