Thailand Entry Requirements: Visa-Free Stays and the Digital Arrival Card (TDAC)

Important: entry rules change, sometimes at short notice. This guide explains how things work, but always confirm on official sources before you travel: the Thai embassy or consulate in your country, the Thai e-Visa site, and the official TDAC website.

Do I need a visa?

Citizens of many countries, including the US, UK, most of the EU, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, can enter Thailand visa-free as tourists.

The visa-exempt stay was 60 days as of 2025. The Thai government has discussed shortening it, so check the current length.
If you want to stay longer, many visitors can extend once at an immigration office in Thailand.
Other nationalities may need a visa in advance or a visa on arrival. Check the e-Visa site.

The Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC)

Since 1 May 2025, foreign visitors must complete the TDAC online before arriving, replacing the old paper arrival card.

Fill it in within the 3 days before you arrive.
It’s free on the official site, tdac.immigration.go.th.
You’ll need your passport details, flight number, accommodation address and travel dates.
Save the confirmation (screenshot or PDF). Immigration may ask to see it.

Watch out: lookalike websites charge fees to “process” the TDAC for you. The official form is free.

Passport and documents

Passport valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date, with blank pages.
Proof of onward travel (a return or onward ticket) may be asked for by the airline or immigration.
Proof of funds: officers can ask to see that you have enough money for your stay (around ฿20,000 per person). It’s rarely checked, but have a bank app ready.
Accommodation address for at least your first night.

Customs: what you can and can’t bring

E-cigarettes and vapes are illegal in Thailand. Bringing them in or using them can lead to fines or worse.
Duty-free allowance: typically 1 litre of alcohol and 200 cigarettes per adult. Check current limits.
Cash: declare foreign currency worth more than US$20,000.
Medicines: bring prescriptions in original packaging, with a doctor’s letter for anything strong. Some medicines legal at home are controlled in Thailand.
Drugs: penalties are severe.

Health

No vaccinations are required for most visitors.
A yellow fever certificate is required if you’re arriving from, or have recently been in, a country with yellow fever risk.
Travel insurance isn’t compulsory for most tourist entries, but it’s strongly recommended: Bangkok’s private hospitals are excellent and expensive.

On arrival

Follow signs to Immigration / Passport Control (“Foreign Passports”).
Show your passport and TDAC confirmation; you’ll be photographed and fingerprinted.
Collect bags and go through customs. Use the green channel if you have nothing to declare.
Get to your hotel: see the airport guide and the airport transfer calculator.

Quick checklist

Passport valid 6+ months
Visa or visa-exempt status confirmed for your nationality
TDAC submitted within 3 days of arrival (free, official site)
Return or onward ticket
Hotel address saved
Travel insurance
No vapes in your luggage

Get everything else ready with the packing checklist.

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