Thailand visa policy: New regulations and requirements for travelers

According to the Thailand visa policy, passport holders from more than 50 countries can travel to Thai territory without a visa for tourism purposes.

They need only present a passport valid for at least six months. Depending on their nationality, the allowed time to stay may range from 90 to 14 days.

Find out more about the Thai visa policy in this article.

Understanding the Thailand visa policy

These regulations and requirements vary depending on the foreigner’s nationality, trip intentions, and desired time to stay in the country.

Around 20 nationalities are eligible to apply beforehand and pick up their Thai visa at any of the designated entry ports in Thailand, eliminating the need to apply at an embassy or attend a personal interview.

These same passport holders also have the option to obtain their visa on arrival, depending on their preferences.

The remaining travelers from more than 150 countries require a paper visa acquired from their closest consular body.

Transit visas for Thailand

Foreigners usually don't need a transit visa when transiting through Suvarnabhumi Airport and Don Mueang International Airport for less than 12 hours.

Tourist Visa policy for Thailand

The Thailand visa policy for tourism enables nationals from over 50 countries to enter the country without a tourist visa.

Authorities will grant the allowed time to stay inside the country according to their nationality, ranging from 90 days to 14 days.

How to get the eVisa on Arrival for Thailand

Since 2018, Thailand has implemented the eVisa on arrival to simplify the visa process.

However, travelers have reported difficulties when applying through the government’s online system:

“The online application portal crashed multiple times during my application process. It was frustrating to start over repeatedly,” shared Michael, a frequent flyer.

• “I had to merge several documents into one file because the system wouldn't accept multiple uploads,” noted TravelerBee, a digital nomad.

• “Uploading documents to the e-visa website was a nightmare. The system kept rejecting my files without any explanation,” explained NomadMike, an experienced traveler.

To avoid these frustrations, consider applying through our streamlined visa service for a hassle-free experience.

Nationalities eligible for the Thailand eVisa

Requirements for the eVisa:

• A digital copy of the main and cover passport pages.
• A copy of your flight itinerary.
• Proof of accommodation (if applicable).

Travelers can use the eVisa at the following airports:

• Don Mueang (DMK)
• Suvarnabhumi (BKK)
• Phuket (HKT)
• Chiang Mai (CNX).

Other important entry information for Thailand

“Keep your arrival card (TM6) safe throughout your stay. You'll need to present it upon departure, and losing it can cause delays,” shared Alyssa Rinelli, our travel journalist.

• Some countries may require an additional yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter Thailand.

• Passport holders from Australia, Brunei, Chile, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Philippines, Russia, Singapore, Taiwan, Vietnam who have an APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC) with “THA” on the back can enter Thailand visa-free for business trips for up to 90 days.

• Foreigners wishing to work legally in Thailand must apply for a work permit. This document is required to work legally in the country. Applicants must hold a non-immigrant or resident visa, and their employer can provide the necessary documents if the occupation is not prohibited to foreigners.

“Download the Grab app for transportation. It's reliable and prevents overcharging by local taxis,” recommends Leigh, a resident of Bangkok.

Useful guides by Alyssa Rinelli

For more detailed information on navigating Thailand’s airports and travel tips, check out the following guides by travel journalist Alyssa Rinelli:

• Flying into Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK): What you need to know
• Traveling to Thailand: Best Tips to Level Up Your Experience
• Flying out from Don Mueang International Airport (DMK): What you need to know