Your checklist
- Check you can enter visa-free — 30 days for most Western passports and India, or get the right visa first.
- Submit the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) — free, within 3 days before you arrive. Step-by-step guide →
- Be ready to show evidence of sufficient funds if immigration asks.
- Plan your exit — know your last allowed day before you book.
The 30-day visa exemption (since 15 September 2026)
Thailand replaced its 60-day visa exemption with a new framework on 15 September 2026:
| Scheme | Who | Stay |
|---|---|---|
| Visa exemption | 60 countries and territories, including the UK, US, Australia, Canada, Germany and India | Up to 30 days, tourism |
| Visa exemption | Seychelles and Mauritius | Up to 15 days |
| Visa on arrival | Azerbaijan, Belarus and Serbia | See official guidance |
| Bilateral agreements | Countries with their own agreement with Thailand | 90, 30 or 14 days depending on the agreement |
Not on these lists? You'll need to arrange a visa before travelling — check with the Thai embassy or consulate for your country.
Extending your stay
Full breakdown of what changed from 60 to 30 days →
If you entered on the 30-day exemption, you can usually apply once to extend by up to 30 days at a Thai immigration office. The fee is 1,900 baht, and the extension is at the officer's discretion — it isn't automatic.
Limits on repeat entries
- By land: visa-exempt entries over land borders are generally capped at two per calendar year. This cap doesn't apply to citizens of Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia and Singapore, or other nationalities the Interior Minister designates.
- By air: there's no fixed number, but immigration officers can question or refuse travellers who make repeated back-to-back visa-exempt entries. Using visa exemptions to live in Thailand long-term is exactly what they look for.
Thailand visa runs in 2026: what still works → · Plan a multi-country trip →
The Thailand Digital Arrival Card
Everyone who isn't a Thai national must submit the TDAC online before arriving — visa or no visa, adult or child. It's free on the official site and takes about 10 minutes.
Frequently asked questions
How long can I stay in Thailand without a visa?
Since 15 September 2026, citizens of 60 countries and territories — including the UK, US, Australia, Canada, Germany and India — can stay up to 30 days visa-free for tourism. This replaced the previous 60-day visa exemption.
Can I extend Thailand's 30-day visa exemption?
Usually once, by up to 30 days, at a Thai immigration office. The fee is 1,900 baht and approval is at the immigration officer's discretion.
Is there a limit on visa-free entries to Thailand?
Visa-exempt entries over land borders are generally limited to two per calendar year (with exceptions for some neighbouring countries' citizens). There is no fixed limit for air arrivals, but officers can question or refuse travellers who make repeated back-to-back visa-exempt entries.
Do I still need the Thailand Digital Arrival Card if I am visa-exempt?
Yes. The TDAC is required for all non-Thai nationals, whether or not they need a visa. It is free and must be submitted within 3 days before arrival.
Sources
Last checked against these sources on 3 November 2026. Entry rules change, sometimes with little notice — confirm on the official site before you travel. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.
- Thailand introduces new 30-day and 15-day visa exemption rules from 15 September — TAT Newsroom
- Thailand entry requirements — GOV.UK foreign travel advice
- Visa exemption extension — Thai Visa Services
- Thailand visa-exempt land border limit: two a year — The Thaiger
- Official TDAC user manual — Immigration Bureau