Thailand has updated its visa-free entry rules. Since 15 September 2026, eligible travellers from 60 countries and territories, including the US, UK, EU countries, Australia and India, can visit for up to 30 days without a visa. Before travelling, complete the free Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) at tdac.immigration.go.th within three days before arrival, including your arrival date. Once you land, you can take the Airport Rail Link from Suvarnabhumi Airport to central Bangkok for up to 45 baht, buy a local SIM at the airport, and withdraw Thai baht from an ATM.
Do you need a visa?
From 15 September 2026, people from 60 countries and territories can stay up to 30 days without a visa for tourism. This includes the US, UK, most of the EU, Australia, Japan, Singapore and India. Before that date it was 60 days. Some countries have their own deals: for example South Korea and Brazil get 90 days, and China and Russia 30 days. You can ask immigration for one 30-day extension.
Arriving by land? Visa-free entries over land are limited to two per calendar year.
Check your own country on the Thai embassy website before you book.
Read more: Back to 30 days for 60 countries /en/blogs/thailand-30-day-visa-exemption-60-countries/ | Two land entries a year /en/blogs/thailand-tightens-visa-free-land-border-entry-rules/ | Visa runs /en/blogs/thailand-visa-run-regulations/
Staying longer: DTV, retirement and extensions
Planning to stay in Thailand for more than 30 days? There are several visa options depending on your reason for staying.
The Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) is designed for remote workers, digital nomads, freelancers working for overseas clients, and people participating in certain activities such as Muay Thai training or cooking courses.
The DTV is valid for five years and allows stays of up to 180 days per entry. Eligible holders may apply for an extension of up to another 180 days, subject to immigration approval.
Applications are made online through the official Thai e-Visa website. Requirements and supporting documents can vary depending on your nationality and the embassy handling your application.
People aged 50 and over may also qualify for a retirement visa, depending on their financial circumstances and eligibility.
Read more: Visa extensions /en/blogs/guide-to-visa-extension-thailand/ | Retirement visa /en/blogs/complete-guide-thailand-retirement-visa/ | Digital nomad set-up /en/blogs/digital-nomad-base-thailand-visas-setup-costs/ | Immigration offices and hours /en/blogs/immigration-opening-hours-bangkok-locations/
Fill in the TDAC before you fly
All foreign travellers entering Thailand, including children, must complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) before arrival. It replaced the old paper arrival card in May 2025.
You can submit the form online within three days before your arrival date, including the day you arrive.
The TDAC is completely free. Use only the official Immigration Bureau website: https://tdac.immigration.go.th.
After submitting the form, you will receive a confirmation with a QR code by email. Save a copy on your phone so you can show it to immigration officers if requested.
You do not need to pay an agent or third-party website to complete the form.
Read more: How to fill in the TDAC, step by step /en/blogs/tdac-thailand-digital-arrival-card-guide/ | Paid for the arrival card? You've been scammed /en/blogs/thailand-arrival-card-fee-scam-warning/
Step by step, with what to fill in on every screen: how to fill in the TDAC.
From the airport into town
Arriving at Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK)? The Airport Rail Link is one of the easiest and cheapest ways to reach central Bangkok. The train takes around 30 minutes to reach Phaya Thai station and costs 45 baht. You can connect to the BTS Skytrain there or change at Makkasan for the MRT.
If you have heavy luggage, are travelling with a group or arrive late at night, a taxi or ride-hailing service may be more convenient.
Public taxis are available on Level 1, between Gates 4 and 7. Take a queue ticket from the automatic machine and make sure the driver uses the meter. The fare includes an additional 50-baht airport surcharge, and passengers pay expressway tolls separately.
From Don Mueang Airport (DMK), you can take the SRT Red Line, airport buses or a taxi into Bangkok. Your best option depends on where you are staying.
Read more: Bangkok airport to the city /en/blogs/bangkok-airport-to-city-center/ | Don Mueang to Sukhumvit /en/blogs/don-mueang-to-sukhumvit-taxi-train-bus-compared/ | Airport to Pattaya /en/blogs/bkk-airport-to-pattaya-fastest-way/ | Hotels near Suvarnabhumi /en/rankings/best-hotels-near-suvarnabhumi-airport-bangkok/
SIM card or eSIM
Getting a Thai SIM card or eSIM is easy. Major mobile operators such as AIS and True (which includes dtac) offer tourist packages with mobile data and calls.
You can buy a physical SIM at official counters in the airport arrivals area or purchase an eSIM online before your flight, if your phone supports it.
You will need your passport to register a local SIM card. Before choosing a package, check its validity, data allowance, internet speed and whether local calls are included.
Airport counters are convenient if you need internet as soon as you land. However, compare packages online or at shopping malls if you are staying longer and want more options.
Read more: SIM or eSIM in Thailand /en/blogs/thai-sim-esim-guide/ | eSIM vs local SIM /en/blogs/e-sim-vs-local-sim-thailand-ultimate-guide/
Money on day one
Thailand uses the Thai baht (THB). It is a good idea to have some cash ready when you arrive, especially for taxis, local food stalls and small shops.
Airport currency exchange counters are convenient, but exchange rates may be less favourable than those offered by money changers in the city. Consider exchanging only a small amount at the airport.
Foreign bank cards are subject to local ATM withdrawal fees. As of October 2026, some major Thai banks charge around 250 baht per withdrawal for Visa cards and up to 350 baht for Mastercard. Your own bank may charge additional fees.
To reduce costs, withdraw larger amounts less frequently, and when an ATM asks whether you want to be charged in your home currency or Thai baht, choose Thai baht and decline the conversion.
Credit cards are accepted at many hotels, shopping malls and restaurants, but cash is still useful for street food, markets and smaller businesses.
Read more: Cash or card /en/blogs/cash-vs-card-in-thailand/ | Currency exchange in Bangkok /en/rankings/currency-exchange-bangkok/ | Paying by QR code /en/blogs/pay-promptpay-qr-code-foreigners-guide/
Travel insurance
Travel insurance is not generally required for tourists entering Thailand under the visa exemption scheme. However, having suitable coverage is strongly recommended.
Private hospitals can be expensive, especially if you need emergency treatment or hospital admission. Check that your policy covers medical expenses, emergency evacuation and unexpected travel disruptions.
Planning to rent a motorbike? Make sure your insurance specifically covers motorbike accidents and that you hold the appropriate driving licence and any required international driving permit.
Thailand's proposed tourist entry fee is a separate issue and should not be confused with visa or insurance requirements. Check the latest official announcements before travelling.
Read more: Do you need travel insurance? /en/blogs/travel-insurance-thailand-need-it/ | What you can and cannot bring through customs /en/rankings/what-you-can-and-cannot-bring-through-thai-customs/
If something goes wrong
If you lose your passport in Thailand, report it to the local police and obtain a police report. Then contact your country's embassy or consulate for assistance with an emergency travel document or replacement passport.
For tourist assistance, you can contact the Tourist Police on 1155. English-speaking operators are available to help foreign visitors.
It is also a good idea to keep digital copies of your passport, visa and travel insurance documents somewhere secure.
Read more: Lost passport /en/blogs/lost-passport-in-thailand/ | Emergency numbers /en/blogs/emergency-numbers-in-thailand/ | Immigration fast track /en/blogs/thailand-immigration-fast-track/ | VAT refund at the airport /en/blogs/vat-refund-suvarnabhumi-airport-guide/