Visa rules change frequently — always verify before you book.
This guide was last reviewed in May 2026. Entry requirements, fees, and stay lengths can change at short notice. Confirm the current rules with the official government sources linked below before booking flights or travelling.
- Visa needed?
- No visa needed for short tourism (visa exemption scheme) for most Western nationalities
- Maximum stay
- Up to 60 days under the exemption — though a reduction to 30 days has been announced; verify current rules
- Cost
- Free (visa exemption). The mandatory TDAC arrival card is also free.
- Validity
- Per entry; extendable at a Thai immigration office
- Processing time
- Granted on arrival; TDAC must be completed online before you land
Thailand is one of the easiest major destinations to enter for tourism. Citizens of more than 90 countries — including the US, UK, all EU nations, Canada, and Australia — can enter under the visa exemption scheme without applying for a visa in advance.
However, two things are in flux as of 2026: the length of the visa-free stay, and a new mandatory digital arrival card. This guide explains how the exemption works today and the changes to watch.
The Visa Exemption Scheme
Under Thailand's visa exemption scheme, eligible nationalities can enter for tourism without a pre-arranged visa. The scheme was expanded to a 60-day stay in July 2024 to boost tourism.
Important: in 2026 the Thai government announced plans to reduce the visa-free stay back toward 30 days for many nationalities, citing concerns about overstays and illegal working. Because this is actively changing, you must confirm the exact stay length your passport currently qualifies for on the official Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs website before you travel.
The Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC)
The old paper TM.6 arrival card has been replaced by the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC). All foreign visitors must now register online before arrival — there is no fee, but it is mandatory.
Complete the TDAC within the window specified on the official portal (typically shortly before arrival) and keep your confirmation. Only use the official government TDAC site; unofficial sites may charge a fee for a free service.
Entry Requirements
Immigration officers tightened enforcement of these long-standing conditions in 2026, so be prepared to show them on arrival.
- A passport valid for at least six months with an undamaged condition and free pages
- Proof of onward or return travel (an exit ticket)
- Proof of funds — commonly cited as around 20,000 THB per person / 40,000 THB per family
- Proof of accommodation for at least part of your stay
- A completed TDAC (Thailand Digital Arrival Card) confirmation
Travel insurance is often required
Many visas and entry systems require proof of travel medical insurance — and even where it is not mandatory, it protects you against medical bills, cancellations, and lost baggage. Compare cover that meets visa requirements.
Compare travel insurance →Extending Your Stay & Visas for Longer Trips
A visa-exempt entry can typically be extended at a Thai immigration office for an additional period (commonly 30 days) for a fee. If you plan a longer stay, the Tourist Visa (single or multiple entry, applied for at a Thai embassy before travel) gives more time and flexibility.
Frequent back-to-back visa-exempt entries can attract scrutiny from immigration. If you have entered Thailand visa-free several times recently, consider applying for a proper tourist visa in advance.
Visa on Arrival (Different Scheme)
Separately, citizens of a smaller list of countries (not the US/UK/EU/Australia) who are not covered by the exemption can obtain a Visa on Arrival for a short stay for a fee. Western nationalities use the visa exemption scheme described above, not the Visa on Arrival.
Official Sources
Always confirm the latest requirements directly with the official government website before travelling:
Frequently Asked Questions
No — for short tourism, US, UK, EU, Canadian, and Australian citizens enter Thailand under the visa exemption scheme without a pre-arranged visa. The stay length has been 60 days since July 2024, but Thailand announced plans in 2026 to reduce it toward 30 days for many nationalities, so verify the current rule before travelling.