Entry Requirements & Visas
New for 2026: Extended Visa Exemptions
Thailand has extended visa-free entry to 93 countries for up to 60 days (up from 30), making it easier for tourists from the US, EU, UK, Australia, and more to visit without prior approval. This policy aims to boost tourism recovery post-pandemic, but always check the official Thai immigration website for the latest updates before booking your trip.
Passport Requirements
Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in Thailand, with at least one blank page for entry stamps. This is a strict rule enforced at all ports of entry, including airports like Suvarnabhumi and land borders.
Ensure your passport isn't damaged, as this could lead to denied entry; renew early if needed to avoid last-minute issues.
Visa-Free Countries
Citizens of over 93 countries, including the US, Canada, UK, EU nations, Australia, and Japan, can enter visa-free for tourism or business stays up to 60 days. This exemption covers land, sea, and air arrivals, but you must have a return or onward ticket.
For extensions, you can apply for an additional 30 days at local immigration offices for a fee of 1,900 THB, ideal for those wanting to extend their beach or island hopping.
Visa Applications
For nationalities requiring visas, apply for an e-Visa online through the official Thai e-Visa portal (2,000 THB fee) or at a Thai embassy/consulate abroad, submitting documents like passport photos, flight itineraries, hotel bookings, and proof of funds (at least 20,000 THB per person).
Processing times vary from 3-15 business days; apply at least one month in advance to account for holidays or peak seasons when demand is high.
Border Crossings
Airports like Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi and Phuket offer efficient immigration with e-gates for eligible travelers, but land borders with Laos, Cambodia, or Malaysia may involve longer queues and require proof of accommodation.
Visa runs to neighboring countries are popular but increasingly scrutinized; officials may deny re-entry if it appears you're trying to live in Thailand long-term without proper visas.
Travel Insurance
While not mandatory, comprehensive travel insurance covering medical emergencies, evacuation, and trip disruptions is highly recommended, especially for adventure activities like scuba diving in the Andaman Sea or trekking in Chiang Mai.
Policies should include at least $100,000 in medical coverage; affordable options start at $1-2 per day from providers like World Nomads, and some airlines require it for check-in.
Extensions Possible
Visa-exempt stays can be extended by 30 days at any immigration office for 1,900 THB, providing a total of 90 days; this is straightforward with your passport and a photo.
For longer stays, consider tourist visas allowing multiple entries or the new Long-Term Resident (LTR) visa for digital nomads and retirees, which can grant up to 10 years with specific eligibility criteria like income thresholds.
Money, Budget & Costs
Smart Money Management
Thailand uses the Thai Baht (THB). For the best exchange rates and lowest fees, use Wise to send money or convert currency - they offer real exchange rates with transparent fees, saving you money compared to traditional banks.
Daily Budget Breakdown
Money-Saving Pro Tips
Book Flights Early
Find the best deals to Bangkok or Phuket by comparing prices on Trip.com, Expedia, or CheapTickets.
Booking 2-3 months in advance can save you 30-50% on airfare, especially during shoulder seasons like April or September when prices drop significantly.
Eat Like a Local
Dine at street food stalls and night markets for authentic meals under 100 THB, avoiding tourist traps in areas like Khao San Road to save up to 70% on food expenses.
Local markets like Chatuchak in Bangkok offer fresh fruits, snacks, and ready-to-eat dishes at bargain prices, often including free samples to enhance your culinary adventure.
Public Transport Passes
Get a Rabbit Card for Bangkok's BTS and MRT at 100-500 THB for unlimited rides over several days, slashing urban transport costs by half compared to taxis.
Intercity options like overnight trains or buses via 12Go.asia provide affordable long-haul travel, with sleeper berths starting at 500 THB for routes like Bangkok to Chiang Mai.
Free Attractions
Explore public beaches in Phuket, hike national parks like Doi Inthanon with minimal entry fees (under 300 THB), and wander temples like Wat Arun, which offer free entry to main areas.
Many islands have free sunset viewpoints and local festivals; timing visits to government holidays can unlock free cultural events and reduced park fees.
Card vs Cash
Cards are accepted in cities and resorts, but carry cash for rural areas, markets, and small vendors where fees can add 3% to transactions.
Use ATMs from major banks like Bangkok Bank for lower withdrawal fees (220 THB max), and avoid airport exchanges for better rates at local SuperRich bureaus.
Tourist Passes
Opt for the Bangkok Pass or island hopper deals covering multiple sites for 1,000-2,000 THB, which include ferries, entries, and discounts that pay off after 2-3 attractions.
National park passes for multi-day visits to places like Khao Sok save 20-30% on individual fees, perfect for nature enthusiasts exploring Thailand's biodiversity hotspots.
Smart Packing for Thailand
Essential Items for Any Season
Clothing Essentials
Pack lightweight, breathable cotton clothes for the tropical heat, including quick-dry shirts and shorts for humid days, plus modest long pants and scarves for temple visits where shoulders and knees must be covered.
Include swimwear for beaches and a light rain jacket, as sudden showers are common; versatile pieces like sarongs double as beach covers or temple attire to save space.
Electronics
Bring a universal adapter for Type A/B/C plugs (220V), a portable power bank for long island ferries, waterproof phone cases, and offline maps via apps like Maps.me for remote areas with spotty signal.
Don't forget a VPN for secure browsing on public Wi-Fi, and a GoPro or compact camera for capturing elephants in Chiang Mai or snorkeling in Koh Phi Phi.
Health & Safety
Carry comprehensive travel insurance docs, a basic first-aid kit with bandages and anti-diarrheal meds, prescriptions in original packaging, and high-SPF reef-safe sunscreen to protect against intense UV rays.
Include DEET-based mosquito repellent for dengue-prone areas like the northern jungles, hand sanitizer, and water purification tablets since tap water isn't potable—stick to bottled or filtered sources.
Travel Gear
Pack a durable daypack for hiking and market explorations, a reusable water bottle with filter, microfiber towel for beach days, and small denomination THB notes for tuk-tuks and street vendors.
Bring passport copies, a money belt or hidden pouch for valuables, and a dry bag for monsoon-season boat trips to keep electronics safe from splashes.
Footwear Strategy
Choose flip-flops or sandals for easy temple removal and beach walking, paired with sturdy hiking shoes for trails in Khao Yai National Park or urban sneakers for Bangkok's bustling streets.
Waterproof options are essential for rainy season floods or island hopping; break in shoes before travel to avoid blisters during long days of sightseeing and ferry rides.
Personal Care
Include travel-sized biodegradable toiletries, aloe vera gel for sunburn relief, lip balm with SPF, and a compact umbrella or poncho for tropical downpours that can last hours.
Pack wet wipes for hygiene on overnight buses, and consider electrolyte packets to combat dehydration from heat and spicy Thai cuisine during multi-destination itineraries.
When to Visit Thailand
Cool/Dry Season (November-February)
The peak season brings pleasant temperatures of 25-30°C with low humidity, ideal for exploring Bangkok's temples, northern hill tribes, and southern islands like Koh Samui without excessive sweat.
Festivals like Loy Krathong in November feature floating lanterns and cultural parades; book early as crowds swell and prices rise by 20-50% in popular spots.
Hot Season (March-May)
Expect scorching heat up to 35-40°C perfect for beach lounging in Pattaya or Phuket, but inland areas like Chiang Mai can feel oppressive—opt for early morning activities and air-conditioned escapes.
Songkran water festival in April turns streets into playful battlegrounds; it's a vibrant time for cultural immersion, though expect higher hotel rates and Songkran-related traffic jams.
Rainy Season (June-October)
Affordable travel with daily afternoon showers (25-30°C), great for lush landscapes in national parks and fewer tourists on the Andaman coast islands like Koh Lanta.
Vegetarian Festival in Phuket during October offers unique culinary experiences; rains often clear quickly, making it ideal for budget divers and nature photographers seeking verdant rice terraces.
Shoulder Seasons (Transitions)
Early November or late February offer balanced weather (24-32°C) with thinning crowds post-peak, perfect for trekking in Doi Suthep or snorkeling in the Gulf of Thailand before monsoon hits.
Lower prices on accommodations (10-30% off) and flights make it budget-friendly; watch for emerging festivals like the Banana Festival in Chumphon for authentic rural Thai vibes.
Important Travel Information
- Currency: Thai Baht (THB). Exchange rates fluctuate; cards widely accepted in tourist areas but carry cash for islands and markets. ATMs are ubiquitous but charge 220 THB fees.
- Language: Thai is official, with English spoken in hotels, airports, and tourist hubs like Phuket and Bangkok. Learn basic phrases like "sawasdee" (hello) for warmer interactions.
- Time Zone: Indochina Time (ICT), UTC+7. No daylight saving time.
- Electricity: 220V, 50Hz. Type A (two-flat pin), B (three-pin), and C (two-round pin) plugs common.
- Emergency Number: 191 for police, 1669 for medical emergencies, 199 for tourist police (English-speaking).
- Tipping: Not customary but appreciated; add 10-20 THB to restaurant bills or 50-100 THB for guides and drivers in tourist areas.
- Water: Tap water is not safe to drink; opt for bottled (10-20 THB) or filtered. Avoid ice in rural spots unless from reputable sources.
- Pharmacies: Easily found in cities (Boots or Watson's chains); look for blue or green signs. Basic meds available without prescription, but bring specifics for allergies.