Do you need a visa to travel in Thailand?

What visa do you need to travel to Thailand?

Like many countries, Thailand requires that your passport be valid for at least 6 months after your date of entry into the country. When planning a trip in Thailand, you need a visa. But if your stay in Thailand does not exceed 60 days (since July 15, 2024, it has gone from 30 to 60 days), you don't need to request for a visa before departure, you will have the equivalent of a 60-day visa free of charge on arrival, which is called an exemption of visa (see the list of countries concerned below). This is a measure by the Thai government to boost tourism.

What visa to stay more than 30 days in Thailand ?

If you planned to stay in Thailand for more than 30 days as a tourist, before July 15, 2024, you had to apply for a 60-day tourist visa at a Thai consulate or embassy before departure. However, currently, if you are a citizen of one of the 93 countries listed above, you automatically receive 60 days upon arrival, so there’s no longer any need to apply for a 60-day tourist visa in advance. That said, if you do need to apply for a visa, please note that the entire process is handled exclusively online through the visa application portal (www.thaievisa.go.th). After creating a personal account, you can download your e-visa once the procedure is complete.

Extension of stay in Thailand?

It is possible to extend your visa exemption granted on arrival and obtain an additional 30 days (allowing a total visa-free stay of 90 days) by applying once you are in Thailand at an Immigration Office (you need some documents and pay 1.900 THB). Stricter measures regarding visa extensions are currently under discussion. While the first extension should not pose any issues, if you plan to request a second extension, nothing is guaranteed! Options range from being granted an additional 30 days, to only 7 days, or even see your request rejected.

Be aware that for stays longer than 60 days in Thailand without a visa, some airlines may require proof of onward travel from the country by the end of those 60 days and could refuse to board you without it. The same applies if you have applied for a 60-day tourist visa and intend to stay longer—you may still be asked to show proof of onward travel.

List of elements required to obtain a 60 days tourist visa

arrow_circle_right The passport (original and photocopy). The passport must be valid for at least six months after the date of departure.

arrow_circle_right The completed form

arrow_circle_right A color photo ID

arrow_circle_right Photocopy of residence permit (for travel document holders)

arrow_circle_right A copy of the airline ticket booking with details (entry ticket and exit of Thai territory within less than 90 days)

arrow_circle_right A copy of financial proof: the statement of recent bank statement with an amount of 1,000 euros minimum (the copy of bank statement printed on the internet is not admissible or this copy must be signed and stamped by the bank) or a bank statement

arrow_circle_right The visa fee

Overstaying in Thailand

The Thai authorities do not joke with visas overstay. So be vigilant! Legally you will have to pauy a fine per day of overstay whatever happens, but you also risk prison contrary to what some may say on forums. Even though in practice this is rare, it happens especially if you are unable to pay the fine . Overstays older than 90 days will result in a prohibition to return to Thailand, the number of years will vary depending on the overstay delay and if get busted or come yourself to Immigration. In short, avoid overtay !. The fine is 500 THB per day but you calso get more complications. Whatever happens, hotels and guesthouses may reject you if your visa is over.

Visa runs in Thailand

To avoid overstaying your visa—or simply to skip the hassle of applying for an extension at an immigration office and paying the associated fees—there's a practice that has been widely used but is increasingly discouraged and penalized: the visa run. This involves leaving Thailand by crossing one of its land borders into a neighboring country and immediately re-entering Thailand to obtain a new visa exemption (for nationals of countries eligible for visa-free entry). There are still agencies, particularly in cities near border crossings, that offer such services and handle the entire process for you—from crossing the border to returning to Thailand with a fresh entry stamp granting a new permitted stay. HOWEVER, once again, I strongly advise against this practice! First, because when you add up all the costs involved, it is generally not that significantly cheaper than applying for a visa extension at an immigration office. More importantly, Thai authorities are now more determined than ever to crack down on this practice. A history of visa runs in your immigration records will greatly reduce your chances of being granted an extension or even a visa exemption since you’ll be categorized as someone suspected of visa fraud. Remember, visa exemptions and extensions are intended for genuine tourists, not as a substitute for a proper long-term visa.

The DTV Visa

The DTV (Destination Thailand Visa) is a visa category recently introduced by Thailand to attract remote workers, freelancers, students enrolled in training programs, digital nomads, and individuals wishing to stay in the country for an extended period without permanently relocating. Valid for up to five years (with authorized stays of 180 days, renewable once per year), it offers significant flexibility for living in, working remotely from, or studying in Thailand while enjoying the local lifestyle. HOWEVER, this visa is increasingly targeted by authorities due to misuse and could eventually be discontinued. DTV visa holders are classified as tourists—even digital nomads—which comes with certain drawbacks, such as the inability to open a Thai bank account.

While some agencies offer to handle the application process for you, you can also apply directly online via the official website: www.thaievisa.go.th.

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