Entry requirements for Thailand

If you’re planning a trip to Thailand, it’s important to stay up to date on entry requirements to ensure you’re prepared for any changes that may affect your entry to Thailand. From 1st May 2025, Thailand’s Immigration Bureau is officially replacing the old paper-based TM 6 Immigration Form (Arrival Card/Departure Card) with a digital system called the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC). This means that starting from 1st May 2025, foreigners including Australian travellers entering the country by air, land or sea will be required to complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card online, within 72 hours or 3 days of their scheduled arrival date to Thailand.

What is the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC)?

The Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) is an electronic travel document all foreigners are required to complete before arriving in Thailand. This new mandatory digital system acts as a pre-arrival declaration, helping Thai immigration authorities efficiently process entry information in advance. The TDAC is not a visa, but a mandatory online submission required by Thai immigration authorities.

Starting 1st May 2025, all foreign passport holders must complete the TDAC before arriving in Thailand, regardless of your visa status or the purpose of your trip. The TDAC does not replace visa requirements. This means visitors will still need to obtain the relevant visa for their trip type and duration and complete the TDAC before arriving in Thailand.

What are the requirements for the Thailand Digital Arrival Card?

To complete the online Thailand Digital Arrival Card, you will need to provide some personal information, trip and accommodation information and a health declaration. Keep in mind that the TDAC is only valid for the duration of the specific trip submitted. Make sure to have the following information available when completing your TDAC:

Personal information

• Personal information in passport: full name, nationality/citizenship, passport number;

• Personal information: date of birth, occupation, gender, visa number, country/territory of residence, city/state of residence, phone number.

Trip & accommodation information

• Arrival information: date of arrival, country/territory where you boarded, purpose of travel, mode of travel (air, land, sea), mode of transport, flight or vehicle number;

• Departure information: date of departure, mode of travel (air, land, sea), mode of transport, flight or vehicle number;

• Accommodation information: type of accommodation in Thailand, province, district and area, sub-district and sub-area, post code, address.

Health declaration

• Basic health information: this may include vaccination or immunisation records required by Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health;

• Travel history: countries/territories where you stayed within two weeks before arrival.

How to complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card

Once you have all the required information, follow these straightforward steps to complete your Thailand Digital Arrival Card online for free:

1. Visit the official Thailand Immigration Bureau website

2. Select ‘Arrival Card’ to start filling out the digital form

3. Fill in your personal information and click ‘Continue’

4. Fill in your trip and accommodation information and click ‘Continue’

5. Complete the required health declaration

6. Review all your information and ensure it is accurate

7. Provide an email address to receive the digital TDAC

8. Submit your completed form

9. Download your TDAC and save the digital confirmation sent to your email

10. Save an electronic and hard copy of your TDAC

If any of your details change before you depart for your trip to Thailand, you can update your TDAC. For example, if your itinerary changes or you change your accommodation, simply update the details on the Thailand Immigration Bureau website by clicking on ‘Update Arrival Card’.

When to submit the Thailand Digital Arrival Card

Make sure to submit your TDAC within 72 hours (3 days) before your scheduled arrival date in Thailand. For travellers arriving on the 1st of May 2025, the Thailand Immigration Bureau will start accepting submissions from the 28th of April 2025 in anticipation of the changes to entry requirements.

Travellers who do not submit the TDAC in advance of their arrival to Thailand may experience delays at immigration and could be denied entry into Thailand.

Thailand’s visa exemption scheme

Thailand’s visa exemption scheme allows travellers from specific countries, including Australia, to enter Thailand without a visa for up to 60 days, for tourism, business engagements, urgent work or ad-hoc work. Australian citizens can apply to extend the visa-free stay for another period of up to 30 days, allowing visitors to stay in Thailand for a total of 90 days. Before the 90 days are up, visa-exempt Australians can apply for a new type of visa to continue their stay in Thailand.

To enter Thailand under the visa exemption scheme, Australians must meet the following requirements:

• Valid passport with at least 6 months’ validity from your entry date

• Return travel ticket

• Proof of sufficient funds of either 10,000 THB per person or 20,000 THB per family

• Proof of temporary accommodation in Thailand such as a hotel booking or a letter of invitation from the host of a private residence

Can I get a visa on arrival in Thailand?

Australian travellers are not eligible for a visa on arrival in Thailand, as this service is typically available for citizens of certain countries not covered by the visa exemption scheme. Australians can typically enter Thailand visa-free for up to 60 days under the exemption policy, provided they meet the required conditions, like having a valid return ticket and proof of funds.

Thailand visa requirements

Whether you’re visiting family, attending a business conference in Bangkok or relaxing in Phuket, your visa requirements will depend on the purpose and length of your visit to Thailand.

Generally, most Thai visas will require the following documents to be submitted with the visa application so make sure to prepare them in advance:

• Visa application form: Apply online via the official Thai eVisa website

• Valid passport: Your passport must meet Thailand passport requirements including having at least six months’ validity and one blank page.

• Passport photos: Provide recent photographs that meet Thailand passport photo requirements

• Travel itinerary: Include proof of your flight details, showing entry and departure from Thailand

• Proof of accommodation: Proof of valid hotel booking or a letter of invitation from the host of a private residence

Below is a breakdown of common visas and their specific visa requirements for Australians travelling to Thailand.

What are the passport requirements for Thailand?

When entering Thailand, travellers must ensure their passports meet specific requirements including:

• Validity: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date you arrive in Thailand.

• Blank pages: Ensure your passport has at least 2 blank pages for entry and exit stamps.

• Condition: Your passport should be in good condition, without damage that could make details illegible. A damaged passport may cause issues at immigration.

Thailand tourist visa

The Tourist Visa is designed for travellers visiting Thailand for leisure, sightseeing, or family visits. It allows you to explore Thailand, from relaxing in the Phi Phi islands and Krabi beach to immersing yourself in the bustling nightlife or street food markets.

Thailand offers 2 types of Tourist Visas:

1. Single-Entry Tourist Visa: up to 60 days (however, Australian travellers are eligible for the 60-day visa exemption and may find the Thai Visa Exemption Scheme a simpler option for entering Thailand rather than obtaining a single-entry tourist visa)

2. Multiple-Entry Thai Tourist Visa: unlimited entries within 6 months (up to 60 days for each visit)

If you want to stay in Thailand longer and extend the validity of either your single-entry or multiple-entry Tourist Visa, you can extend your visit for another 30 days by applying for an extension at an immigration office. Make sure you do this before your initial period of validity ends.

What are the visa requirements for a Thailand tourist visa?

To meet the visa requirements for a Thailand tourist visa, you will need to submit the standard required documents as part of the visa application:

• Visa application form

• Valid passport

• Passport photos

• Travel itinerary

• Proof of accommodation

Destination Thailand Visa (DTV)

The Destination Thailand Visa is geared to Workation for digital nomads, freelancers and remote workers wanting to spend an extended period of time in Thailand. The DTV is valid for up to 180 days per entry. You can extend this visa for an additional 180 days, once per entry.

Consider if you need travel insurance for a digital nomads trip to Thailand.

What are the visa requirements for a destination Thailand visa (DTV)?

To be eligible for the Destination Thailand Visa, you must meet these visa requirements:

• Be at least 20 years of age

• Fall into one of three categories:

  • 1. Digital Nomad

  • 2. Freelancer

  • 3. Remote Worker

• Have a specific purpose for staying in Thailand for up to 180 days including:

  • Working remotely as a digital nomad for a foreign company or yourself, or as a freelancer for foreign clients

  • Participating in Thai Soft Power Activities including but not limited to:

    • Sport training

    • Medical treatment

    • Enrolling in Thai culinary courses

    • Enrolling in Muay Thai or traditional Thai martial arts courses

    • Participating in Thai festivals such as music festivals and Thai cultural events

• Provide proof of purpose for your stay in Thailand

  • Remote workers must show proof of an employment contract with a foreign company, or a portfolio of freelance or self-employed work

  • Applicants planning to participate in Thai Soft Power Activities must show proof of enrolment or confirmation of participation in activity

• Have no record of overstaying a Thai visa or legal issues with Thai Immigration

• Proof of 500,000 THB in liquid assets

Note: You are not permitted to work for a local Thai company or freelance for Thai clients under the DTV.

Thailand business visa

The Thailand Business Visa (Non-Immigrant B Visa) is available for visitors who want to start a business or work in Thailand.

Thailand offers 2 types of Business Visas:

1. Single-Entry Business Visa: The 90-Day Non-Immigrant B Visa allows you to stay in Thailand for up to 90 days. If you plan to leave and return, you will need to apply for a re-entry permit.

2. Multiple-Entry Business Visa: The 1-Year Non-Immigrant B Visa allows you to stay in Thailand for up to 1 year. If you plan to leave and return within this time period, you will not need to apply for a re-entry permit each time you leave.

What are the visa requirements for a Thailand business visa?

To be eligible for the Thailand Business Visa, you will need to meet the following visa requirements:

• Visa application form: Complete the Non-Immigrant B Visa application form

• Valid passport: At least 6 months’ validity before it expires

• Passport photos: Passport sized photograph taken within the last 6 months

• Financial requirement: Proof of sufficient funds of either 20,000 THB (for individual applicants) or 40,000 THB ( for family applications)

• Letter of invitation: Invitation from a Thai company

• Proof of employment: Contract or employment agreement

Operating a business in Thailand

Applicants who intend to start and operate a business in Thailand will also need to show corporate registration documents and a business plan to prove the legitimacy of the business and must first be sponsored by a Thai entity before applying.

Consider if you need travel insurance for a business trip to Thailand.

Working in Thailand

Applicants who intend to work in Thailand must first apply for the 90-day Non-Immigrant B Visa. Your prospective employer in Thailand will need to sponsor this visa application and apply for a Thai work permit. Once you have the Thai work permit, you can apply for the 1-Year Non-Immigrant B Visa.

Consider if you need travel insurance for a working holiday in Thailand.

Thai 90-day non-immigrant visa

Thailand’s 90-Day Non-Immigrant Visa allows visitors to stay in Thailand for purposes including business, education or retirement for up to 90 days. This visa can be converted to a one-year visa for specific purposes if you apply for an extension.

What are the visa requirements for a 90-day non-immigrant visa?

To meet the visa requirements for a Thai 90-Day Non-Immigrant Visa, you will need to submit the following required documents as part of the visa application:

• Passport with at least 6 months validity from the date of your intended arrival to Thailand

• An invitation or confirmation letter to clarify the purpose of the travel issued by the relevant organisation

• Proof of financial funds to support the stay in Thailand via bank statements or income verification letter (20,000 Baht per person and 40,000 Baht per family for applicants who wish to work or conduct business in Thailand)

• Travel itinerary

Thailand retirement visa

The Thailand Retirement Visa is available to senior travellers aged 50 and over who wish to spend 1 year of their retirement in Thailand. You can renew this visa each year, as long as you continue to meet the visa requirements upon renewal. The visa can be renewed while you’re in Thailand, meaning you don’t have to travel back to Australia every year.

What are the visa requirements for a Thailand retirement visa?

To be eligible for the Thailand Retirement Visa, you will need to meet the following visa requirements:

• Age: Be 50 years of age or older

• Financial requirements: You must show documents that prove you meet one of the following financial requirements

  • Have a security deposit of 800,000 THB in a Thai bank account for at least 2 months before applying for the Thai Retirement Visa

  • Proof of a monthly income of 65,000 THB

  • Combination of security deposit and annual income totalling 800,000 THB

• Valid passport: At least 12 months of remaining validity

• Health insurance: Proof of health insurance as required by Thai authorities

Senior travellers aged 50 and over considering spending a year of their retirement in Thailand can also consider taking out travel insurance for seniors with Fast Cover to help them deal with unexpected situations that may arise during their stay in Thailand.

Keep in mind that eligibility criteria, policy terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and sub limits apply. Consider the PDS prior to deciding on which policy is right for you and your needs.

Do I need to apply for a visa for Thailand?

Australian travellers planning to stay in Thailand for longer than 60 days, or their visit involves conducting business, working or studying, will need to complete a visa application through their Royal Thai Embassy, Canberra or local Thai Consulate. Ensure you allow enough processing time and have all required documents ready to avoid delays. However, under Thailand’s Visa Exemption Scheme, Australians might not need a visa before entering Thailand.

Step-by-step application process for a Thai visa

1. Identify the visa type

Determine the type of visa you need based on your travel purpose.

2. Gather supporting documents

Ensure you prepare all required documents to avoid delays.

3. Online eVisa application

Visit the Thai eVisa website, watch the video user manuals or follow the steps below to submit a visa application online:

• Create an account with the official Thai eVisa website

• Fill out a visa application form

• Upload the required supporting documents

• Pay the visa fee

• Wait for the visa to be processed

• Receive your eVisa confirmation document via email

4. Pay the visa fee

Pay the visa fee when you submit the online eVisa application.

5. Wait for processing

It usually takes 10 business days for eVisas to be processed but it may take longer during peak periods. Log into your account to monitor your application status.

How much does a Thailand visa cost?

The cost of a Thailand visa depends on the type of visa you’re applying for and its validity.

Here’s a general breakdown of approximate visa costs:

• Tourist Single-Entry Visa: AUD $60

• Tourist Multiple-Entry Visa: AUD $300

• Business Single-Entry Visa: AUD $120

• Business Multiple-Entry Visa: AUD $300

Visa fees can change and may differ between Thai Consulate offices across Australia, so make sure to check the current visa application fees with your local Thai Consulate.

How long can I stay in Thailand with a visa?

The length of time Australians can stay in Thailand depends on the visa type and the purpose of the visit. If you arrive in Thailand intending to stay longer without the appropriate visa, you may face entry restrictions. Below is a breakdown of different visa options in Thailand, their period of validity and extensions.

Extending your visa for Thailand

If you’re already in Thailand and wish to extend your stay, Australian travellers can apply for a visa extension with the Thai Immigration Bureau. For those on a Tourist Visa or under the visa exemption scheme, immigration offices allow extensions of up to 30 days. The cost for an extension is usually 1,900 THB, and you’ll need:

• Your passport

• A completed extension application form

• A recent passport photo

• Proof of your continued stay, such as hotel bookings

Consider visiting an immigration office well before your visa expires to avoid any legal trouble.

What happens if I overstay my visa in Thailand?

Overstaying your visa in Thailand has serious consequences. A fine applies immediately, with penalties starting at 500 THB per day, up to a maximum of 20,000 THB. More severe overstays may result in detention, deportation, or even a ban from re-entering Thailand. For example, overstays exceeding 90 days could lead to a one-year ban from Thailand.

If you know your trip will exceed the visa-free period of 60 days, it’s best to apply for the appropriate visa before you travel to Thailand from Australia. Being proactive and adhering to the rules ensures you are taking measures to have a stress-free experience in Thailand.

To avoid potential issues with Thai immigration:

• Always confirm your visa type and period of validity

• Track your permitted stay dates on your visa or passport stamp

• Apply for an extension early if needed

• Consult with immigration officials should any issues arise

• Double-check that your travel dates align with the exemption conditions

• Plan ahead if your trip exceeds 60 days and ensure you complete the visa application process before departing

• Carry all necessary documentation, as Thai officials can deny entry to anyone not meeting the travel requirements for Thailand

Travel insurance for your trip to Thailand

When planning your trip to Thailand, it’s important to consider travel insurance to help protect against some of the unexpected situations, such as medical emergencies or trip cancellations. With Fast Cover, you can customise your travel insurance policy to suit your travel plans to Thailand.

It is important to note that your travel insurance policy may not provide cover if you do not comply with Thailand’s visa or other entry requirements. To help ensure you are prepared for your trip, you should research and understand the relevant entry conditions before you travel to Thailand.

Eligibility criteria, policy terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and sub limits apply. Consider the PDS prior to deciding on which policy is right for you and your needs.