Thailand eVisa & Travel Information (2026)
All non-Thai nationals must complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) online before arriving in Thailand. This replaces the old paper TM.6 form. You must register within 72 hours before your arrival date.
Register on TDAC (Official) →93 countries can enter visa-free (60 days). Other nationalities must apply for an eVisa before travel.
Thailand eVisa →| Key Facts — Thailand | |
|---|---|
| ⚠️ TDAC Registration | Mandatory for ALL travelers — Complete online at tdac.immigration.go.th within 72h before arrival |
| Visa Exemption | Yes (93 countries — 30 or 60 days) |
| eVisa Available | Yes (Thailand eVisa system) |
| Tourist Visa (TR) | 60 days (extendable 30 days) |
| Tourist Visa Fee | THB 2,000 (~USD $55) |
| Processing Time | 3–5 business days (eVisa) |
| Passport Validity | At least 6 months beyond intended stay |
| Capital | Bangkok |
| Currency | Thai Baht (THB) |
| Main Airports | BKK (Suvarnabhumi), DMK (Don Mueang), HKT (Phuket), CNX (Chiang Mai) |
Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) — Mandatory
Since 2024, all non-Thai nationals must complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) before entering Thailand. This is a mandatory online registration that replaces the old paper TM.6 arrival/departure card.
How to register:
- Go to tdac.immigration.go.th
- Create an account with your email
- Fill in your passport details, travel information, accommodation address in Thailand
- Submit the form — you will receive a QR code by email
- Present the QR code (printed or on your phone) at immigration upon arrival
Important:
- Must be completed within 72 hours before your arrival date
- Required for ALL foreign nationals regardless of visa status (visa-free, eVisa, work visa, etc.)
- The registration is free of charge
- Children and infants also need to be registered (by parent/guardian)
- Available in English, Chinese, Japanese, Korean and Thai
Introduction
Thailand is Southeast Asia's most popular tourist destination, famed for its beaches, Buddhist temples, street food, elephant sanctuaries and vibrant nightlife. Major airports are Bangkok Suvarnabhumi (BKK), Bangkok Don Mueang (DMK), Phuket (HKT) and Chiang Mai (CNX). Thailand is governed by the Department of Consular Affairs for visas and the Immigration Bureau for entry matters.
Thailand offers visa exemption to citizens of 93 countries for 30 or 60 days (some nationalities get 30 days by default, others automatically receive 60 days as of late 2024). Most countries in this list receive the 60-day exemption, including USA, UK, EU members, Canada, Australia, Japan, and many others. Thailand also launched a new eVisa system allowing eligible nationals to apply online at thaievisa.go.th.
Tourist Visa-Free Entry & Tourist Visa (TR)
Visa-free travelers (60 days for most nationalities): valid passport (6+ months validity), onward or return ticket, proof of accommodation, and proof of sufficient funds (THB 10,000/person or THB 20,000/family recommended). Visa-free entry can be extended once at an Immigration Office for an additional 30 days (fee: THB 1,900).
The Tourist Visa (TR) allows a 60-day stay (extendable 30 days) for nationals who want a longer initial authorization. Apply via the Thailand eVisa system at thaievisa.go.th or at a Thai embassy. The Multiple-Entry Tourist Visa (METV) allows multiple 60-day stays within 6 months (fee: THB 5,000).
Business Visa (Non-B)
The Non-Immigrant B Visa (Non-B) is for business activities, employment and investment in Thailand. For employment, a Thai Work Permit from the Department of Employment is also required. Apply via the eVisa system or Thai embassy with: invitation letter from Thai company, registration documents, financial statements, and evidence of business relationship.
Work & Long-Stay
- Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visa — introduced 2022; 10-year renewable visa for wealthy globals (net assets ≥USD $1M, income ≥USD $80K/year), work-from-Thailand professionals (income ≥USD $80K), retirees (aged 50+, pension/income ≥USD $40K/year), and highly skilled professionals in targeted industries.
- Thailand Elite Visa — membership-based visa (THB 900,000–2M) offering 5–20 year residence; privileged services, airport fast-track, etc.
- Non-B Visa + Work Permit — standard route for employed professionals in Thailand.
- Retirement Visa (Non-O-A) — for those aged 50+; requires proof of THB 800,000 in a Thai bank account or monthly income/pension of THB 65,000+.
Student Visa (Non-ED)
International students need a Non-Immigrant ED Visa, usually obtained at a Thai embassy before arrival. Required: acceptance letter from a Thai institution, proof of funds, and accommodation. Apply via the eVisa system or at the embassy. Students may apply for a 1-year extension in Thailand.
Airport Transit
Thailand generally does not require a transit visa for passengers staying in the international transit area. Certain nationalities may need clearance. Check the current rules at consular.mfa.go.th.
Required Documents (Tourist Visa TR via eVisa)
- Valid passport (6+ months validity, 1 blank page)
- Digital passport photo (white background)
- Return or onward flight bookings
- Proof of accommodation in Thailand
- Proof of funds (bank statement)
- Completed online application
- Visa fee payment
Visa Fees
| Visa Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Tourist Visa TR (single) | THB 2,000 (~USD $55) |
| Multiple-Entry Tourist Visa METV | THB 5,000 (~USD $140) |
| Non-B (Business, single) | THB 2,000 (~USD $55) |
| Non-O-A (Retirement, 1 year) | THB 2,000 (~USD $55) |
| In-country extension (30 days) | THB 1,900 |
How to Apply
- Check visa-free eligibility at consular.mfa.go.th
- If applying for a visa: go to thaievisa.go.th
- Create an account and complete the online form
- Upload required documents and pay the fee
- Receive eVisa (PDF) by email within 3–5 business days
- Print the eVisa and present it at the Thai port of entry
Official Links
- Thailand eVisa Official System
- Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs — Consular
- Thailand Immigration Bureau
Who Is Visa-Exempt?
Citizens of 93 countries receive visa-free entry (30 or 60 days), including USA, UK, Canada, most EU member states, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong and many others. Full list at consular.mfa.go.th.
Always verify current visa rules on official government sites before travel.
📋 Complete Visa Categories for Thailand
Thailand offers several visa and permit categories depending on your purpose of travel, intended length of stay, and nationality. Below is a comprehensive overview of the main visa types available.
| Visa Type | Duration | Fee (approx.) | Key Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visa Exempt Entry | 30-60 days | Free | 93 nationalities (30 or 60 days depending on country) |
| Tourist Visa (TR) | 60 days | THB 1,000 (~$28) | Single entry, extendable 30 days at immigration |
| TDAC Registration | N/A | Free | MANDATORY for all travelers - register at tdac.immigration.go.th before arrival |
| LTR Visa (Long-Term Resident) | 10 years | $10,000 one-time | $80,000/year income OR $250,000 in assets. Digital nomads and retirees. |
| Non-Immigrant O-A (Retirement) | 1 year | THB 2,000 | Age 50+, 800,000 THB in Thai bank OR 65,000 THB/month income |
| Non-Immigrant B (Business) | 1 year | THB 2,000 | Work permit required, employer sponsorship |
| Non-Immigrant ED (Education) | 1 year | THB 2,000 | Enrolled in Thai school/university/language course |
| Non-Immigrant O (Family) | 1 year | THB 2,000 | Married to Thai or parent of Thai child, 400,000 THB or 40,000 THB/month |
| Thailand Elite (Privilege) | 5-20 years | THB 600,000-2M | Premium membership, no income requirement, VIP airport |
| Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) | 5 years | THB 10,000 | Digital nomad/remote worker, 500,000 THB income, multiple entry |
Fees and requirements may vary by nationality. Always verify at the official immigration authority.
⏰ Processing Times & Fees for Thailand Visas
Processing times vary by visa type, nationality, and time of year. Apply well in advance of travel.
| Visa Type | Standard Processing | Standard Fee | Expedited | Expedited Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Visa exempt | Instant | Free | N/A | N/A |
| Tourist TR | 1-3 days | THB 1,000 | Express: same day | THB 1,200-1,500 |
| LTR | 20 business days | $10,000 | N/A | N/A |
| Non-Imm O-A | 5-10 days | THB 2,000 | N/A | N/A |
| Elite | 1-2 weeks | THB 600,000-2M | N/A | N/A |
🏥 Health & Entry Requirements for Thailand
No mandatory vaccinations. COVID-19 not required. Health insurance MANDATORY for Retirement O-A visa: minimum 40,000 THB outpatient / 400,000 THB inpatient coverage. LTR visa: $50,000+ health coverage. Thailand has world-class private hospitals (Bumrungrad, Samitivej, Bangkok Hospital). Public hospitals affordable but crowded.
🕑 Visa Extension & Overstay Rules in Thailand
Visa exempt 30/60 days extendable once for 30 days at Immigration (THB 1,900). Tourist visa 60 days extendable 30 days. Non-Immigrant visas renewable annually. 90-day reporting mandatory for all long-stay visa holders (online, mail, or in person). Overstay: THB 500/day fine (max 20,000), detention, deportation, re-entry ban 1-10 years depending on duration. Blacklist for serious overstays.
❌ Visa Refusal & Appeals for Thailand
Common: insufficient funds, suspected working on tourist visa, frequent border runs. Border refusal possible if too many entries. Embassy visa refusals can be reconsidered with additional documentation. No formal appeal process. Thailand immigration has discretion to refuse entry.
This guide is maintained by our visa research team. Last updated: March 2026.
Important: Visa rules change frequently. Always verify current requirements at the official Thailand immigration authority before booking travel. This page is for informational purposes only.