The 30-day visa-exempt provision was officially published in the Royal Thai Gazette on August 31, 2026, and took effect September 15, 2026. Rules vary by nationality and entry point. Always verify the current regulations at the Royal Thai Embassy or Immigration office before traveling. We're updating this to the best of our knowledge; see the full rules page for the complete disclaimer. Last verified: September 15, 2026.
Understanding Thailand's Free Entry Options
Thailand offers two primary ways to enter without a pre-arranged visa: Visa Exempt (free) and Visa On Arrival (paid). Both are straightforward but suited for different nationalities and circumstances.
Visa Exempt: 30 Days, Down From 60
Visa Exempt is Thailand's entry program for nationals of qualifying countries (Australia, US, UK, Canada, EU nations, and others). It's completely free and requires no advance application. You get 30 days (15 for Seychelles and Mauritius).
The 2026 Change (Effective September 15, 2026)
The 60-day visa exemption scheme has ended. Visa Exempt is now 30 days for the 60 eligible countries (down from 93), and 15 days for Seychelles and Mauritius. This will affect how you plan your trip; check chiangmaiambassador.com/visa-exempt-status-2026-returning-to-30-days for the full details and disclaimer.
Visa On Arrival (VOA): 15 Days for 2,000 THB, Now 3 Countries
VOA is available to nationals of a specific, designated list of countries, not everyone, and not the same list as Visa Exempt. You can apply before arrival at a Thai embassy or consulate, or on the day you arrive at designated airports and borders. Cost: 2,000 THB. Duration: 15 days. Since September 15, 2026 the VOA-eligible list is just 3 countries: Azerbaijan, Belarus and Serbia.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Visa Exempt | Visa On Arrival (VOA) |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free | 2,000 THB (approximately USD 60) |
| Duration | 30 days (15 for Seychelles/Mauritius) | 15 days |
| Eligible Nationalities | 60 countries (15-day stay for Seychelles and Mauritius) | 3 countries: Azerbaijan, Belarus, Serbia |
| Pre-Application Required | No | Optional (can apply on arrival) |
| Processing Time | Instant at immigration | 15-30 minutes on arrival |
| Extension Available | Yes, once, up to 30 days for 1,900 THB (officer's discretion) | Not confirmed |
| Entry Points | All airports and borders | Only designated airports/borders |
Which Countries Qualify for Visa Exempt?
Visa Exempt countries include: Australia, New Zealand, UK, Ireland, USA, Canada, Japan, South Korea, and most EU nations. If your country isn't on the list, apply for a visa at a Thai embassy or consulate before you travel. Only Azerbaijan, Belarus and Serbia passport holders can still get a Visa On Arrival.
Visa Exempt: How It Works
Requirements
- Valid passport (at least 6 months validity)
- Return ticket or proof of onward travel (recommended)
- Proof of sufficient funds (approximately 20,000 THB per person)
- Completed TM.6 form (provided on arrival)
Process
- Arrive at Thai airport or land border
- Fill out TM.6 form (available at immigration)
- Present passport and form to immigration officer
- Receive stamp immediately (30 days, or 15 for Seychelles and Mauritius)
- Done. No fees, instant processing.
Visa On Arrival (VOA): How It Works
Method 1: Pre-Arrival at Embassy
- Apply at Thai embassy or consulate in your home country
- Bring passport, completed form, photo, return ticket
- Pay 2,000 THB visa fee
- Processing: 2-5 business days
- Receive visa stamp in passport
Method 2: On Arrival
- Apply at designated airport or border on arrival day
- Bring passport, completed TM.8 form, 1 passport photo (4x6cm), return ticket
- Pay 2,000 THB visa fee
- Processing: 15-30 minutes (usually slower due to queues)
Extension: Visa Exempt Can Be Extended Once
A Visa Exempt stay can be extended once, by up to 30 additional days, at any Thai Immigration office. The officer decides whether to grant it. The official announcement does not confirm whether a 15-day VOA stay can be extended.
- Cost: 1,900 THB
- Timing: Apply within 5 days before expiration
- Documents: Passport, TM.47 extension form, passport photo
- Processing: 1 day (usually same-day)
After Extension
- Visa Exempt + Extension: about 60 days total (30 + 30)
- VOA + Extension: not confirmed. Ask Immigration before you rely on it.
When to Use Each
Use Visa Exempt if
- You're from an eligible country (Australia, UK, US, Canada, EU, etc)
- You're staying 30 days or less, no extension needed
- You want to save money and avoid paperwork: it's free, and instant on arrival
Use VOA if
- Your country is on the VOA-eligible list but not the Visa Exempt list (they're different lists)
- You hold an Azerbaijan, Belarus or Serbia passport. The stay is 15 days, so plan for the short window
- You want more security and pre-arranged approval before arrival
Use Tourist Visa if
- You're staying longer than about 60 days (Visa Exempt plus one extension is the ceiling)
- You want flexibility for multiple entries within 180 days
Use ED/DTV/Marriage/Retirement Visa if
- You're staying 6+ months long-term
- Border runs aren't sustainable
- You want a real long-stay visa
Key Takeaways
- Visa Exempt: 30 days free (15 for Seychelles/Mauritius) for the 60 eligible countries. Instant on arrival.
- VOA: 15 days for 2,000 THB, only for Azerbaijan, Belarus and Serbia. Can apply on arrival or pre-apply.
- Visa Exempt extendable once: up to 30 more days for 1,900 THB at Immigration, at the officer's discretion.
- Exempt + Extension: 60 days total, 1,900 THB cost.
- VOA extension: not confirmed in the official announcement.
- Staying longer than 60 days? Use Tourist visa, ED, DTV, Marriage, or Retirement visa instead.
Ready to apply? Full step-by-step guide, document checklist, and current processing times at CMLocals: Visa Exempt Guide.
Guru Tip
If you are arriving at Suvarnabhumi or Chiang Mai Airport on a Visa Exempt passport, you skip the VOA counter entirely. The VOA queue at major Thai airports during peak travel periods can take 2 to 3 hours. Visa Exempt holders use the faster immigration lanes, so skip the queue and the fee. VOA is now only for Azerbaijan, Belarus and Serbia passport holders, whose only no-visa route is a 15-day stay. Arrive early with your form, photo and cash ready.
What is the difference between visa exempt and visa on arrival in Thailand?
Visa Exempt is automatic entry permission for nationals of qualifying countries requiring no prior application or fee. It grants 30 days (15 for Seychelles and Mauritius). Visa on Arrival (VOA) requires a fee (approximately 2,000 THB), a form, and photo submission at arrival, with a separate queue, and is limited to 3 eligible countries (Azerbaijan, Belarus, Serbia) with a 15-day stay. Both allow tourism only, no work.
Which countries qualify for visa-exempt entry to Thailand?
60 countries including Australia, USA, UK, most EU nations, Canada, New Zealand, and many others, now receiving 30 days visa-exempt entry (down from 93 countries at 60 days). The 2-entries-per-calendar-year cap applies to land border checkpoint entries (Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Brunei excepted). The official TAT Newsroom announcement does not state a limit for air or sea arrivals.
Can I extend a visa-exempt stay inside Thailand?
Yes, once. A 30-day extension is available at immigration offices for 1,900 THB. In Chiang Mai, this is the Airport Road immigration office. You apply before your original permitted stay expires. The extension is at the officer's discretion, and it takes a 30-day stay to about 60 days in total.
How many times can I enter Thailand visa-exempt in a year?
Visa-exempt arrivals are limited to 2 land border entries per calendar year for most nationalities, with Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, and Brunei not subject to the cap. The official announcement does not state a limit for air or sea arrivals. How repeated air entries are treated is not stated, so check with immigration or your embassy. If you spend significant time in Thailand each year, a Tourist Visa or long-stay visa avoids this scrutiny.
Is visa on arrival available at Chiang Mai Airport?
Yes, but only passport holders from Azerbaijan, Belarus and Serbia qualify for VOA now. Chiang Mai International Airport has a Visa on Arrival counter. The queue is typically shorter than at Suvarnabhumi but can still be slow during peak arrivals. Have your form filled out, a passport photo, 2,000 THB in cash for the fee, and evidence of onward travel ready before you reach the counter.
