Thailand is one of the most visited countries in the world, welcoming nearly 33 million international visitors in 2025. The combination of world-class beaches, cultural heritage, food, affordability, and one of the most flexible visa systems in Asia makes Thailand a top destination for first-time international travellers and seasoned ones alike.

But Thailand's visa landscape in 2026 is in active flux. The 60-day visa-free entry program for 93 countries (introduced July 15, 2024) was significantly expanded post-pandemic to attract international tourism, but is now being reduced back to 30 days following Cabinet approval on May 20, 2026. The TDAC (Thailand Digital Arrival Card) became mandatory for all foreign arrivals on May 1, 2025, replacing the old paper TM6 form. The DTV (Destination Thailand Visa) for digital nomads, launched in July 2024, now allows up to 360 days per entry with the optional extension. And a separate 300-baht ("Kha Yeap Pan Din") tourist entry fee is in the legislative pipeline but not yet active as of late May 2026.

This hub brings together every guide Atlys has on Thailand visas, the current visa-free policy (and the upcoming changes), eVisa vs VOA decisions, fees, processing realities, the mandatory TDAC, multiple-entry options for frequent visitors, and business and work visa categories for longer-term needs. To check whether your passport currently requires a Thailand visa or qualifies for visa-free entry, see the Atlys Passport Index.

Apply for your Thailand eVisa through Atlys, application in under 10 minutes, expert document review, real-time tracking, money-back protection on supported categories, ~99.2% delivery prediction accuracy.

What's New for Thailand Visas in 2026

A summary of the most consequential changes for international travellers:

• 60-day visa-free entry being reduced to 30 days for 93 countries. The Thai Cabinet approved the rollback on May 20, 2026, citing concerns about misuse of tourist exemptions for illegal work and unauthorised business. Implementation is pending Royal Thai Gazette publication and a 15-day grace period. Until then, the 60-day rule remains in effect. The longer-term plan may revert the visa-free country list from 93 back to the original 57.

• TDAC (Thailand Digital Arrival Card) mandatory since May 1, 2025 for all foreign nationals entering Thailand by air, land, or sea. Submit online within 72 hours before arrival. Free of charge. Replaces the old paper TM6 form.

• 300-baht ("Kha Yeap Pan Din") tourist entry fee proposed for all foreign arrivals by air. Awaiting formal Cabinet approval and a collection mechanism. Not yet implemented as of late May 2026.

• Royal Thai Embassy visa fees revised April 27, 2026. Tourist and non-immigrant visa processing costs increased at various diplomatic missions worldwide.

• DTV (Destination Thailand Visa) refined for 2026, 180 days per entry, extendable once for another 180 days (total 360 days per entry), 5-year multiple-entry validity, financial requirement of 500,000 THB.

• VOA eligibility list adjusted from July 15, 2024. Current VOA-eligible countries include China, India, Saudi Arabia, Kazakhstan, Taiwan, Russia, and Mexico (subject to update).

• Automated Border Control (ABC) gates operational at major airports, facial recognition matches your TDAC and passport for faster immigration. Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Phuket, Chiang Mai, and Hat Yai have ABC infrastructure.

Visa-Free Entry: The 93-Country Policy and the Upcoming Change

Since July 15, 2024, Thailand has offered 60-day visa-free entry to nationals of 93 countries for both tourism and business visits. The expanded scheme replaced the previous 57-country list and 30-day stay. As of May 27, 2026, this policy is in the process of being rolled back.

What's Changing

The Thai Cabinet approved on May 20, 2026 the termination of the 60-day visa-free scheme. Under the new rules (pending implementation):

• Most of the 93 affected countries will see stays reduced from 60 to 30 days, applicable on arrival

• Some nationalities may be moved to the Visa-on-Arrival category instead of visa-free

• A future cabinet decision may reduce the visa-free country list back to 57

When the Change Takes Effect

Under Thai immigration law, new rules become enforceable only after publication in the Royal Thai Government Gazette, followed by a 15-day grace period. As of late May 2026, the change has not yet been gazetted. The old 60-day rule still applies at the border.

The 93 Currently Visa-Free Countries (60-Day Stay)

Andorra, Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Brazil, Brunei, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritius, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, South Korea, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Vietnam, and others.

Verify your current eligibility on the Atlys Passport Index before planning your trip.

What This Means for Your Trip

• If your trip is in the next few weeks: 60-day visa-free entry likely still applies. Verify with the airline and Thai immigration website immediately before departure.

• If your trip is 2 to 3 months away: the 30-day rule may be in effect by then. If you need longer than 30 days, apply for a Tourist Visa (TR) in advance, which allows 60-day stay extendable by 30 days.

• If you're a digital nomad or remote worker: consider the DTV (180 days per entry, extendable to 360 days) instead of relying on visa-free runs.

Why Thailand Is One of the Easiest Major International Destinations

For most travellers, Thailand combines all the factors that make a trip easy:

• Excellent global connectivity, Bangkok and Phuket connect to almost every major city worldwide

• Currency advantage, the Thai Baht is favourable against most major currencies

• English-friendly tourism infrastructure, signs, menus, and service in English throughout major destinations

• Quick visa processing, eVisa in 3-5 working days, VOA same-day at airport

• Low refusal rate, properly documented applications approve at 95%+

• Multiple destination options, Bangkok for city, Phuket and Krabi for beaches, Chiang Mai for hills, Pattaya for nightlife, Koh Samui for islands

• Visa-free for many nationalities, currently 93 countries (subject to upcoming reduction)

• Mandatory TDAC adds zero friction, free, 72-hour online submission, replaces queues at immigration

Thailand Visa Categories

Visa-Free Entry (Currently 93 Countries)

For travellers from the 93 eligible countries, no visa needed for short tourism or business trips.

• Cost: Free

• Stay: Currently 60 days (being reduced to 30 days, pending implementation)

• Mandatory: TDAC (Thailand Digital Arrival Card) submission within 72 hours before arrival

• Best for: standard tourist or business trips from eligible countries

Thailand eVisa (Online, Recommended for Non-Visa-Free Travellers)

Apply online before travel via the official Thailand e-Visa portal or through Atlys. Confirmation emailed, presented at Thai immigration on arrival.

• Fee: approximately THB 2,500 (around USD 68) via Atlys

• Stay: up to 60 days (single-entry tourist visa) extendable in Thailand

• Validity: 90 days from issue date

• Processing: 3-5 working days

• Best for: travellers from countries not on the visa-free list, longer trips, predictability before flying

Thailand Visa on Arrival (VOA, Major Airports)

For travellers from VOA-eligible countries (including China, India, Saudi Arabia, Kazakhstan, Taiwan, Russia, Mexico). Applied for at the airport upon arrival.

• Fee: THB 2,000 (approximately USD 55), payable in cash (Thai Baht strongly preferred)

• Stay: 15 days only (no extension available)

• Entries: single entry

• Processing: same-day at airport (15-90 minutes queue depending on airport and peak)

• Best for: spontaneous trips for travellers who didn't apply for eVisa in advance and whose nationality is VOA-eligible

• Required at airport: passport (6+ months validity), return ticket within 15 days, hotel booking, photograph, THB 20,000+ in funds proof (or THB 40,000 per family)

Thailand Tourist Visa (TR, for Stays 30 to 60 Days)

Applied for in advance through Thai Embassy, Consulate, or e-Visa portal. Useful for travellers who need longer than the visa-free or VOA stays.

• Fee: approximately INR 3,000 / USD 35-40 single-entry, INR 13,500 / USD 160 multiple-entry (METV). Fees revised April 27, 2026

• Single-entry stay: 60 days, extendable for another 30 days in Thailand

• Multiple-entry stay: 60 days per entry, 6 months total validity

• Processing: 5-10 working days

• Best for: trips exceeding the visa-free duration (especially relevant if the 30-day rule kicks in), longer family vacations, multi-month travellers

Thailand Multiple-Entry Tourist Visa (METV)

For travellers planning to visit Thailand multiple times within 6 months.

• Fee: approximately INR 13,500 / USD 160

• Validity: 6 months from issue date

• Stay: 60 days per entry, multiple re-entries within validity

• Best for: frequent business visitors, family with relatives in Thailand, snowbird-style multi-month travellers

Thailand Business Visa (Non-Immigrant B)

For visits to Thailand for business activities, meetings, conferences, exploring opportunities. Not for paid employment.

• Fee: approximately USD 55 single-entry, USD 137 multiple-entry

• Validity: 90 days (single) / 1 year (multiple)

• Stay: up to 90 days per entry

• Key requirements: business invitation letter from Thai company, agenda for activities, employer letter

Thailand Work Visa (Non-Immigrant B + Work Permit)

For taking up employment in Thailand. Two-stage process, Non-Immigrant B visa first, then work permit after arrival.

• Visa fee: approximately USD 55+

• Work permit fee: additional, paid by Thai employer

• Processing: visa 5-10 working days, work permit 1-2 weeks after arrival

• Validity: linked to employment contract (typically 1 year, renewable)

Thailand Student Visa (Non-Immigrant ED / ED Plus)

For enrolling in long-term study programs (universities, vocational courses). The newly established ED Plus visa applies for certain language and cultural courses previously bundled with the DTV soft-power category.

• Fee: approximately USD 55

• Validity: course duration, typically 90 days initially with extensions

• Processing: 5-10 working days

Thailand Retirement Visa (Non-Immigrant O-A / O-X)

For travellers over 50 wanting to retire in Thailand. Financial requirements substantial.

• Fee: approximately USD 55

• Validity: 1 year (O-A) or 5 years (O-X)

• Financial requirement: THB 800,000 in Thai bank or THB 65,000/month income (O-A), higher for O-X

Destination Thailand Visa (DTV), Digital Nomad Visa

Launched July 15, 2024 and refined for 2026. The most flexible long-stay visa Thailand has ever offered to remote workers, freelancers, and participants in "Thai Soft Power" activities.

• Fee: THB 10,000 (approximately USD 275-1,150 depending on embassy)

• Validity: 5 years multiple-entry

• Stay per entry: 180 days, extendable once for another 180 days (total 360 days per entry)

• Financial requirement: 500,000 THB (approximately USD 14,500) in provable savings or 12-month income history

• Soft Power categories: Muay Thai training, Thai cooking classes, sports training, medical treatments, short educational courses, seminars, artistic or musical festivals (language courses now moved to the ED/ED Plus visa)

• Critical restriction: cannot work for Thai companies or earn income from Thai clients, must work for clients outside Thailand only

Thailand Transit Visa

For transiting through Thailand for more than 12 hours or leaving the airport.

• Fee: approximately USD 22

• Validity: 30 days

• Stay: up to 30 days

• Required for: layovers exceeding 12 hours or leaving the international transit area

Thailand Visa Categories at a Glance

A summary of every Thailand visa type with fees, processing time, allowed stay, and best-fit traveller profile:

• Visa-free entry (currently 93 countries): Free, no application, 60-day stay (being reduced to 30 days pending implementation), best for travellers from eligible countries on short trips

• eVisa / Tourist Visa (online): approximately USD 68 via Atlys, processed in 3-5 working days, 60-day stay (extendable), 90-day validity, best for travellers from non-visa-free countries

• VOA (at airport, eligible countries only): THB 2,000 (approximately USD 55), issued same-day at airport, 15-day stay, best for spontaneous trips for VOA-eligible nationalities

• Tourist Visa (TR, embassy-applied): approximately USD 35-40 single-entry, processed in 5-10 working days, 60-day stay extendable by 30 days, best for longer trips

• Multiple-Entry Tourist (METV): approximately USD 160, processed in 5-10 working days, 60-day stay per entry with 6-month total validity, best for frequent visitors

• Business Visa (Non-B): USD 55-137, processed in 5-10 working days, 90-day stay per entry, best for business activities

• Work Visa (Non-B + Work Permit): USD 55+, visa in 5-10 working days plus work permit after arrival, stay linked to contract duration, best for Thai employment

• Student Visa (Non-ED / ED Plus): approximately USD 55, processed in 5-10 working days, stay linked to course duration, best for long-term study

• Retirement Visa (Non-O-A / O-X): approximately USD 55, processed in 5-10 working days, 1-year stay (O-A) or 5-year stay (O-X), best for retirees aged 50+

• DTV (Digital Nomad Visa): THB 10,000 (USD 275-1,150 depending on embassy), processed in 5-15 working days, 180-day stay per entry extendable to 360 days, 5-year multiple-entry validity, best for remote workers and soft-power participants

• Transit Visa: approximately USD 22, processed in 5-10 working days, 30-day stay, best for long layovers

Fees subject to revision. Royal Thai Embassy fees were revised April 27, 2026, always verify on the Atlys application page for your specific visa type.

The 300-Baht Tourist Entry Fee: What to Know

Thailand has been proposing a 300-baht (approximately USD 9) "Kha Yeap Pan Din" or "fee for stepping on Thai soil" tourist entry fee for years. The Thai Cabinet first gave in-principle approval in 2023, with multiple delays since.

Current Status (May 2026)

The fee is still awaiting formal Cabinet approval and a collection mechanism. The newly formed government has signalled intent to fast-track implementation. Until officially announced, travellers do not pay this fee.

How It Will Work (If Implemented)

• Flat 300 baht per foreign tourist arriving by air at any Thai international airport

• Collection method: likely added to airline tickets at check-in, or collected at border entry

• Use of funds: 70 baht for travel medical and accident insurance from the moment of entry, 230 baht for tourism facilities, road safety, beach cleanups

• Exemptions: transit passengers, diplomatic travellers, and certain other categories

Atlys will update this hub when the fee is officially gazetted and implementation begins.

TDAC: The Thailand Digital Arrival Card (Mandatory)

Separate from your visa, every traveller to Thailand must complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) online before arrival. This has been mandatory since May 1, 2025 and replaced the old paper TM6 form.

What TDAC Asks

• Passport details

• Flight number and arrival airport

• Accommodation address in Thailand

• Trip purpose

• Health status questions

When to Fill TDAC

• Within 72 hours (3 days) before your scheduled arrival in Thailand

• Free of charge at the official portal: tdac.immigration.go.th

• Any third-party site charging for TDAC is unofficial and should be avoided

What You Get

A QR code, which immigration officers scan alongside your passport. The data is linked to your passport's digital chip and the Automated Border Control (ABC) system at major airports.

Single-Use Per Entry

TDAC is valid for a single entry only. If you do a visa run to Cambodia or Laos, you must submit a new TDAC for your return to Thailand, even if you're only gone a few hours.

Self-Service Kiosks Available

Travellers who miss the 72-hour online submission window can use self-service kiosks at five airports: Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Phuket, Chiang Mai, and Hat Yai. Peak season kiosk queues can run 20-40 minutes, so online submission is preferred.

Common Mistakes

• Name entered in wrong format (must be Latin characters only, uppercase, exactly as printed on passport)

• Submitting too early (system rejects submissions more than 72 hours before arrival)

• Submitting incorrect accommodation address (booking confirmations save time)

Atlys handles TDAC as part of supported Thailand visa applications.

Document Checklist: Thailand Tourist Visa

For both eVisa and VOA, the same core documents are required:

Identity & Travel

• Valid passport (6+ months from arrival date)

• Recent passport-sized photograph (white background, matte finish)

• Confirmed return flight or onward ticket within 15 days (VOA) or visa validity period

Financial Evidence

• Proof of sufficient funds: THB 20,000 per person or THB 40,000 per family

• Bank statements (last 3 months) or credit card statements

• Cash (for VOA fee payment in Thai Baht)

Accommodation

• Hotel booking confirmation for entire stay (or invitation letter if staying with friends/family)

Application-Specific

• For eVisa: completed online application form, digital photo, digital passport scan, payment

• For VOA: completed paper form (collected at airport), photograph, cash payment

TDAC (separate, mandatory)

• Completed Thailand Digital Arrival Card filed within 72 hours before arrival

What Atlys Handles for Thailand Visa Applications

When you apply through Atlys:

• Application in under 10 minutes, passport scan via the Atlys app handles most form fields automatically

• Document review by visa experts, completeness check before submission

• Photo compliance verification, Thai photo specifications met automatically via the Atlys Photo Tool

• Real-time tracking, clear status updates from submission to approval

• eVisa, METV, business visa, DTV, and supported categories all available

• AtlysBlack express service, for urgent travel (visa in 1 day with money-back guarantee)

• TDAC handled as part of supported applications

• Money-back protection on supported categories, refund if your supported application is denied

• ~99.2% delivery prediction accuracy on supported categories

• Exclusive MakeMyTrip flight partnership, once your visa is approved, flights are one click away

Apply for your Thailand eVisa with Atlys, under 10 minutes

Featured Guides

Tourist Visas, eVisa & VOA

Thailand Visa: Complete Guide The comprehensive guide to all Thailand visa options, eVisa, VOA, tourist visa, multiple-entry, business, work, student, and dependent visas.

Thailand E-Visa on Arrival The dedicated guide to applying for Thailand's electronic visa before travel, process, documents, fees, and how to complete the application in under 10 minutes via Atlys.

Thailand Visa on Arrival: Hassle-Free Option The complete VOA at-airport guide, eligible airports, required documents to carry, fee payment in cash, queue management, and what to expect at immigration.

Different Ways to Apply for Thailand Visa Comprehensive overview of every Thailand visa route, online via Atlys, VOA at airport, visa application centre, Thai Embassy. When each makes sense and how to choose.

Application Process

Thailand eVisa vs VOA: Which Tourist Visa Is Better? Side-by-side comparison of the two main routes, fees, processing time, where to apply, validity, pros and cons. Useful for first-time Thailand visitors deciding their route.

How to Complete the Thailand On Arrival Visa Form Step-by-step form completion guide for the VOA application at the airport, every field, common mistakes, and what to do if your VOA is declined.

Policy & Updates

Thailand Visa-Free Policy Historical context on Thailand's visa-free programs, the 93-country expansion in July 2024, and the current rollback discussions.

Cross-Country Context

Atlys Passport Index Check what visa-free, VOA, and visa-required destinations are available for your passport, useful for understanding whether you need a Thailand visa.

Atlys Rejection Recovery Structured recovery if your Thailand visa application has been refused.

Tools

Thailand Visa Application: Apply on Atlys The Atlys application page for Thailand eVisa. Application in under 10 minutes, real-time tracking, money-back protection on supported applications.

When DIY Makes Sense

The Thailand eVisa portal is straightforward and reliable. For confident applicants with simple itineraries (standard tourist trip, no special purposes, no prior refusals), self-applying through the official Thai eVisa portal is entirely workable.

For visa-free travellers, the only requirement is the TDAC, which is free and takes 5-10 minutes online.

VOA at the airport is also a viable DIY route for eligible nationalities comfortable with airport processes, though queue times can be substantial during peak periods.

Where Atlys adds the most value is for: METV applications (more complex paperwork), DTV applications (significant documentation and financial proof requirements), business and work visa categories (require additional documentation), urgent travel (AtlysBlack 1-day service), travellers with prior refusals from any country, or anyone who wants the safety net of money-back protection.

Related Hubs

• Southeast Asia Visa Hub, for combined Thailand + Vietnam, Cambodia, Indonesia trips

• Vietnam Visa Hub, for Vietnam-specific guidance

• Singapore Visa Hub, for Singapore stopovers

• Schengen Visa Hub, for trips combining Thailand with Europe

• UK Visa Hub, for trips combining Thailand with the UK

• Australia Visa Hub, for trips combining Thailand with Australia

• UAE Visa Hub, for travel via or to the UAE

Tools You Can Use

• Atlys Passport Index, check your passport's global access and Thailand requirements

• Atlys Rejection Recovery, structured recovery after any visa refusal

• Visa Photo Creator, Thailand-compliant photos in seconds

• Visa Requirements Checker, verify what visa you need

• Atlys Emergency Helpline, for urgent travel situations

Apply for your Thailand eVisa with Atlys, application in under 10 minutes, money-back protection on supported categories

This hub is updated regularly. Information is current as of May 27, 2026. Thailand visa rules and fees are changing rapidly in 2026, always check the latest Royal Thai Embassy or Thai Immigration Bureau guidance for your specific case. For personalised support, contact Atlys.