Thailand

🇹🇭

Phone Code

+66

Capital

Bangkok

Population

71 Million

Native Name

ประเทศไทย

Region

Asia

South-Eastern Asia

Timezone

Indochina Time

UTC+07:00

Thailand, the Southeast Asian nation known for Bangkok's temples and street food, Chiang Mai's cultural heritage, Phuket's beaches, Ayutthaya's ancient ruins, and tropical islands, offers visa-free entry to many Western visitors. U.S. State Department confirms U.S. tourists entering for fewer than 60 days do not require visa but must complete pre-arrival online registration through Thailand's immigration system. UK Foreign Office states visitors can enter visa-free for 60 days for tourism, business, and urgent or ad-hoc work purposes, noting this period can be extended for another 30 days. Passport requirements include validity for at least 6 months beyond arrival date with at least one blank page per entry stamp per U.S. State Department and UK Foreign Office. UK Foreign Office confirms as of May 1, 2025, all foreign nationals must complete digital arrival card online before arrival, with registration available within 3 days before arrival. U.S. State Department notes immigration officials may request documentation showing ability to leave Thailand or support yourself including onward or return ticket or financial proof. Overstay penalties severe: UK Foreign Office warns exceeding visa triggers fine of 500 Thai baht daily (maximum 20,000 baht), detention, deportation at traveler's expense, and ban from re-entering Thailand for up to 10 years depending on overstay duration.

Thailand Visa & Immigration System

Thailand visa system offers visa-free entry for many nationalities with streamlined digital arrival procedures. U.S. State Department confirms U.S. tourists entering Thailand for fewer than 60 days do not require visa but must complete pre-arrival online registration through Thailand's immigration system. UK Foreign Office details visa-free entry allows stays for 60 days for tourism, business, and urgent or ad-hoc work purposes, confirming this period can be extended for another period not exceeding 30 days. Digital arrival card: UK Foreign Office confirms as of May 1, 2025, all foreign nationals must complete digital arrival card online before arrival, noting registration available within 3 days before you arrive. Passport requirements: U.S. State Department and UK Foreign Office both specify passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond arrival date and contain at least one blank page. UK Foreign Office warns entry will be denied with invalid or reported lost/stolen passport. Documentation requirements: U.S. State Department notes immigration officials may request documentation showing ability to leave Thailand or support yourself, including onward/return ticket or financial proof. UK Foreign Office confirms multiple-entry visa available in advance for up to 60 days. Work and study: UK Foreign Office states travelers must obtain visa before traveling for employment or study purposes. Extension process: 60-day visa-free stay extendable through Thai immigration for additional 30 days per UK Foreign Office. Overstay penalties: UK Foreign Office warns exceeding visa triggers fine of 500 Thai baht daily (maximum 20,000 baht), detention under harsh conditions, deportation at traveler's expense, and ban from re-entering Thailand for up to 10 years. U.S. State Department confirms overstaying results in fines and depending on duration, violations may lead to arrest, detention, deportation at personal expense, and re-entry bans. Special considerations: U.S. State Department notes HIV/AIDS entry restrictions exist and recommends verifying with Royal Thai Embassy before traveling. Dual nationals should review specific policies before departure per U.S. State Department. Yellow fever: UK Foreign Office confirms yellow fever vaccination certificates required if arriving from countries with transmission risk.

Common Visa Types

Visa-Free Entry (60 days)

60 days visa-free; extendable for additional 30 days

Tourism, sightseeing, visiting Bangkok temples and Grand Palace, exploring Chiang Mai and northern Thailand, beach vacations in Phuket and southern islands, business meetings, urgent or ad-hoc work purposes. U.S. State Department confirms U.S. tourists entering for fewer than 60 days do not require visa but must complete pre-arrival online registration. UK Foreign Office confirms visa-free entry allows 60-day stays for tourism, business, and urgent/ad-hoc work. Requirements include passport valid 6 months beyond arrival with at least one blank page, completed digital arrival card (mandatory from May 1, 2025), onward/return ticket or proof of financial means to support stay, and yellow fever certificate if arriving from countries with transmission risk. U.S. citizens should carry digital or physical copy of U.S. passport identification page and current Thai visa per U.S. State Department. Extendable for additional 30 days through Thai immigration per UK Foreign Office. Suitable for tourists visiting Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Chiang Mai temples, Ayutthaya historical park, Phuket beaches, Phi Phi Islands, Krabi, Koh Samui, and other attractions.

Multiple-Entry Tourist Visa

Up to 60 days per entry; multiple entries allowed

Tourism and business for travelers making multiple visits to Thailand or planning stays exceeding visa-free period. UK Foreign Office confirms multiple-entry visa available in advance for up to 60 days. Application submitted through Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate before travel. Requirements include completed visa application forms, valid passport meeting 6-month validity requirement with blank pages, passport photographs, travel itinerary showing multiple entries or extended stay plans, proof of accommodation, onward travel documentation, proof of sufficient funds, and visa fees. Processing times vary by mission. Recommended for frequent business travelers, tourists planning extended exploration with departures to neighboring countries (Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia), and visitors requiring flexibility beyond 60-day visa-free allowance.

Work/Study Visa

Varies by visa type; typically 90 days initially, extendable

Employment with Thai employers, teaching positions, study programs at Thai universities and institutions, internships, and long-term professional assignments. UK Foreign Office confirms travelers must obtain visa before traveling for employment or study purposes. Application through Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate requires employment contract or university acceptance letter from Thai institution, completed visa application forms, valid passport, passport photographs, educational qualifications and credentials, employer or university sponsorship documentation, and applicable visa fees. Processing through Thai immigration authorities; timeline varies. Common for expatriate employees, English teachers, university students, researchers, and professionals on Thai assignments. Work authorization separate from visa; employment requires work permit from Thai Ministry of Labour.

Important Information for Thailand Travelers

Visa-Free 60 Days: U.S. State Department confirms U.S. tourists entering for fewer than 60 days do not require visa. UK Foreign Office confirms 60-day visa-free entry for tourism, business, and urgent/ad-hoc work.

Digital Arrival Card Mandatory from May 1, 2025: UK Foreign Office confirms all foreign nationals must complete digital arrival card online before arrival, available within 3 days before you arrive.

Pre-Arrival Registration Required: U.S. State Department confirms pre-arrival online registration required for visa-exempt travelers through Thailand's immigration system.

Cities with missions

Where this country maintains embassies or consulates

States & Regions in Thailand

Explore different regions and their cities.

Hosted missions

Embassies in Thailand

These foreign embassies and consulates are based here. Choose a mission to open its in-depth guide and contact details.

Germany

Thailand

Bangkok
United Kingdom

Thailand

Bangkok
United States

Thailand

Bangkok

Planning travel to Thailand? iVisa can assist with visa applications, visa extensions, and guidance for your Thai visit, whether for Bangkok temples, northern mountains, southern beaches, or business activities.

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