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Thailand visa exemption & visa on arrival — the rules for 2026

Most visitors to Thailand don't need a visa at all — they enter under the visa exemption scheme. The rules changed in the last few years, so here's the current picture: who gets 60 days, who needs a Visa on Arrival, and what happens when your time runs out.

Thailand visa exemption 2026: citizens of 93+ countries enter for 60 days visa-free, extendable once by 30 days (฿1,900 fee); Visa on Arrival is available to eligible nationalities for 15 days. The TDAC (Thailand Digital Arrival Card) is required before flying. Since November 2025 land-border entries no longer qualify for the 30-day extension and same-day exits do not reset the count.

✅ 60 days visa-free for 93+ nationalities ✅ Extendable by 30 days ✅ VOA for eligible nationalities ✅ TDAC required before arrival

The visa exemption scheme (2026)

Citizens of 93+ countries enter Thailand visa-free for 60 days
Entry by air or land — the same 60-day grant applies
You may extend once at immigration for 30 more days (฿1,900 government fee)
Total: up to 90 days on a single visa-exempt entry

Visa on Arrival (VOA)

For nationalities not on the exemption list: apply at the airport
Grants 15–30 days depending on your nationality (check the current list)
Fee ฿2,000, paid in cash at the VOA desk
Have a passport photo, hotel booking and onward ticket ready

Before you fly: the TDAC

Thailand now requires the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) before arrival — a short online form with your flight and accommodation details. It replaces the old paper arrival card. Complete it before you board.

The honest advice about hopping

Visa exemption is perfect for visits and short trips. It is NOT a long-term strategy: repeated exemption entries back-to-back are exactly the pattern immigration flags. If you're planning to stay beyond a few months, get on a proper visa — a DTV, retirement visa or work permit — before you build a hop history. See our visa runs guide for the honest version.

Questions we hear about visa exemption

Can I extend my visa-exempt entry?

Yes — one 30-day extension at any immigration office, for a ฿1,900 government fee. We file it for ฿3,500 total, same day. See our extensions page.

How many times can I enter visa-exempt?

There's no published limit, but immigration watches the pattern — several land-border exemption entries in a year draw scrutiny. Land entries are capped for some nationalities; check before you travel.

Do I need proof of funds or an onward ticket?

Airlines routinely ask for an onward ticket and sometimes proof of funds (at least ฿20,000 per person is the guideline). Have them ready at check-in.

My nationality isn't on the exemption list. What are my options?

Visa on Arrival covers many of them. If neither applies, a tourist visa from a Thai embassy before you fly, or one of the long-stay routes — message us with your passport and we'll give you the exact answer.

Extend your stay →

Message us on Line, WhatsApp or Messenger — we'll tell you exactly how long you can stay and the cheapest legal way to extend it.