Visa and entry to Thailand: the 30-day exemption and the digital arrival card (TDAC)

Since 15 September 2026, the visa exemption for tourism in Thailand is 30 days for about 60 nationalities (against 60 days for 93 countries before), extendable once by 30 days on the spot. On top of that comes the TDAC digital arrival card, free and compulsory for all travellers since 1 May 2025. This guide sums up what to know before flying to Bangkok: length of stay, procedures, documents asked for at the airport, land borders and pitfalls. The rules change often and depend on nationality: confirm them on the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs website or with the embassy before you leave. Information checked in October 2026.

How many days without a visa?

Suvarnabhumi Airport

Since 15 September 2026, the visa-free stay for tourism is 30 days for about sixty countries and territories, including, according to the press articles we read, the United States, the United Kingdom, the European Union, Canada, Australia and Japan. Only two countries (Mauritius and the Seychelles) get 15 days. Before that date the exemption was 60 days. The exemption is tied to tourism: to work, study or stay longer you need a suitable visa.

Your nationality is not on the list? You must apply for a visa before departure (or, for very few countries, a visa on arrival; it is now reserved for three nationalities according to our sources). Check the official list.
Visa on arrival: do not count on it without checking that your country is covered.
Entry date: the stay is counted from the day of arrival. Note the date of the stamp.

Extending your stay

An extension of 30 more days remains possible, to be requested on the spot at the immigration office, with a fee and subject to approval. The Bangkok offices are listed on the official immigration website. Never exceed the authorised date: overstaying is punished by a fine per day, and possibly a refusal of entry in future.

The digital arrival card (TDAC)

The paper TM6 form was replaced on 1 May 2025 by the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC), a free online form. Every traveller, children included, must fill it in during the three days before arrival (the day of arrival included).

Fill it in only on the official Thai immigration website (or its official app). Paid sites imitate this service: the official form is free.
Have ready your passport, flight number, address for the first night and dates of stay.
Keep the QR code you receive by e-mail: a screenshot or printout makes the border check easier.

The TDAC is not a visa: it gives no right of entry.

Documents to carry

A passport valid for at least 6 months after the date of entry, with a blank page.
An onward ticket (return or continuing): the airline or agent may ask for it at check-in.
In theory, proof of sufficient funds (the official rule cites 20,000 baht per person): it is rarely checked, but may be.
The address of your accommodation.

Arriving by land

For entries across a land border, the exemption period is limited to two entries per calendar year (arrivals by air and sea are not counted; Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei and Indonesia are exempt from this). If you chain "visa runs" (leaving and re-entering to renew your stay), you risk being refused: checks have become stricter.

At Bangkok airport

At Suvarnabhumi (see our guide to Bangkok's airports), passing immigration can take from 10 minutes to over an hour at busy times. Keep your papers to hand and answer the officer's questions simply. For the rest of the trip, our article First trip to Bangkok lists the other preparations.

Pitfalls and reminders

Do not pay "processing fees" for the TDAC.
Check the end date of your permission on the stamp before leaving the counter.
Thailand's rules sometimes change at short notice: reread the official site the week you leave. For other rules to know, see e-cigarettes and scams and safety.