How long can a tourist stay in Thailand? It depends on the traveller’s passport and how they enter. Since 15 September 2026, eligible British and Irish passport holders can normally enter for tourism visa exempt for up to 30 days. They may request an extension of up to another 30 days at Thai Immigration. A single-entry tourist visa normally permits up to 60 days, with a possible 30-day extension. Extensions and entry remain subject to the authorities’ discretion.
Planning to stay longer? Send us your nationality, intended arrival date and how long you want to remain in Thailand. We can help you identify the appropriate visa or extension route.
Ask Thai Visa Express on WhatsApp| Entry route | Initial stay | Possible extension |
|---|---|---|
| Visa exemption for an eligible British or Irish tourist | Up to 30 days | Up to 30 additional days, if approved |
| Single-entry tourist visa (TR) | Up to 60 days | Up to 30 additional days, if approved |
| Visa on Arrival, for eligible nationalities | Up to 15 days | Normally unavailable, except in limited circumstances such as illness |
What is Thailand’s 30-day visa exemption?
Visa exemption allows eligible passport holders to visit Thailand for tourism without obtaining a tourist visa before travel. From 15 September 2026, British and Irish passport holders are among those eligible for a stay of up to 30 days. Eligibility differs by nationality, so travellers holding another passport should check the current Thai embassy list before booking.
Thai immigration officers may ask for accommodation details, evidence of onward travel within the permitted period and proof of sufficient funds. Once admitted, check the permitted-until date in your passport stamp. That date, rather than a general online guide, controls when your stay expires.
Can I extend a visa-exempt stay?
You can request an extension of up to 30 days at a Thai immigration office before your permission expires. Approval is not automatic. Prepare the current documents requested by your local office and allow time to apply rather than waiting until your final day.
How long can I stay with a Thai tourist visa?
A single-entry Thai tourist visa normally permits a stay of up to 60 days from entry. Its visa validity is different from the permitted length of stay: the visa may be valid for entry for three months from issue, while the entry stamp specifies how long you may remain after arrival.
A further extension of up to 30 days may be granted by Thai Immigration, bringing one visit to a possible total of 90 days. If you know you want to stay beyond the visa-exempt period, consider the tourist visa before travelling.
Is Visa on Arrival the same as visa exemption?
No. Visa on Arrival is a separate scheme for passport holders from specified countries. It normally permits no more than 15 days and, unlike the standard visa-exempt entry, is generally not extendable for tourism. British and Irish tourists who qualify for visa exemption should not describe their entry as a “visa on arrival.”
What if I want to stay in Thailand for several months?
The right option depends on your age, nationality and reason for staying. A longer-term route may include a retirement visa or extension, a family-based Non-Immigrant O route, or another visa suited to your circumstances. Do not assume that repeated tourist entries will be treated as a substitute for the correct long-term permission.
Need help choosing the right route?
Thai Visa Express assists visitors and residents with Thailand visa applications and extensions. Tell us your passport nationality, your current immigration stamp if you are already in Thailand, and your intended length of stay. We can then explain the available options.
For official updates, read the Royal Thai Embassy’s visa exemption and Visa on Arrival guidance and its single-entry tourist visa guidance.
Want to stay longer than your current stamp allows? Message us before it expires.
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