What is Visa Exemption?
Thailand's visa exemption program allows citizens of certain countries to enter Thailand without obtaining a visa in advance. This is perfect for tourists, short business trips, or those exploring Thailand before applying for a longer-term visa. In 2024, Thailand significantly expanded this program to boost tourism.
New 60-Day Visa Exemption (From July 2024)
Major Update: Thailand increased visa exemption from 30 to 60 days for 93 countries, making it one of the most generous visa-free programs in Southeast Asia.
Eligible Countries (60 Days)
Including but not limited to:
- •United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand
- •All EU countries (Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, etc.)
- •Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia
- •Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru
- •UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar
- •Russia, Turkey, Israel
- •And many more - total 93 countries
How Visa Exemption Works
- 1.Arrival: Simply arrive at any Thai international airport or land border
- 2.Immigration: Present your passport
- 3.Entry stamp: Receive 60-day permission to stay
- 4.No fee: Visa exemption is completely free
- 5.Multiple entries: Can be used multiple times per year
Extension Options
Your 60-day visa exemption can be extended once at any immigration office:
- •Extension period: 30 additional days
- •Total stay: 90 days (60 + 30)
- •Extension fee: THB 1,900
- •Required documents: Passport, TM.7 form, passport photo, proof of address
- •Processing time: Same day
Visa on Arrival (Different from Exemption)
Citizens of 19 countries not eligible for visa exemption can obtain a Visa on Arrival:
Eligible Countries (15 Days)
- •Bulgaria, Bhutan, China, Cyprus, Ethiopia
- •Fiji, Georgia, India, Kazakhstan, Malta
- •Mexico, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, Romania
- •Saudi Arabia, Taiwan, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu
Visa on Arrival Requirements
- •Fee: THB 2,000
- •Stay: 15 days (can extend for 7 more days)
- •Cash requirement: THB 10,000 per person or THB 20,000 per family
- •Return ticket: Must show confirmed departure within 15 days
- •Accommodation: Proof of hotel booking
Entry Requirements for Visa Exemption
- •Passport validity: At least 6 months
- •Proof of funds: THB 20,000 cash or equivalent (rarely checked but required)
- •Onward travel: Proof of departure within 60 days (airline may require)
- •Accommodation: Address where you'll stay (for arrival card)
- •Purpose: Tourism only (no work permitted)
Border Runs and Re-entry
While possible, frequent border runs are increasingly scrutinized:
- •By air: No official limit but immigration may question frequent entries
- •By land: Limited to 2 entries per calendar year
- •Red flags: Back-to-back tourist entries, especially over 180 days/year
- •Alternative: Consider proper visa if staying long-term
What You CANNOT Do on Visa Exemption
- •Work for Thai companies or earn income in Thailand
- •Attend school or university (need Education visa)
- •Get married (can marry but need different visa to stay)
- •Open certain types of bank accounts
- •Get a work permit
- •Stay more than 90 days without leaving
Converting to Other Visas
You can apply for certain visas while on visa exemption:
- •Non-O (Retirement): If 50+ with financial requirements
- •Non-B (Business): With job offer and paperwork
- •Education Visa: With school acceptance
- •DTV: Must leave Thailand to apply
- •Elite Visa: Can apply and convert in-country
Tips for Smooth Entry
- •Dress presentably when arriving (first impressions matter)
- •Have accommodation details ready (booking confirmation)
- •Carry THB 20,000 cash or show accessible funds
- •Be prepared to show onward travel if asked
- •Answer questions honestly and politely
- •Don't mention work or looking for work
- •Have a plan if asked about your stay
Common Entry Points
Major Airports:
- •Bangkok (BKK - Suvarnabhumi, DMK - Don Mueang)
- •Phuket (HKT)
- •Chiang Mai (CNX)
- •Koh Samui (USM)
- •Krabi (KBV)
Popular Land Borders:
- •Thailand-Malaysia: Padang Besar, Sadao
- •Thailand-Laos: Nong Khai, Mukdahan
- •Thailand-Cambodia: Aranyaprathet, Had Lek
- •Thailand-Myanmar: Mae Sai, Ranong
Digital Arrival Card
Thailand now uses a digital arrival system:
- •Complete online 72 hours before arrival
- •Generates QR code for faster immigration
- •Replaces paper TM.6 arrival card
- •Optional but speeds up entry process
Overstay Penalties
Never overstay your visa exemption:
- •Fine: THB 500 per day (maximum THB 20,000)
- •Detention and deportation if caught
- •Blacklisting for extended overstays:
- Overstay > 90 days = 1 year ban
- Overstay > 1 year = 3 year ban
- Overstay > 3 years = 5 year ban
- Overstay > 5 years = 10 year ban
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work remotely on visa exemption?
Technically no - visa exemption is for tourism only. For legal remote work, consider the DTV visa.
How many times can I enter per year?
No official limit by air, but staying more than 180 days per year on tourist entries may raise questions. By land: maximum 2 entries per calendar year.
Can I extend multiple times?
No, visa exemption can only be extended once for 30 days. After that, you must leave Thailand.
Conclusion
Thailand's 60-day visa exemption is one of the most generous in Asia, perfect for tourists and those exploring longer-term options. While convenient, remember it's designed for genuine tourists - those planning extended stays should consider appropriate long-term visas to avoid immigration issues.