Thailand Tourist Visa Guide
Many nationalities can enter Thailand without applying for a visa and can receive a visa exemption on arrival, while others may need to apply for a Tourist Visa in advance. Start by checking whether your nationality qualifies for visa exemption, and calculating the number of days you would like to stay.
Rules and document requirements vary by nationality, embassy, and current location. Always check with Thai e-Visa.
Best for
Tourism, and short visits to Thailand
Extension
A 30-day extension is generally possible at immigration in Thailand.
Tourist Visa (TR)
Stays of up to 60 days from entry.
Visa cost
~ 1,000 THB
Step 1. Choose the right tourist entry route
Start by checking whether your passport qualifies for visa exemption, Visa on Arrival, or whether you should apply for a Tourist Visa before travelling.
As of May 2026, current visa exemption rules for eligible countries grant up to 60 days, although Thailand has announced plans to reduce this to 30 days.
Visa exemption
For eligible passport holders entering without a visa in advance. Use the checker to confirm the current list and permitted stay for your nationality.
Tourist Visa (TR)
For travellers who need or prefer a visa before travel. TR is commonly used for tourism and usually allows up to 60 days from entry.
Visa on Arrival
A separate short-stay route for specific nationalities. It is not the same as visa exemption and usually has extra paperwork and a fee.
Who should apply for a Tourist Visa (TR)?
A Tourist Visa is for tourism and short visits. Official embassy pages commonly describe TR as suitable for tourism and leisure, short visits to family in Thailand, certain medical treatment, and MICE travel supported by the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau.
If your nationality qualifies for visa exemption and your trip falls within the permitted stay period, you don't need to apply for a Tourist Visa before travelling. However, if you are not eligible for visa exemption, or you want to stay for up to 60 days and are worried that the visa exemption may be reduced to 30 days before you arrive, applying for a Tourist Visa (TR) before travel may be the better option.
Quick comparison
* Current visa exemption rules remain 60 days at the time of writing, although Thailand has announced plans to reduce this to 30 days.
Entry requirements and what immigration may ask for
Even if you have a visa or qualify for visa exemption, Thai Immigration officers may ask for evidence that you meet the entry requirements. This can include:
- Passport valid for the required period
- Proof of onward or return travel
- Proof of accommodation, such as a hotel booking or an address in Thailand
- Evidence of sufficient funds for your stay, at least 20,000 THB per person
- Details of your travel plans or purpose of visit
How to apply for a Tourist Visa
- Go to Thai e-Visa or the website of the Thai embassy / consulate handling your location.
- Check eligibility and choose Tourist Visa (TR) for the correct purpose.
- Upload clear documents in the required file format and size.
- Pay the visa fee and watch your email / e-Visa account for follow-up requests.
- Once approved, print or save your e-Visa and check the entry stamp when you arrive in Thailand.
Do not apply too early. Many travellers apply around 2-6 weeks before travelling to Thailand. This normally gives enough time for processing without applying too early.
Already in Thailand and want more time?
A Tourist Visa or visa-exempt entry may be extendable by 30 days at a local immigration office before your permitted-stay date expires. That is a separate in-country process.
Common tourist visa mistakes
- Applying for a Tourist Visa when visa exemption would already cover the trip
- Applying too early and losing visa validity before travel
- Missing proof of onward travel, accommodation, current location, or funds
- Assuming a tourist entry allows work or long-term living in Thailand