Thai visa requirements: what changed in July 2024
When we look up Thai visa requirements, the big update many travellers care about is the visa‑exempt stay period. From July 2024, Thailand extended the visa‑exempt period for citizens of 93 countries from 30 days to 60 days.
That matters because it changes how we plan our trip. If we’re eligible, we may not need to apply for a tourist visa before we travel, which saves time and can save money too.
Another new requirement started on 1 May 2025, requiring all foreign travellers to Thailand to complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card. There is no cost for this, but you must show it on arrival and it should be completed online before you arrive.
Why this helps
If you used to apply for a 60‑day tourist visa mainly to stay longer than 30 days, the visa‑exempt 60 days can remove that step (for eligible passports). It also means less paperwork before you even pack your bags.
A quick note on eligibility
The “93 countries” list and the exact rules can change. We always check the latest info from official Thai government sources or your local Thai embassy/consulate before flying, especially if we’ve had previous long stays or multiple entries.
What the 60-day visa-exempt entry means for your trip
If you’re eligible for visa‑exempt entry, the practical benefit is simple: you can arrive without applying for a visa first and stay up to 60 days (based on the policy in place at the time of writing).
That gives you breathing room. Sixty days is enough to do Thailand at a slower pace—Bangkok plus a few islands, or Chiang Mai and the north—without rushing and without feeling like we need to change plans every few days.
How we plan around 60 days
We map our trip in “blocks”:
- 1–2 weeks for a main base (Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, etc.)
- Shorter side trips (2–5 nights) so we’re not constantly moving
- A buffer at the end for rest, laundry, and packing
This makes the most of the 60‑day window and lowers stress.
How to extend your stay in Thailand
If 60 days won’t be enough, you can usually look at a local immigration extension.
The extension fee is typically 1,900 baht for a 30‑day extension done at a local immigration office. That would take you from 60 days to 90 days total without leaving Thailand.
What to bring to immigration
While exact requirements can vary by office, plan to have:
- Your passport
- A completed application form (the office provides it, or you can usually download it in advance)
- A passport‑sized photo
- The fee (1,900 baht, in cash)
Timing matters
Apply before your current permission to stay expires. Overstays can lead to fines, possible blacklisting, and can cause problems on future trips.
Keep copies
We keep photos or scans of our passport photo page, entry stamp, and extension paperwork. It helps if anything is misplaced, and it’s useful for hotels that need to register your stay.
Staying longer: border runs and how to reduce issues
If you want to stay longer than 90 days, one common approach people talk about is a “border run”—leaving Thailand (for example to Laos, Cambodia, or Malaysia) and then re‑entering to receive a new visa‑exempt stamp (if you’re eligible).
This can work, but treat it as a risk‑managed option, not a guaranteed plan.
Why it can be risky
Even if there isn’t a clear public “limit” stated in casual travel circles, immigration officers can question repeated back‑to‑back entries—especially if it looks like you’re trying to live in Thailand long‑term on visa‑exempt stays.
There is a stated guideline of a maximum of two border crossings by land per year, but this can be overridden by immigration officials, so don’t rely on it.
How to reduce the chance of problems
If you think you might be questioned, keep useful proof on hand:
- Accommodation bookings
- Internal transport tickets
- A simple itinerary (even notes on your phone are fine)
- Evidence you’re tourists (activities, tours, onward plans)
A safer mindset
If your goal is genuinely long‑term, research proper long‑stay visa options instead of relying on repeated border runs. That might include education visas, retirement options, or other long‑stay categories depending on your circumstances.
Proof of funds, onward travel, and other entry checks
Even when you enter visa‑exempt, border officers can still ask questions and request documents. Most travellers won’t be asked, but it’s smart to be ready.
Proof of funds (as a guideline)
A common guideline is around 10,000 baht per person or 20,000 baht per family. Treat this as “be prepared” rather than “everyone will be checked”.
You can show this as:
- Cash (sometimes specifically requested)
- A bank app balance or bank statement (helpful as backup)
Onward travel
Also keep an onward flight or exit plan in mind. Some airlines can ask for proof before boarding, and immigration may ask as well.
Where you can get caught out
- Arriving without a clear plan for where you’re staying the first night
- Having no onward plan at all
- Doing multiple long stays back‑to‑back without a suitable visa
Health insurance: what’s required vs what we recommend
Travel insurance is not mandatory for tourists entering under standard visa‑exempt rules, but it’s strongly recommended.
Even a short hospital visit can cost a lot, especially in private hospitals in Bangkok, Phuket, or other major hubs.
What we look for in a policy
- Medical and hospital cover at a realistic limit
- Motorbike/scooter cover (if you plan to ride—many policies exclude this unless you have the right licence and helmet)
- Cover for the full length of stay (including any planned extension)
- Evacuation cover for serious incidents
- Clear rules around pre‑existing conditions
Why it helps beyond medical bills
Insurance can also cover trip delays, lost baggage, and theft. Those issues can be just as stressful as getting sick.
We usually compare a few options through specialist providers like VisitorsCoverage before we book flights. If you’re new to travel insurance, our full guide on why you need travel insurance explains what to look for in more detail.
Managing money in Thailand (travel cards and local currency)
Money habits can make a long stay in Thailand much smoother.
We pay in Thai baht when we can
When a card terminal offers to charge us in our home currency, we usually decline and choose Thai baht instead. Paying in local currency often avoids poor exchange rates and extra conversion fees.
We use a travel card for day-to-day spending
A multi‑currency travel card such as the Wise Travel Card can be useful because you can:
- Hold funds in different currencies and move money when rates are good
- Track spending in an easy‑to‑use app
- Avoid carrying lots of cash
- Freeze and unfreeze the card quickly if it’s lost
We still keep some cash
Cash is handy for markets, small eateries, tips, and local transport in some areas. We just don’t carry more than we need for the day and keep the rest stored safely.
If you’re new to multi‑currency cards or budgeting for longer trips, our travel essentials guide and free Travel Budget Planner can help you plan ahead.
Quick checklist before we fly
1. Confirm your eligibility for the 60-day visa-exempt entry
Rules can change, so we check close to departure using official Thai government or embassy websites.
2. Check passport validity and blank pages
Make sure your passport has:
- Enough validity beyond your intended stay (many countries expect at least six months)
- At least one or two blank pages for stamps
3. Plan for an extension if you might want one
If there’s any chance you’ll extend, note where the closest immigration office is to your base. Build in a quiet day for paperwork rather than squeezing it between travel days.
4. Keep proof of funds and an onward plan ready
Even if we’re never asked, it’s calming to have it. Screenshots of bank balances and a copy of your onward ticket are usually enough.
5. Sort travel insurance for the full trip length
Make sure your policy dates cover your entire time in Thailand, including any extensions you’re considering. You can compare flexible options with VisitorsCoverage before you travel.
Used well, a basic understanding of Thai visa requirements, some simple money tools, and the right insurance can turn a long stay in Thailand from “I hope this works out” into a relaxed, well‑planned trip.
Watch Our Video On Thai Visa Requirements
