What are the entry requirements for Thailand in 2026?

To enter Thailand in 2026, you will need a passport that is valid for at least 6 months, a fully completed Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC), proof of onward travel and accommodation, proof of sufficient funds, and the correct visa or exemption status for your nationality.

  • Nationals of most visa-exempt countries will receive a visa-free stay of 30 days instead of 60 days from September 15, 2026, according to the regulations published in the Royal Gazette on August 31, 2026. Those entering before this date will retain the full 60-day stay.
  • The TDAC is free and must be submitted up to 72 hours before arrival at tdac.immigration.go.th.
  • Proof of sufficient funds is required: 10,000 THB per person (20,000 THB per family) for visa exemption and entry with a visa on arrival, or 20,000 THB per person (40,000 THB per family) for entry with a tourist visa.
  • If the permitted length of stay is exceeded, a fee of 500 THB per day will be charged, limited to 20,000 THB, and a re-entry ban of 1 to 10 years may be imposed.

    • What you need to enter Thailand

    1. A passport that is valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry.

    This applies regardless of which of the visa or exemption categories listed below you fall under.

    2. The correct visa or exemption status for your nationality.

    The complete list of all categories by country can be found in the guide to visa exemptions and bilateral agreements.

  • Entry by land under the 30-day exception? Travelers are permitted a maximum of two entries by land per calendar year. (This excludes nationals of Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore.)
  • Are you not covered by an exemption, a visa on arrival, or a bilateral agreement? Apply for a tourist visa via the official e-visa portal before your trip.

    • 3. A fully completed Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC).

    All foreign nationals entering Thailand by air, land, or sea must complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) before arrival. This replaced the paper form TM6 in May 2025 and is valid for each entry, including repeat visits.

  • Visit the official portal: tdac.immigration.go.th
  • Please submit your documents up to 72 hours before your arrival. There is no minimum lead time; submission on the day of arrival is also possible if necessary.
  • Participation in the TDAC is free. If you encounter a website that charges fees, you are not on the official portal.
  • Passport number and details
  • Flight number and arrival date
  • Accommodation address in Thailand

    • After approval, you will receive a QR code by email. Show this code at the immigration counter upon arrival. The TDAC is valid for one-time use only and must be submitted anew for each entry.

    Exceptions: Thai citizens, diplomats, transit passengers who do not pass through entry control, and holders of border passes.

    Alternatively, you can register your profile once by scanning your passport using the THIM app, which will be introduced in May 2026. On return trips, you will only need to update your flight number and accommodation address; all other data will be transferred automatically.

    4. Proof of onward or return travel.

    A booked return or connecting flight.

    5. Proof of accommodation in Thailand.

    A hotel booking or address where you will be staying.

    6. Proof of sufficient financial resources.

    Travelers may be asked to present this at the discretion of the official at the border.

    7. Be prepared for possible border checks.

    The immigration office is implementing a centralized security strategy known as "No entry, no stay, no escape," which targets visa abuse, illegal overstays, and transnational criminal networks.

    At the immigration counter, officials may ask the following:

  • Passport valid for at least 6 months
  • Return or onward flight ticket departing within your permitted stay
  • Hotel booking or address of the accommodation
  • Proof of sufficient financial resources (cash, bank statement or credit card)

    • Pre-departure checks: Officials are now checking travelers at departure airports before boarding flights to Thailand. Those who cannot demonstrate a clear travel plan, sufficient funds, or a credible purpose for their trip may be denied boarding.

    Compliance with the regulations once inside

    1. Find out about your permitted length of stay and how you can extend it.

    Key immigration authorities:

  • Bangkok: Immigration Office Chaeng Wattana
  • Chiang Mai: Promenada Immigration Office
  • Phuket: Phuket Immigration Office
  • Pattaya: Jomtien Immigration Office

    • 2. Do not stay longer than permitted.

    Anyone who exceeds the permitted length of stay in Thailand must expect serious consequences:

  • Fine: 500 THB per day, up to a maximum of 20,000 THB
  • Arrest and detention if encountered by the authorities.
  • Deportation at own expense
  • Entry ban: If the permitted length of stay is exceeded by 90 days or more, an entry ban of one year will be imposed. If the permitted length of stay is exceeded by one year or more, an entry ban of up to ten years will be imposed.

    • Upon arrival in Thailand, be sure to check the date stamped in your passport by the immigration officer, indicating the date until which you are permitted to stay. This date, not the expiry date of your visa, is the legal limit on your stay in Thailand.

    If you need more than one tourist stay

    For a direct comparison of all long-stay options, see the Thailand Long-Stay Visa Comparison.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Will I still receive 60 days visa-free entry if my country is on the exception list?

    Only if you enter before September 15, 2026. From this date onwards, a 30-day stay applies for the 60 participating countries, which can be extended once by 30 days.

    I am already in Thailand with a 60-day exemption permit. Will my stay be reduced to 30 days?

    No. The length of stay granted to you upon entry remains valid. The 30-day limit only applies to entries from September 15, 2026 onwards.

    Is the TDAC the same as a visa?

    No. The TDAC is a digital entry registration, not an entry permit. Your visa status or visa exemption determines whether you are allowed to enter Thailand; the TDAC is a separate, additional step.

    How long before my arrival do I need to submit the TDAC?

    Up to 72 hours before arrival. There is no minimum notice period, so you can even do it on the day of arrival if necessary.

    How much money do I need to show at the border?

    The cost depends on your entry category. 10,000 THB per person or 20,000 THB per family for entry without a visa or with a visa on arrival. 20,000 THB per person or 40,000 THB per family for entry with a tourist visa or non-immigrant visa.

    What happens if I stay just one or two days longer?

    You will be fined 500 THB per day, and even a short stay beyond the permitted duration can make future entries difficult. Longer overstays result in a re-entry ban. Therefore, it is advisable to apply for an extension before your stay expires rather than taking the risk.

    Are you planning a move to Thailand?

    Siam Legal International offers you personalized support every step of the way – from visa applications and document preparation to long-term immigration planning. With over 20 years of experience assisting foreigners relocating to Thailand, our team will provide comprehensive advice on your options and professional guidance throughout the entire process. Contact Siam Legal.

    City travel guide

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    • Useful links

  • Thailand Elite Visa – Long-term visa option for Thailand
  • Important immigration forms in Thailand