Planning a trip to Thailand in 2026? The good news: Thailand’s entry process is straightforward for most nationalities. The biggest change in recent years is the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC), which replaced the old paper TM6 form in May 2025. You now fill it out online before you fly.
This guide covers everything you need — visa exemptions, the TDAC walkthrough, what happens at immigration, and the common mistakes that trip people up.
Key Facts: Thailand Entry Requirements 2026
- Visa exemption: 93 countries qualify for 60-day visa-free entry
- TDAC: Mandatory digital arrival card — submit free at tdac.immigration.go.th within 72 hours of arrival
- Passport validity: Minimum 6 months required
- Extension: 30-day extension available at any Immigration Office for 1,900 THB
- Visa on arrival: 31 countries, 15-day stay, 2,000 THB fee
- DTV visa: 5-year multiple-entry visa for remote workers, 180 days per entry
- No COVID requirements: No vaccination, testing, or insurance requirements since October 2022
Who Needs a Visa for Thailand?
Most visitors to Thailand don’t need to arrange a visa in advance. Here’s how the system works in 2026:
Visa Exemption (60 Days) — 93 Countries
Citizens of 93 countries can enter Thailand without a visa and stay for up to 60 days. This was permanently increased from 30 days in mid-2024. No paperwork, no fees — just show up with a valid passport and your completed TDAC.
The full list includes the US, UK, Canada, Australia, all EU nations, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Hong Kong, China, India, and most of South America. Several ASEAN countries (Malaysia, Cambodia, Laos, Indonesia, Philippines, Vietnam) also qualify.
If you want to stay longer, you can extend once for 30 additional days at any Thai Immigration Office. The fee is 1,900 THB (about $55 USD). Bring your passport, a photo, and a copy of your passport’s main page.
Tip: The 60-day visa exemption can be used multiple times per year. In January 2026, Thai Immigration confirmed there is no formal limit of two entries per year. However, frequent back-to-back entries may attract questions at immigration — officers can refuse entry if they suspect you’re living in Thailand on tourist stamps.
Visa on Arrival (15 Days) — 31 Countries
If your country isn’t on the visa exemption list, you may qualify for a Visa on Arrival (VOA). This is available at all international airports and major land borders.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Stay duration | 15 days (not extendable) |
| Fee | 2,000 THB cash only |
| Passport validity | 30 days minimum |
| Proof of funds | 10,000 THB per person / 20,000 THB per family |
| Return ticket | Confirmed departure within 15 days (open tickets not accepted) |
| Photo | One 4×6 cm photo |
Eligible countries include India, China, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Taiwan, Mexico, Bulgaria, Romania, Georgia, Kazakhstan, and about 20 others. If your nationality appears on both the visa exemption and VOA lists, you’ll automatically get the 60-day exemption — no need to queue for VOA.
e-Visa and Tourist Visa (TR)
If your country isn’t covered by either scheme, or you want a longer initial stay, apply for a Tourist Visa (TR) through a Thai embassy or via the official e-visa portal. The TR visa grants 60 days and can be extended by 30 days in-country.
Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) — For Remote Workers
Launched in July 2024, the DTV is Thailand’s answer to the digital nomad visa. It’s a 5-year multiple-entry visa that allows 180 days per entry, extendable by another 180 days at Immigration.
| DTV Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Age | 20+ years old |
| Savings proof | 500,000 THB (~$14,500 USD) in bank |
| Work proof | Employment letter, freelance contracts, or portfolio |
| Fee | 10,000 THB (~$290 USD) |
| Apply | Thai embassy/consulate or thaievisa.go.th |
The DTV covers remote workers, freelancers, content creators, and people attending events like Muay Thai training, yoga retreats, or cooking courses. You cannot work for a Thai company or take freelance work from Thai clients on this visa — it’s strictly for earning income from abroad.
For a deeper look at working remotely from Thailand, see our Digital Nomad Guide.
Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC): Step-by-Step
The TDAC replaced the old paper TM6 arrival/departure card on 1 May 2025. Every non-Thai national must complete it online before arriving. It’s free, takes about 10 minutes, and you submit it at tdac.immigration.go.th.
Scam warning: The only official TDAC website is tdac.immigration.go.th. Several copycat sites charge $15–30 for a “processing fee” that doesn’t exist. The real TDAC is completely free. Never pay anyone to fill it out for you.
What You’ll Need
- Your passport (or a clear photo/scan of it)
- Your flight details (airline, flight number, arrival date)
- Your accommodation address in Thailand (hotel name + full address including sub-district, district, province, postal code)
- A valid email address (you’ll receive your TDAC confirmation here)
Step-by-Step Walkthrough
Step 1: Go to the official site. Visit tdac.immigration.go.th and click “Arrival Card.”
Step 2: Enter your passport details. You can type them manually or use the MRZ scanner — point your camera at the bottom two lines of your passport’s data page and the form auto-fills. Double-check every field. The system is case-sensitive and will reject mismatches.
Step 3: Add your trip details. Enter your flight number, arrival date, and the purpose of your visit. For most tourists, select “Holiday/Vacation.”
Step 4: Enter your accommodation. This is where most people get stuck. You need the full address — not just the hotel name. Copy it from your booking confirmation: street number, street name, sub-district (tambon), district (amphoe), province, and postal code. For Airbnb or private rentals, use the property’s full registered address.
Step 5: Complete the health declaration. A short questionnaire about your current health status, required by the Thai Ministry of Public Health. For most travelers, this is straightforward yes/no answers.
Step 6: Enter your email and submit. Add your email, agree to the terms, and hit submit. You’ll receive your TDAC confirmation via email. Save it as a PDF or screenshot — you may need to show it at check-in or immigration.
Pro tip: Submit your TDAC 1–2 days before your flight, not at the airport. Wi-Fi at departure gates can be unreliable, and the form occasionally has technical issues during peak hours. Doing it early from your hotel or home avoids last-minute stress.
Common TDAC Problems and How to Fix Them
The TDAC system works well most of the time, but a few issues come up repeatedly. Here’s how to handle them:
Date Format Errors
The system uses DD/MM/YYYY (day first). Americans and Canadians often enter MM/DD/YYYY by habit, which either gets rejected or — worse — creates a valid but wrong date. January 3rd should be entered as 03/01/2026, not 01/03/2026.
Passport Number Confusion
The letter “O” and the number “0” look nearly identical on some passports. If the form rejects your passport number, try swapping any zeros for the letter O (or vice versa). Use the MRZ scanner to avoid this entirely.
Session Timeouts
The form can time out if you pause too long between sections, especially on mobile. If you get logged out, you’ll need to start over. Have all your information ready before you begin — passport, flight details, and hotel address.
Accommodation Address Rejected
The system wants a full Thai postal address, not just “Marriott Bangkok.” Copy the complete address from your hotel’s booking confirmation or their website. Include the street number, soi (lane), sub-district, district, province, and postal code.
Forgot to Submit Before Flying?
Phuket Airport has self-service kiosks where you can complete the TDAC on arrival. Suvarnabhumi (Bangkok) and other major airports are adding them too, but availability varies. Don’t rely on this as a plan — some airlines may ask to see your completed TDAC at check-in before boarding.
Pre-Flight Checklist
Here’s everything to have ready before you board your flight to Thailand:
| Item | Details | When |
|---|---|---|
| Passport | Valid for 6+ months from arrival date | Before booking |
| Visa (if needed) | TR visa, DTV, or other — check if your country is visa-exempt first | 2-4 weeks before |
| TDAC | Submit at tdac.immigration.go.th — save confirmation email | 1-3 days before |
| Return/onward ticket | Immigration may ask to see proof of departure | Before departure |
| Accommodation proof | Hotel confirmation with full address | Before TDAC |
| Travel insurance | Not mandatory, but strongly recommended | Before departure |
| eSIM or local SIM | Have data ready for arrival — see our eSIM guide | Before departure |
At the Airport: What to Expect
Thai immigration has streamlined significantly since 2023. Here’s the typical process at Suvarnabhumi or Don Mueang airport in Bangkok:
- Arrival. Follow signs to Immigration / Passport Control.
- Queue. Join the “Foreign Passport” line. Automated e-gates are available at Suvarnabhumi for passports with biometric chips — look for the shorter queues.
- Present documents. Hand over your passport. The officer will scan it and match your TDAC electronically — no paper card needed. They may ask your purpose of visit and where you’re staying.
- Stamp. You’ll receive an entry stamp with your allowed stay date. Check the date is correct before you walk away.
- Baggage claim. Collect your luggage from the carousel.
- Customs. Walk through the green channel (nothing to declare) or red channel if you’re carrying items over the duty-free allowance.
Total time from plane to taxi: 30–60 minutes at Suvarnabhumi on a typical day, though it can stretch to 90 minutes during peak evening hours (6–10 PM).
Tip: Get an eSIM set up before you land so you have data the moment you clear immigration. It makes grabbing a taxi, navigating to your hotel, and activating mobile banking much easier. We compared the top providers in our Best eSIM for Thailand guide.
Customs Allowances
Thailand’s customs rules are straightforward for tourists. The main limits:
- Alcohol: 1 liter total
- Cigarettes: 200 cigarettes or 250g of tobacco
- Currency: You must declare if carrying more than $20,000 USD (or equivalent) in or out
- Prohibited: Vapes and e-cigarettes are illegal in Thailand — bringing one can result in confiscation and a fine up to 30,000 THB
Warning: Thailand takes drug importation extremely seriously. Penalties for bringing controlled substances into the country are severe and can include long prison sentences. This includes cannabis products that may be legal in your home country — check current Thai drug laws before packing any supplements or medications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a visa to visit Thailand in 2026?
Most likely not. Citizens of 93 countries — including the US, UK, EU, Australia, Canada, Japan, China, and India — can enter Thailand visa-free for up to 60 days. Check the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs website to confirm your nationality is on the exemption list.
What is the TDAC and is it mandatory?
The Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) is a mandatory online form that replaced the old paper TM6 card in May 2025. Every non-Thai national must complete it within 72 hours of arriving in Thailand. It’s free and takes about 10 minutes at tdac.immigration.go.th.
Can I extend my 60-day visa exemption?
Yes. You can extend once for 30 additional days (total 90 days) at any Thai Immigration Office. The fee is 1,900 THB. Bring your passport, one passport photo, and a copy of your passport’s data page. Apply before your 60 days expire — overstaying results in a 500 THB/day fine and a potential ban.
How many times can I enter Thailand visa-free per year?
There is no official limit. In January 2026, Thai Immigration confirmed there is no rule restricting visa-free entries to twice per year. However, officers may question frequent entries if they suspect you’re using tourist stamps to live in Thailand long-term. Having onward travel plans and a clear tourist purpose helps.
What happens if I arrive without completing the TDAC?
Some airports (like Phuket) have self-service kiosks where you can fill it out on arrival. However, your airline may ask to see your completed TDAC before boarding. Don’t risk it — submit it 1–2 days before your flight to avoid any issues.
Are e-cigarettes and vapes allowed in Thailand?
No. Vapes, e-cigarettes, and all related devices are illegal in Thailand. Importing, selling, or using them can result in fines up to 30,000 THB and confiscation. This is actively enforced at airports and in tourist areas.
Do I need travel insurance for Thailand?
Travel insurance is not a mandatory entry requirement as of 2026. However, it’s strongly recommended. Medical treatment for foreigners in Thailand is paid out-of-pocket, and hospital bills for serious injuries or illness can reach tens of thousands of dollars. Most policies covering Thailand cost $30–60 for a two-week trip.
What is the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV)?
The DTV is a 5-year multiple-entry visa for remote workers, freelancers, and people attending activities like yoga retreats or Muay Thai training. Each entry allows 180 days, extendable by another 180 days. You need to show 500,000 THB in savings and proof of remote work or activity enrollment. Apply at a Thai embassy or through thaievisa.go.th.
Is there still a COVID test or vaccination requirement?
No. Thailand dropped all COVID-related entry requirements in October 2022. As of 2026, there is no vaccination certificate, PCR test, or health insurance requirement for entering the country. The TDAC includes a basic health declaration, but it’s a simple yes/no questionnaire — not a COVID-specific check.
Last updated: February 2026. Entry requirements can change — always verify with the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs or your nearest Thai embassy before traveling.
