Short-stay options · TDAC required since 2024
Tourist Visa & Visa Exemption — 30 days from April 2026
Thailand's Cabinet approved cutting visa-free entry from 60 to 30 days for the 93 visa-exempt nationalities, effective April 2026. The 30-day extension at Immigration remains, so visa-exempt visitors can still reach 60 days in-country. For longer stays, look at the TR e-Visa, METV, or a long-stay route.
Visa exempt
30 days
From Apr 2026 · 93 nat.
TR single-entry
~1,000 THB
~$30 USD
METV multi-entry
~5,000 THB
6 months validity
Extension
+30 days
1,900 THB at Jomtien
Three options compared
| Option | Stay | Cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visa Exemption (post-Apr 2026) | 30 days + 30-day extension = 60 days max | Free + 1,900 THB extension | Most casual visitors from 93 exempt nationalities |
| TR (e-Visa) | 60 days + 30-day extension = 90 days max | ~1,000 THB | Non-exempt nationalities — or anyone wanting the full 60-day stamp |
| METV | 60 days × unlimited entries (6 months) | ~5,000 THB + 200k THB bank balance proof | Multi-trip travellers |
Critical 2026 rules
- TDAC mandatory since 2024: Complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card at tdac.immigration.go.th within 72 hours before flight. Free, but airlines increasingly check at the gate.
- Land border visa-exempt entries: 2 per calendar year max (effective Nov 2025). Air arrivals: 6 per year.
- 20,000 THB cash check: Random border cash checks at major airports. Carry cash or proof of funds.
- 60-day → 30-day visa exemption cut: APPROVED by Cabinet, effective April 2026. The 30-day extension at Thai Immigration remains, so most visitors can still reach 60 days total in-country (30 + 30). Why now: officials note ~90% of tourists already leave within 30 days, and the longer window had been abused by long-term residents on rolling stamps. Want a clean 60-day stamp on arrival? Apply for the TR e-Visa before flying.
Want to stay longer than 90 days?
The visa-exempt + extension cycle maxes out at 90 days. For longer:
- Remote workers / digital nomads: DTV (5 years, 180 days per stay)
- Over 50: Non-O retirement
- Married to Thai: Marriage Visa
- Want zero hassle: Privilege Visa or LTR
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa for Thailand?
If you're from one of the 93 visa-exempt nationalities (UK, US, EU, AU, CA, JP, etc.), no — but from April 2026 you'll be stamped in for 30 days, not the prior 60. You can extend by another 30 at Thai Immigration. For a clean 60-day stamp on arrival, apply for the TR e-Visa before flying. Either way, complete TDAC within 72 hours of departure.
Can I do border runs to keep extending?
Land borders are now capped at 2 visa-exempt entries per year. Air arrivals at 6/year. The "live in Thailand on rolling stamps" lifestyle is over. Full visa runs guide.
The 60-day visa-exempt was reduced — what now?
Cabinet approved the cut from 60 to 30 days for the 93 visa-exempt nationalities, effective April 2026. The 30-day in-country extension is still available at any Thai Immigration office (1,900 THB), so visa-exempt visitors can still reach 60 days total. If you want 60 days on arrival without an extension trip, apply for the TR e-Visa before you fly — it still grants 60 days + 30-day extension.
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