Thailand Visas in 2026: What Actually Changed

On 15 September 2026, Thailand replaced its old visa-exemption scheme: the previous 60-day exemption is gone, most eligible nationalities now get 30 days, two get 15 days, and Visa on Arrival is now available to just three nationalities. If you've read that "55 countries get 30 days visa-free," that rule is out of date — check your nationality against the current list before booking.

Tourist and long-stay options

• Tourist Visa (TR): single-entry gives up to 60 days, extendable by 30; multiple-entry runs 6 months with up to 60 days per entry
• Destination Thailand Visa (DTV): a 5-year multiple-entry visa for remote workers, freelancers and qualifying event participants — up to 180 days per stay, extendable once by another 180
• Non-O covers family, guardian and dependent grounds; the old blanket figures of ฿500,000/฿400,000 no longer apply uniformly — the requirement depends on the specific basis
• Retirement (Non-O/Non-OA): generally age 50+, commonly with ฿800,000 in a Thai bank account and/or ฿65,000 monthly income, though exact requirements vary by visa type and office

A Non-B visa supports business or work grounds, but it isn't a work permit on its own — actually working in Thailand still needs a separate work permit.

Before you travel

• Re-entry permit: needed if you leave Thailand on a single-entry visa or extension and want your permission to stay to survive the trip — ฿1,000 single, ฿3,800 multiple
• TDAC: all non-Thai arrivals must file a Thailand Digital Arrival Card online within 3 days of arrival — it's free and covers one trip only
• Check passport validity (commonly 6 months), blank pages, and proof of onward travel or funds if your category requires them

Rules and fees change; confirm your category's current requirements with Thailand's MFA or Immigration before booking. Checked 25 September 2026.