How Long Can You Stay in Thailand Without a Visa? A Complete Guide

Thailand's stunning landscapes, lively cities, spectacular beaches, warm climate, affordability, and vibrant digital nomad scene make it one of the most visited countries in the world. Many nationals from various countries can visit Thailand without a visa. However, it is essential to comply with the legal stay periods and notify Thai authorities accordingly to avoid consequences such as fines, blacklisting, or even detention.

In this guide, learn everything you need to know about a visa-free stay in Thailand without compliance worries.

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Maximum duration of visa-free stay in Thailand

There are over 90 countries whose passport holders are part of Thai exemption schemes or bilateral agreements, allowing them to enter the country without a visa or with a visa on arrival for up to 60 days, increased from the previous limit of 30 days in June 2024. The visa exemption is granted at most twice in a calendar year when entering over land or by sea, but there are no limitations when entering by air. Visa exemption applies to tourism, business, and ad-hoc work purposes.

This list includes EU countries, the United Kingdom, the United States, and many others. The Thai authorities update the list of eligible countries regularly, and you can follow the latest developments on their website.

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How to apply for a visa extension in Thailand

To apply for a visa extension, you will need to visit a nearby Thailand Immigration Bureau office. For a more efficient process without long waiting times, in most regions, you can submit the required documentation online and receive your extension without visiting an immigration office.

What documents to prepare

Documents that you must prepare to apply for a visa extension:

• Passport (with the entry stamp you got when arriving to Thailand).

• Completed TM7 form, the application for extension of temporary stay

• Passport-sized photo that’s been taken less than 6 months ago

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Submitting documents online with e-Extension

e-Extension is an online application system that allows you to extend your stay in Thailand efficiently, without spending time in long queues in any immigration office.

The Thai e-Extension visa procedure is currently available in selected regions: Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Pattaya, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani, Phuket (Blue Tree only), Samut Prakan, and Surat Thani (Koh Phangan and Koh Samui only). The list of available regions is updated regularly, so please visit the official e-Extension website for any announcements.

The e-Extension portal allows you to submit all required documents and pay the visa fee online. If the application is approved, you will receive the e-Extension via email.

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Submitting documents at the Thailand Immigration Bureau on-site

If the e-Extension service is not available in the region you are visiting, you will need to schedule a physical appointment at the Thailand Immigration Bureau to submit the documents. There are several offices across the country, covering each major region. See a list of Thailand's Immigration Bureau office addresses here.

At the immigration office, authorities will ask you to submit the list of documents mentioned above. While the visa extension process is often completed on the same day, it is recommended to start as early as possible to avoid long lines.

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How much does a visa extension cost

The application fee is 1900 Baht (around EUR 50).

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Staying in Thailand for more than 60 days

Staying in Thailand for more than 60 days is possible. One of the best options for this is the Digital Nomad visa, introduced in June 2024, which allows self-employed remote workers to stay in Thailand for up to five years. However, it's important to note that the process can be more complex, with varying rules based on your nationality, purpose of stay, and other factors.

If you're interested in learning about the options available to you, we would be happy to provide support, ensuring your Thai experience is free of bureaucratic headaches.