Thailand attracts millions of travellers annually with its pristine beaches, magnificent temples, and bustling cities. One of the most popular destinations in Southeast Asia, Thailand welcomed over 28.15 million international tourists in 2023, according to data shared by Statista. Beyond its natural beauty and rich culture, Thailand offers a significant perk for travellers: exemption for visa-free entry and visa-on-arrival options.
Thailand welcomes visitors from numerous countries with visa-free entry or visa-on-arrival options. These schemes, coupled with Thailand’s charming destinations and all the exciting things to do, make it the go-to choice for vacations. Discover all the countries that enjoy these benefits and plan a great “Thai” adventure for your well-deserved getaway.
Explore more with our guide to the best time to visit Thailand to make the most of your trip.
Visa-on-arrival or exemption? Understanding your Thailand visa needs
The Thai government offers visa-free entry to citizens of several nationalities. While some exemptions are temporary, others are permanent.
Visa-free travel to Thailand grants freedom, but it also has limitations. Over 69 countries enjoy visa-free stays in Thailand for varying durations – 90, 60, 30, 15, or 14 days. It’s important to note that visa-exempt citizens are allowed only two visa-free entries per year. However, this rule doesn’t apply to citizens of Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, and Singapore.
Travellers from these countries qualify for visa-free stays
Up to 90 days:
North and South America
- Peru
- Brazil
- Argentina
- Chile
Asia
Up to 30 days:
Asia
- The Philippines
- China
- Singapore
- Malaysia
- Maldives
- Japan
- Brunei
- Indonesia
- Vietnam
- Hong Kong
- Laos
- Macau
- Mongolia
- Kazakhstan
Europe
- Andorra
- Austria
- Belgium
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Monaco
- The Netherlands
- UK
- Ukraine
- Turkey
- Switzerland
- Sweden
- Spain
- Slovenia
- Slovak
- San Marino
- Portugal
- Poland
- Norway
Middle East
- Oman
- Qatar
- UAE
- Saudi Arabia
- Kuwait
- Bahrain
- Israel
Africa
North and South America
Oceania
Up to 14 days:
Asia
Tourists from the following countries enjoy temporary Thailand visa exemptions:
- India – stay for up to 30 days (November 10, 2023-May 10, 2024);
- Taiwan – stay for up to 30 days (November 10, 2023-May 10, 2024).
- Russia – stay for up to 60 days (May 1, 2024-July 31, 2024).
Requirements for visa-free travel
While no forms or fees are required for visa-free travel to Thailand, each traveller must meet certain requirements to enjoy the Thailand visa exemption.
- Passport from visa-exempt countries with at least six months validity and two empty pages.
- Confirmed return ticket under the visa-free period.
- Proof of accommodation during the stay.
- Minimum THB 10,000 per person/equivalent in USD or THB 20,000 per family/equivalent in USD.
Who is eligible for Thailand’s visa-on-arrival and stays up to 15 days?
Asia
- Bhutan
- India (after the visa-free period is over)
- Taiwan (after the visa-free period is over)
- Uzbekistan
- Russia (after the visa-free period is over)
Europe
- Bulgaria
- Cyprus
- Georgia
- Romania
- Malta
Africa
Oceania
- Fiji
- Nauru
- Papua New Guinea
- Vanuatu
North and South America
Requirements for Thailand’s visa-on-arrival
Travellers must have the following at the port of entry in Thailand, where the application form is available:
- Passport from visa-on-arrival countries with at least one-month validity and two blank pages.
- One passport photo, taken in the last six months.
- Confirmed return ticket under 15 days.
- Proof of accommodation.
- Minimum THB 10,000 per person/equivalent in USD or THB 20,000 per family/equivalent in USD.
- Visa fee of THB 2,000.
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(Feature image credit: Day2505/Shutterstock)
Related: Schengen-Style Visa For Southeast Asia? Thailand Favours Joint Visa Across Six Nations
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
– What is the process for obtaining a visa on arrival in Thailand?
The process for obtaining a visa on arrival in Thailand is simple. Travellers need to fill out the form at one of Thailand’s airports (or any port of entry) and bring a valid passport, recent passport photo, return ticket, accommodation details, visa fee, and a minimum of THB 10,000.
– Can I extend my stay beyond the allowed visa-free period?
You can extend your stay beyond the visa-free period, but there are separate policies for each nationality, so you will have to check beforehand if you are eligible for a stay extension during visa-free travel. It is important to note that a stay extension is granted at the discretion of the Thai government.
– What if I want to stay in Thailand for longer than the visa-free period allows?
If you have planned a vacation that goes beyond the visa-free period, then you should apply for a proper Thailand visa beforehand. However, if your trip is extended due to unforeseen circumstances, then you can try for a stay extension.
– Can I work or study in Thailand under visa-free entry?
No, you can’t work or study in Thailand under visa-free entry.
– Do I need to show proof of onward travel when entering Thailand without a visa?
Yes, you need to show proof of onward travel when entering Thailand without a visa.
