How long can I stay in Thailand without a visa?

Most Western nationals (US, UK, EU, Australia, Canada) qualify for the 60-day visa exemption on air arrival. Land border entries are commonly limited to 30 days. You can extend a visa exemption once for 30 more days at any immigration office (฿1,900).

What is the new 60-day visa exemption?

In late 2024, Thailand extended the visa exemption period from 30 to 60 days for most Western and many other nationalities arriving by air. This gives travellers a full two-month stay without any pre-application or visa fee. Land and sea border crossings remain at 30 days in most cases.

What is the easiest way to stay in Thailand for 6 months?

The Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) is the most accessible option for a 6-month stay. It costs ฿10,000, requires ฿500,000 in savings and evidence of remote work or a qualifying activity, and grants 180 days per entry with a 5-year multiple-entry validity.

Do I need to complete a TDAC before arriving in Thailand?

Yes — since 2024, all international visitors arriving by air must complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) online at tdac.immigration.go.th within 72 hours before their flight. It is free and takes about 3 minutes. It replaces the old TM.6 paper form.

Can I work remotely in Thailand as a tourist?

Working in Thailand — including remote work for foreign clients — is a legal grey area on a tourist visa or visa exemption. The safest and most legally clear option for remote workers is the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV), specifically designed for this purpose.

What is the 90-day report and who needs to do it?

Anyone staying in Thailand on a non-immigrant visa (retirement, education, business, DTV, LTR) for more than 90 consecutive days must notify Thai immigration of their address every 90 days. This is called the 90-day report (TM.47). It can be done online, in person, or by post. The fine for missing it is ฿2,000.

Complete Visa Guide

Thailand Visa Guide 2026

Q: Do I need a visa to visit Thailand?

Citizens of 93+ countries can enter Thailand without a pre-applied visa under the visa exemption scheme, receiving 30 or 60 days on arrival at no cost. If your country is not on the exemption list, or if you want more than 60 days, you need to apply for a Tourist Visa (TR) at a Thai embassy before travelling.

From 30-day tourist entries to 10-year resident visas — expert-written guides to every Thailand visa type, with accurate fees, requirements, and step-by-step processes.

14 visa guidesUpdated 2026Expert-written content

Quick Answer

Do I need a visa to visit Thailand?

Citizens of 93+ countries can enter Thailand visa-free for 30 or 60 days (depending on nationality and entry point). If you need longer, or your country isn't on the exemption list, you'll need to apply for a Tourist Visa at a Thai embassy before travel. Digital nomads and long-term residents have several dedicated visa options.

Visa Exemption List Tourist Visa Guide Which Visa For Me?

Visa Rules Change Frequently

Thailand's immigration rules are updated regularly. Always verify current requirements with the official Thai Immigration Bureau (immigration.go.th) or your nearest Thai embassy before travelling. This guide is updated periodically but does not replace official sources.

All Thailand Visa Guides

14 guides

Tourist

Thailand Tourist Visa (TR)

The standard visa for planned holidays — 60 days with one possible 30-day extension.

Max Stay

60 days (extendable +30)

Cost

~$40 USD

Tourist

Thailand Visa Exemption

Free entry for 93+ nationalities — 30 or 60 days with no pre-application required.

Max Stay

60 days (air entry, most Western nations); 30 days (land/sea or other nationalities)

Apply online for a Tourist Visa without visiting an embassy — available in 26+ countries.

Max Stay

60 days (Tourist); varies for Non-Immigrant types

Cost

~$40 USD

Tourist

TDAC — Thailand Digital Arrival Card

The online replacement for the TM.6 paper arrival card — required for all arrivals since 2024.

Max Stay

N/A — determined by your visa or exemption, not the TDAC

Cost

Free

Digital Nomad

Destination Thailand Visa (DTV)

Thailand's dedicated digital nomad visa — 180 days per entry, 5-year validity, multiple entries.

Max Stay

180 days per entry (extendable +180 days)

Cost

฿10,000

Long Stay

LTR Visa — Long-Term Resident

Thailand's premium 10-year visa for high-earners, retirees, remote workers, and skilled professionals.

Max Stay

10 years (renewable); each entry 5 years permission to stay

Cost

~$50 USD

Retirement

Thailand Retirement Visa (Non-OA / Non-OX)

The standard long-stay option for retirees 50+ — one-year renewable with financial requirements.

Max Stay

1 year (renewable annually)

Cost

฿2,000

Education

Thailand Education Visa (Non-ED)

Study Thai language, Muay Thai, or attend university — legally long-term with an education visa.

Max Stay

90 days initial; extendable quarterly up to 1 year

Cost

฿2,000

Work

Thailand Business Visa (Non-B) & Work Permit

For foreigners working legally in Thailand — requires both the Non-B visa and a work permit.

Max Stay

90 days initial; annual extensions while employed

Cost

฿2,000

Tourist

Thailand Visa Extension Guide

How to extend any Thailand visa or stamp at immigration — step-by-step process and tips.

Max Stay

30 additional days for tourist/exemption; 1 year for non-immigrant visas

Cost

฿1,900

Long Stay

Thailand Re-Entry Permit Guide

Leaving Thailand temporarily? Protect your visa extension with a re-entry permit.

Max Stay

Valid until your current permission-to-stay date expires

Cost

฿1,000

Long Stay

90-Day Reporting Guide (TM.47)

All long-term visa holders must report their address to Thai immigration every 90 days.

Thailand Overstay — Fines, Risks & What to Do

Overstaying your Thai visa carries serious consequences. Here is everything you need to know.

Which Thailand Visa Is Right For You?

Find the right Thailand visa based on your nationality, length of stay, and purpose of visit.

Top 5 Visa Types Compared

The most commonly used Thailand visa options side by side.

Feature	Visa Exemption	Tourist Visa	DTV	Retirement	LTR Visa
Max Stay	60 days	60 days +30	180 days +180	1 year (renew)	10 years
Entries	Each entry	Single/Multi	Multiple	Multiple	Multiple
Visa Fee	Free	~$40–200	฿10,000	฿1,900/yr	$50 + ฿50K
Pre-Application	None	Embassy visit	Embassy visit	Embassy	BOI + Embassy
Income Required	None	Bank funds	฿500K savings	฿800K bank	$80K/year
90-Day Report	No	No	Yes	Yes	Annual only
Ease of Obtaining

93+ Countries

qualify for Thailand's visa exemption scheme — no advance application needed.

Check your country

60 Days Free

the current visa exemption duration for most Western nationalities arriving by air.

How to extend

฿500/day

overstay fine — capped at ฿20,000, but longer overstays trigger entry bans.

Overstay rules

Frequently Asked Questions

Planning to live in Thailand?

Beyond visas, our Living in Thailand section covers cost of living, banking, healthcare, finding accommodation, and what life is really like as an expat or long-term resident.

Expat Living Guide