Do you need a visa to travel in Thailand?

Which visa for a holiday in Thailand?

Like many countries, Thailand requires your passport to be valid for at least 6 months after your entry date into the country. When planning a trip to Thailand a visa is required. However, if your stay in Thailand does not exceed 30 days, there is no need to apply for a visa before departure. You will receive the equivalent of a 30-day visa free of charge upon arrival, known as the visa exemption (see the list of 60 eligible countries below, as this does not apply to all nationalities).

Please note: since September 15, 2026, the exemption of visa delivers a 30-day stamp (it was 60-day before).

Which visa to stay more than 30 days in Thailand?

If you plan to stay in Thailand for more than 30 days as a tourist starting September 15, 2026, you must apply for a tourist visa (e-visa) before departure or arrange for an extension locally. Visa applications are managed exclusively online via the official portal (www.thaievisa.go.th) by creating a personal account, from which your e-visa can be downloaded at the end of the process.

The visa exemption granted upon arrival is strictly reserved for tourist stays.

Extension of stay in Thailand

It is also possible to extend your 30-day visa exemption obtained upon arrival for an additional 30 days (allowing a total stay of 60 days without a prior visa) by applying directly in Thailand at an Immigration Office (see here the procedure for extending a tourist visa in Thailand). I advise avoiding Bangkok as it gets very crowded. However, please note that while extensions are generally granted, approval is not automatic, especially if you have multiple consecutive extensions or entries.

Also, take note: for a stay in Thailand without a visa longer than the initial 30-day exemption period, some airlines may require proof of departure within the 30-day window and may deny boarding without this document. The same applies if you travel with a 60-day tourist visa and wish to stay longer without a valid return ticket.

Applying for a tourist visa for Thailand

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 (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 and maybe other documents depending on the country you apply and the country you're from

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 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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