Thailand visa guide: how long you can stay and how to stay longer

Most visitors can now stay in Thailand for 30 days without a visa, for tourism only, and extend once by up to 30 days. For anything longer, the realistic routes are the DTV, Thailand Privilege, the LTR visa and a retirement visa.

These rules are stated as of 6 November 2026. The visa-free rule took effect on 15 September 2026, when it replaced the earlier 60-day scheme. Thailand changes its rules at short notice, so check with your Thai embassy or consulate before you book.

Visa-free entry: 30 days

The exemption list has 60 countries and territories on 30 days, made up of the 27 EU states and 33 others, including the US, UK, Canada, Australia, Japan, Singapore, Switzerland, the UAE and India. The other main groups:

• 90 days: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Peru and South Korea, under bilateral agreements.
• 30 days by bilateral agreement: China, Hong Kong, Macao, Laos, Vietnam, Russia and others.
• 15 days: Mauritius and Seychelles.
• 14 days: Cambodia and Myanmar, at international airports only.
• Visa on arrival: Azerbaijan, Belarus and Serbia, generally not extendable.

Other conditions matter too:

• Entries by land are limited to two per calendar year. Nationals of Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia and Singapore are exempt.
• Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months on arrival.
• Officers can ask for a confirmed onward ticket within your stay and 20,000 baht per person or 40,000 baht per family in funds.
• Every entry needs a free TDAC arrival card.

The officer at the border sets your actual stay. Check your stamp before you leave the counter.

Which long stay suits you

DTV (Destination Thailand Visa)

A 5-year multiple-entry visa with up to 180 days per entry. The Thai embassy in Helsinki also states that one further 180 days is possible at the Immigration Bureau, after which you leave and re-enter. Other missions do not mention this, so confirm it with immigration.

It covers three groups: remote workers, freelancers and digital nomads; people on Thai soft power activities such as Muay Thai, cooking courses or medical treatment; and spouses and children under 20 of DTV holders.

You need at least 500,000 baht shown on bank statements or a sponsor letter. Since 31 August 2026, applicants must show proof of permanent residence rather than only their current location, plus a criminal record clearance. You apply online through thaievisa.go.th, no earlier than 90 days before arrival. The fee at Thai missions in Germany and Finland is EUR 350, non-refundable. Fees differ by country.

Thailand Privilege

A paid membership with a visa attached, formerly known as Thailand Elite. Current fees on the official site:

The Privilege Entry visa allows one year per entry. Thailand Privilege says each extension gives you another year, at an immigration fee of 1,900 baht that may change. You still file 90-day reports, and a late report costs 2,000 baht.

LTR (Long-Term Resident)

Run by the Board of Investment. It offers a 10-year visa, with an initial 5-year stay and 5 more if you still qualify, and one-year reporting instead of 90-day reporting. There are four main categories:

• Wealthy global citizens: at least USD 1M in assets, including USD 500,000 invested in Thailand.
• Wealthy pensioners: age 50 or older with USD 80,000 a year in passive income. Between USD 40,000 and 80,000, you also need a USD 250,000 investment.
• Work-from-Thailand professionals: USD 80,000 a year in personal income, working for a qualifying overseas company.
• Highly skilled professionals: USD 80,000 a year, with experts in targeted industries.

Each main applicant also needs health cover, such as USD 50,000 of insurance. The processing fee is 50,000 baht per person when collected in Thailand, and overseas missions may charge more.

Retirement visas

From age 50. Details below come from the Thai consulate in Frankfurt, so requirements and fees can differ by country:

• 90 days, single entry: 65,000 baht monthly income or 800,000 baht in savings. EUR 70.
• O-A, one year, multiple entry: the same funds, plus health insurance of at least USD 100,000 or 3,000,000 baht, a medical certificate and a police clearance. EUR 175.
• O-X, 5 years, multiple entry: a 3,000,000 baht deposit, or 1,800,000 baht plus 1,200,000 baht annual income, held in a Thai bank, with insurance from a Thai insurer. EUR 350.

Apply online through the e-visa portal, no earlier than 90 days before arrival.

Overstays

Fines run at 500 baht per day for up to 40 days, capped at 20,000 baht. Beyond that, expect court, possible detention, deportation at your own cost and a re-entry ban.

This page is general information, not legal advice. Your Thai embassy or consulate has the final word, and a Thai immigration lawyer is worth the fee if your case is unusual.

Questions people ask

How long can I stay in Thailand without a visa?

Since 15 September 2026, 30 days for tourism for travellers from the 60 countries and territories on the main exemption list, including the US, UK, Canada, Australia and the EU.

Can I extend the 30 days?

Once, by up to 30 days, for tourism, if you apply at the Immigration Bureau before your stay expires. The officer decides.

I entered with 60 days before the change. Does it still apply?

Yes. Travellers who entered before the change may stay for the full period they were given.

What happens if I overstay?

Up to 40 days over, a fine of 500 baht per day, capped at 20,000 baht. Longer overstays can mean court, detention, deportation at your own cost and a re-entry ban.

Does a DTV let me work for Thai clients?

The DTV's work category covers remote workers and freelancers. Ask a Thai embassy or lawyer before taking on Thai clients. Do not assume the visa covers it.