Before you travel

Thailand Visa Guide

Rules changed significantly in mid-2026. Here's what visitors to Koh Mak need to know — and always double-check the official Thai sources before booking.

Step 01 · Required for everyone

Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC)

Every foreign visitor must complete a Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) before arriving. It replaced the old paper TM6 form and is mandatory for all nationalities. It is free of charge — beware of third-party websites charging a fee.

Official portal: tdac.immigration.go.th
Complete it within 72 hours before your arrival.

Visa-free entry

Now 30 Days

The 60-day visa-free period has been reduced to 30 days. The Thai Cabinet approved the rollback on May 20, 2026, citing concerns about misuse of tourist exemptions for illegal work and unauthorised business. The change affects nationals of 93 countries and territories, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, all major EU nations, Australia and New Zealand.

A one-time 30-day extension is still available at any Thai immigration office for around 1,900 THB, giving a maximum of 60 days total on a visa-free entry.

The change was approved by Cabinet and is pending publication in the Royal Gazette. Verify the exact implementation date on the official Thai immigration website before you travel.

A word of warning

Visa runs are no longer reliable

In the past, some long-term visitors would leave Thailand briefly and re-enter to reset their permitted stay. Thai immigration authorities have become increasingly strict about this practice and may now deny entry to travellers who appear to be living in Thailand on repeated tourist entries. If you are planning a longer stay, apply for one of the proper long-stay visas below rather than relying on border runs.

Options for longer stays

Long-stay visas

DTV — Destination Thailand Visa

Best for remote workers, freelancers and digital nomads.

A five-year, multiple-entry visa permitting stays of up to 180 days per entry, extendable for another 180 days at a local immigration office — close to a full year without leaving Thailand. Designed for remote workers and participants in approved Thai Soft Power activities such as Muay Thai, cooking classes or medical treatment.

Validity: 5 years, multiple entry
Stay per entry: 180 days, extendable to 360
Cost: ≈ 10,000 THB
Funds required: 500,000 THB (~$14,500 USD)
Apply: Royal Thai Embassy or official e-visa portal, before arrival

METV — Multiple Entry Tourist Visa

Accessible alternative if the DTV threshold is out of reach.

Allows multiple entries into Thailand for tourism over its validity period. Lower financial bar than the DTV.

Purpose: Tourism, multiple entries
Funds required: 40,000 THB (~$1,100 USD)

Retirement Visa (Non-Immigrant O-A / O-X)

For travellers aged 50 and over.

The O-A offers a one-year stay, renewable annually. The O-X extends that to a five-year stay. Financial proof required.

Eligibility: Age 50+
O-A: 1-year stay, renewable
O-X: 5-year stay
Funds: 800,000 THB in a Thai bank, or 65,000 THB monthly income

Official sources

Thai government resources

Visa rules in Thailand are changing frequently. Always verify current requirements on the official Thai government websites above before booking your trip.

FAQ