Thailand Tourist Visa Exemption 90 or 30 Days
Visa exemption is what various countries can receive on arrival into Thailand without applying for a visa outside of the country, before arriving.
90 Days Exemption (no visa required)
Argentina, Brazil, Chile, South Korea and Peru have bilateral visa agreements with Thailand. Citizens of both countries (bilateral) can visit each other for 90 days without a visa for 90 days.
30 Days Exemption (no visa required)
You must be a passport holder of one of these countries for 30 days exemption whether arriving via land or air. You may arrive from any country including a neighboring border (i.e., Laos and Cambodia, and others).
The current status is 2 exemption entries per year if arriving via a land border and there seems to be no restrictions when arriving by air. Malaysians have no restriction on exemption entries via land or air.
Australia
Austria
Bahrain
Belgium
Brunei
Canada
Czech Republic
Denmark Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Hong Kong
Hungary
Iceland Indonesia
Ireland
Israel
Italy
Japan
Kuwait
Laos
Liechtenstein
Luxembourg
Macao Malaysia
Monaco
Netherlands
New Zealand
Norway
Oman
Philippines
Poland Portugal
Qatar
Russia
Singapore
Slovakia
Slovenia
South Africa
Spain Sweden
Switzerland
Turkey
United Arab Emirates
UK
USA
Vietnam
The above nationalities may apply at a Thai Immigration office for an extended stay for another 30 days before the exemption ends. For these citizens, it’s possible to stay for 60 days in Thailand without applying for a visa. However, it may only be possible to obtain and use this option twice per year, so visitors should plan ahead with applying for the correct visa to avoid possible immigration issues if rules or the enforcement of rules change.
Above Countries Requirements
Passport
Passport with a minimum of 6 months remaining validity and with at least two blank pages for visas or/and stamps are required.
Employment
An obvious requirement but still needs a mention. Regarding all tourist visas, exemptions etc., visits are for tourism and not any type of employment.
Confirmed ticket
Rules require a visitor to have a confirmed flight, boat, train, or bus ticket that they’re leaving Thailand within the 90 or 30-day exemption period. This was not always enforced, but now they may enforce it, and as I have been informed – you could be made to book a flight at the border checkpoint before entering. Border officials have discretion, but that discretion may not work to your advantage.
A flight company can also question you about having a confirmed ticket leaving Thailand. Not sure what happens if you do not have one. To my surprise, I did get a flight from the UK with Cathay Pacific and they asked about the visa I had at Heathrow. Best to check with your flight company before flying, if needed.
Funds
When applying for a tourist visa at a Thai Embassy a requirement is proof of funds of no less than 20’000 THB, which is part of the application process (not always enforced but a requirement).
It’s worth having a bank statement with you for proof of finances when entering Thailand. I mention this because of recent news of tourists entering Thailand being asked to show they have 20’000 THB cash. This may be for tourists that are in and out of the country doing back-to-back visas and border runs, but playing it safe with a bank statement makes sense.
Accommodation
It’s a requirement for visitors to have details (i.e., hotel booking) of the place they intend to stay when arriving in Thailand.
Extension of Visa Exemption
The above confirmed ticket requirement did not make sense at first when considering visa extension rules. After thinking about this more, it’s likely extension rules are put in place if you need the extra days and not as a plan to have an exemption and extension in Thailand. For example, if a tourist is planning 60 days then the single entry is the right visa to apply for outside of Thailand.
Nationalities that are entitled to the 90 or 30 day exemption can extend their stay for further 30 days. This costs 1900 THB at the immigration office with the correct documents required.
This is how I have extended at Bangkok, Chaeng Wattana Immigration. This was an extension of a single entry visa, not an exemption. Same process and requirements.
If you are unsure of whether you want to stay in Thailand for 30 or 60 days, the best option is to get a single entry from a Thai Consulate or Embassy before arriving. This will keep your passport regarding future visits to Thailand within that year open for other tourist visas/exemptions/extensions without possible complications.
Note: I will keep this page updated as much as possible. Please look at the date at the top of this page when it was last updated. If in doubt contact me or search for more information.
