Thailand, known for its rich culture, stunning beaches, and vibrant cities, continues to refine its immigration policies to accommodate global travelers and foreign residents. In 2025, significant updates have been introduced to simplify processes, attract digital nomads, and ensure national security. These changes reflect Thailand’s commitment to being a global hub for tourism and investment, while also managing public health and immigration control.
The Thai government has taken steps to digitize visa applications, expand the list of visa-exempt countries, and offer longer stays for retirees and professionals.
Whether you're a tourist, student, digital nomad, or entrepreneur, understanding these new visa regulations is crucial for a hassle-free experience in the Kingdom.
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Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC)
As of May 1, 2025, Thailand has transitioned to a fully digital immigration process by introducing the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC). This new requirement mandates that all foreign nationals entering the country - whether for tourism, business, or long-term residence - must complete the TDAC online at least three days prior to their arrival.
The digital form, which replaces the outdated TM6 paper immigration form, is designed to streamline the entry process, reduce congestion at immigration checkpoints, and improve data collection for national security.
The TDAC collects essential information such as travel details, your rentals in Thailand, and personal identification, allowing Thai authorities to pre-screen travelers and facilitate a smoother entry experience upon arrival.
Visa exemption scheme
Thailand has significantly expanded its Visa Exemption Scheme, allowing nationals from 93 countries to enter the country without a visa for specific purposes such as tourism, business meetings, or urgent work-related matters. Under the updated regulation effective from July 15, 2024, eligible travelers can stay in Thailand for up to 60 days without a visa. If they wish to extend their stay, they can apply for a 30-day extension at a local immigration office, making the total stay possible up to 90 days.
This policy aims to boost tourism and business travel while simplifying the process for short-term visitors. However, visitors must still meet certain entry conditions such as:
- proof of funds
- a return or onward travel ticket
- and the completed TDAC
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93 countries eligible for Visa exemption scheme
- Albania
- Andorra
- Australia
- Austria
- Bahrain
- Belgium
- Bhutan
- Brazil
- Brunei
- Bulgaria
- Cambodia
- Canada
- China
- Colombia
- Croatia
- Cuba
- Cyprus
- Czechia
- Denmark
- Dominica
- Dominican Republic
- Ecuador
- Estonia
- Fiji
- Finland
- France
- Georgia
- Germany
- Greece
- Guatemala
- Hong Kong
- Hungary
- Iceland
- India
- Indonesia
- Ireland
- Israel
- Italy
- Jamaica
- Japan
- Jordan
- Kazakhstan
- Korea (ROK)
- Kosovo
- Kuwait
- Laos
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Macao
- Malaysia
- Maldives
- Malta
- Mauritius
- Mexico
- Monaco
- Mongolia
- Morocco
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
- Norway
- Oman
- Panama
- Papua New Guinea
- Peru
- Philippines
- Poland
- Portugal
- Qatar
- Romania
- Russia
- San Marino
- Saudi Arabia
- Singapore
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sri Lanka
- South Africa
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Taiwan
- Tonga
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Türkiye
- Ukraine
- UAE
- UK
- USA
- Uruguay
- Uzbekistan
- Vietnam
Visa on Arrival (VoA)
Thailand continues to offer a Visa on Arrival (VoA) program for passport holders from 31 designated countries. The VoA is specifically tailored for tourists and allows for a short stay in Thailand of up to 15 days.
Travelers can obtain the VoA at designated immigration checkpoints by providing the necessary documents, including a passport-sized photograph, a confirmed travel itinerary, and payment of the visa fee.
Although shorter in duration than the Visa Exemption Scheme, the VoA provides an accessible and quick entry option for spontaneous travelers or those from countries not covered under the visa exemption list. It is important for travelers to confirm their eligibility and prepare all required documents in advance to avoid entry delays.
31 countries and territories eligible for Visa on Arrival
- Armenia
- Belarus
- Bhutan
- Bolivia
- Bulgaria
- China
- Costa Rica
- Cyprus
- El Salvador
- Ethiopia
- Fiji
- Georgia
- India
- Kazakhstan
- Kyrgyzstan
- Malta
- Mexico
- Namibia
- Nauru
- Papua New Guinea
- Paraguay
- Romania
- Russia
- Saudi Arabia
- Serbia
- Seychelles
- Taiwan
- Tunisia
- Uzbekistan
- Vanuatu
- Venezuela
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Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)
In a further move to modernize its border control processes, Thailand will implement an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system starting in June 2025. This requirement applies to travelers from visa-exempt countries, who must register online before their trip to Thailand. The ETA process includes submission of personal information, travel plans, and passport details through an online platform.
Once approved, the ETA will be electronically linked to the traveler's passport, allowing for a faster and more secure entry process. The system is part of Thailand's broader efforts to enhance national security, minimize illegal immigration, and align with global digital travel trends.
Long-Term Resident (LTR) and SMART visa programs
In early 2025, Thailand made substantial changes to its Long-Term Resident (LTR) and SMART Visa programs to make the country more attractive to foreign investors, professionals, and remote workers. These visa programs now feature more relaxed eligibility criteria.
For instance, the "Wealthy Global Citizens" track under the LTR Visa no longer requires applicants to demonstrate an annual income of USD 80,000. Additionally, the employer revenue threshold for the "Work-from-Thailand" category under the SMART Visa has been significantly reduced, allowing more foreign companies and employees to qualify. These reforms aim to position Thailand as a hub for talent and innovation in the Asia-Pacific region, offering up to 10-year visas for eligible individuals.
Proof of funds requirement
Travelers entering Thailand under the Visa Exemption Scheme must be prepared to show proof of adequate financial means to support their stay. Immigration officers may request evidence that individuals have at least 20,000 Baht per person or 40,000 Baht per family upon arrival. This requirement is intended to ensure that tourists can financially sustain themselves during their visit and to prevent cases of overstaying or unauthorized employment.
Acceptable forms of proof include bank statements, cash, or credit card limits. It's advisable for travelers to carry this documentation even if not explicitly asked during the entry process.
Limitations on land border entries
Thailand has introduced restrictions on how frequently travelers can use land border checkpoints for visa-exempt entries. As of 2025, foreign nationals can enter Thailand under the Visa Exemption Scheme through land borders only twice per calendar year. This limitation is aimed at preventing abuse of the visa exemption system, particularly by travelers who engage in so-called "border runs" to extend their stay without proper long-term visas.
However, these restrictions do not apply to travelers arriving through international airports, where there is no cap on the number of entries.
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Tourist tax Implementation delayed
The Thai government had previously planned to implement a 300 Baht tourist entry tax to generate revenue for tourism infrastructure and insurance coverage for travelers. However, due to the focus on launching and stabilizing the new TDAC system, the implementation of this tax has been postponed.
Authorities have indicated that the digital infrastructure must first be fully functional and user-friendly before additional financial burdens are introduced. While this delay may be temporary, tourists should stay informed about any future announcements regarding its enforcement.
Main image credit: Sara Dubler on Unsplash
