Thailand Visa and Customs Information

Citizens from 57 countries can enter Thailand without charge for 30 days without a visa. Countries include the U.S.A., U.K., Australia, South Africa, Ireland and New Zealand, as well as most European countries.

Your passport must be valid for 6 months beyond your planned departure.

A tourist visa is good for 60 days and can be gotten through a Thai Embassy or consulate in your country. This can be done by mail. Once issued, the visa must be used (started) within 90 days of the date issued. The visa is invalid upon departure from Thailand even if the visitor hasn't stayed 60 days.

There are other types of visas but generally they don't apply to those visiting Thailand for a holiday.

Overstaying your visa is a serious matter and should not be taken lightly. On the one hand, you can clear up an overstay when you leave Thailand by paying your fine at the airport - 500 baht per day with a maximum of 20,000 baht. There is some recent discussion about jail time for serious overstays.

On the other hand, you are subject to arrest. Even if the police stop you for something else, if they find out you have overstayed your visa, they can arrest you. Being arrested is fairly common and it is extremely unpleasant. The Immigration Detention Centers are notorious for being not only highly uncomfortable, but extremely dangerous.

In addition to fines and detention, it is possible to be deported and black listed. That means you can not come back to Thailand.

Always make sure you are in Thailand legally.

Note: Announcement have been recently made by the Thai Government that Visa Rules are under review and some have been changed.

Thailand Visa Issues

Visa regulations affecting nationals of certain countries differ. Open the window to see a printable page with details of these requirements and for a list of immigration checkpoints. ... Thailand visa

Thai Customs Information

Thailand customs clearances and dutiable items require certain formalities. Open the window to see a printable page with details of these requirements and for a list of illegal items. ... Thailand customs entry

More Thai Consular Details

Retirement, residency and long-stay programs are currently under review by the Office of Interior Minister. The information presented below is the latest we have available. We will update this information as soon as we have it..

Visa based on Retirement in Thailand

General Requirements for Thai Visas

These guidelines change often. If in doubt about any detail, contact a Thai consulate.

Detailed procedures, on a printable page, for obtaining a Thai visa ... getting a visa for Thailand

Additional Thailand Consular Resources

A List of Royal Thai Consulates

Links to Honorary Consulates

Honorary Thai Consulates in the Americas
Honorary Thai Consulates in Asia Pacific
Honorary Thai Consulates in Europe
Honorary Thai Consulates in the Middle East

Link to Thai Embassy in Washington D.C. Thai Embassy

Travel Info