Tourists

A first visit, one to four weeks, staying 30 days or less. This track is the airport, the stamp, a working phone, and a ride to the hotel.

Cartoon illustration of a food stall, paper lanterns, a backpack and a camera by a temple

Who this is for

Short holidays. You are not opening a Thai bank account, not applying for a DTV, and not reporting every 90 days. You want the entry rules, data on landing, cash that works, and the apps everyone else is using.

Visa route

From 15 September 2026, nationals of 60 countries (including the UK, US, EU states, Australia, Canada and New Zealand) get 30 days for tourism under visa exemption. Seychelles and Mauritius get 15 days. Argentina, Brazil, Chile, South Korea and Peru keep 90 days under bilateral agreements.

Visa on Arrival now applies only to Azerbaijan, Belarus and Serbia: 15 days, 2,000 THB.

Land and sea visa-exempt entries are limited to two per calendar year, except for Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia and Singapore.

You can ask to extend once, by up to 30 days, at immigration before your permitted stay ends. Approval is at the officer's discretion (Embassy Brussels). The fee is 1,900 THB (Immigration fees).

Stay-length picker and full visa notes

Before you fly

  • Submit a TDAC within 3 days before arrival, including arrival day. It is free. Paid look-alike sites are a scam.
  • Install an eSIM on wifi at home, or plan to buy a tourist SIM at the airport with your passport. eSIM guide.
  • Keep an onward ticket and accommodation details handy. Officers may also ask visa-exempt visitors to show cash of 20,000 THB per person, or 40,000 THB per family.
  • Turn data roaming off on your home line.

Money

Tourists cannot open a normal Thai bank account (bank comparison). To pay PromptPay QR codes, the official TAGTHAi Easy Pay e-wallet links your own card (details). Use cash, cards, and a multi-currency card such as Wise. Thai ATMs charge foreign cards a flat fee per withdrawal, shown on screen. Kasikornbank's schedule effective 22 September 2026 is 250 THB for Visa or UnionPay and 350 THB for Mastercard; other banks set their own (KBank fees). Always decline dynamic currency conversion. Change a small amount at the airport only if you need taxi cash; city exchangers are usually a better rate.

Banking and money

Insurance

Private hospital bills add up. Motorbike accidents are often excluded unless the policy says otherwise and you hold a valid licence. For a short trip, a traditional travel policy is the usual fit. Read the motorbike, deductible, and evacuation lines before you pay.

Travel insurance

Getting around and apps

Grab and Bolt cover rides in the main cities. Agree a tuk-tuk price before you sit down. Install LINE (hotels and tour desks use it) and Grab before you need a driver. Transport · Apps

Tourist checklist

Official sources

Last checked Oct 2026