
Thailand Tourist Visa: How to Apply and How to Extend Your Stay
By: Nahla ElKazak / Sarah Stone
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Are you ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Take your next vacation in Thailand, and you’ll have an unforgettable experience—from the delicious food, to the gorgeous weather, to the bustling cities and lush jungles, and the wonderful people you’ll meet along the way.
If you’re heading to Thailand for a vacation, you may not need a visa at all. Let’s have a look at visa exempt entry, as well as tourist visas, for US travelers.
Thailand Tourist Visa Exempt Entry
US nationals and those of some other countries are not required to obtain a tourist visa before you arrive in Thailand, depending on how long you’re staying.
Important Update: As of July 15, 2024, if you’re a US Citizen, you can now travel in Thailand for up to 60 days without a pre-approved tourist visa (previously 30 days). You’ll also need your passport (valid at least six months after arrival in-country) and an airline ticket showing that you will be leaving the country before your 60 days are up.
New Requirement: Starting May 1, 2025, all travelers must complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) online within 72 hours before arrival in Thailand. This replaces the old paper TM6 form and can be completed at tdac.immigration.go.th.
Land Border Restrictions
Note that visa-exempt entries through land borders are limited to twice per calendar year. There’s no limit for air arrivals.
Extending Your Stay While In Thailand
When you enter Thailand, you’re allowed an initial stay of 60 days (for US citizens). If you are already in Thailand on your 60-day stay but you’d like to remain in the country a bit longer, you can extend for an extra 30 days for 1,900 Baht at the Thai Immigration Bureau Office.
This gives you a potential total of 90 days in Thailand without needing to apply for a visa in advance!
Thailand Tourist Visa
If you know you’d like to stay in Thailand for longer than 90 days before you arrive in-country, you can apply for a tourist visa, which allows an initial stay of up to 60 days.
e-Visa Update: As of January 1, 2025, Thailand has launched its electronic visa (e-Visa) system worldwide. You can now apply online at www.thaievisa.go.th instead of visiting a Thai Embassy or Consulate in person.
Once you’re in Thailand, you may have the opportunity to extend your tourist visa for an additional 30 days, for a fee of 1,900 Baht. As with the visa-exempt entry option, you’ll need a valid passport that won’t expire for at least six months after in-country arrival, and an airline ticket showing return or onward travel.
Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) – New Option!
Starting July 15, 2024, Thailand introduced the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) for digital nomads, remote workers, and those pursuing activities like Muay Thai training, Thai cooking classes, medical treatments, or cultural activities.
Key features:
- 5-year multiple entry visa
- Stay up to 180 days per entry
- Can be extended for another 180 days (total 360 days per visit)
- Cost: 10,000 THB (about $275)
- Must show proof of 500,000 THB in bank account
- Perfect for long-term travelers and digital nomads
Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) – Coming Soon
Thailand plans to implement an ETA system for visa-exempt travelers, though the launch has been delayed from the original December 2024 date. When implemented:
- Will be required for all visa-exempt entries
- No fee planned
- Online application before travel
- Exceptions for Laos, Cambodia, and Malaysia citizens
Check current status before traveling as this is still being rolled out.
Important Reminders
Overstay Penalties
- Fine: 500 THB per day (maximum 20,000 THB)
- Overstay 90+ days: Entry ban from 1-10 years
- Always leave before your permitted stay expires!
Proof of Funds
Immigration may ask for proof of funds:
- 10,000 THB per person (cash or equivalent)
- 20,000 THB per family
Onward Travel
Always have proof of onward travel (flight, bus, or train ticket leaving Thailand)
Quick Reference for US Citizens
- Visa-Free Entry: 60 days (extendable by 30 days)
- Tourist Visa: 60 days (extendable by 30 days)
- Total Possible Stay: Up to 90 days without advance visa
- Digital Arrival Card: Required within 72 hours of arrival
- e-Visa System: Available online at www.thaievisa.go.th
Other Thailand Visa Options
Thailand SMART Visa: Requirements & How to Apply
Thailand Elite Visa: Cost, Requirements & Benefits
Thailand Long Term Resident Visa (Digital Nomad Visa): Live and Work Remotely in Thailand
Thailand Retirement Visa: Requirements & How to Apply
Thailand Permanent Residency: Qualifications & How to Apply
Featured image via Unsplash.
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Other Thailand Visa Options
- Comprehensive Guide to Thailand Tourist & Resident Visas: Digital Nomads, Semi-Retired, Investors & More
- Thailand SMART Visa: Requirements & How to Apply
- Thailand Elite Visa: Cost, Requirements & Benefits
- Thailand Long Term Resident Visa (Digital Nomad Visa): Live and Work Remotely in Thailand
- Thailand Retirement Visa: Requirements & How to Apply
- Thailand Permanent Residency: Qualifications & How to Apply
Featured image via Unsplash.
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Frayed Passport is a participant in the Amazon Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. We also may share links to other affiliates and sponsors in articles across our website.