Thailand Visa Exempt
Get 60 days in Thailand with zero cost and zero paperwork. Available for 93 nationalities on arrival at any airport or border crossing. Extendable for 30 more days.
What is Visa Exempt Entry?
Visa exempt entry is Thailand's automatic tourist entry program. Citizens of 93 countries can simply arrive at any Thai airport or land border, show their passport, and receive a 60-day stamp for free. No advance application, no visa fee, no paperwork.
This makes visa exempt the easiest way to visit Thailand for tourism, with the flexibility to extend for 30 more days at immigration offices inside Thailand (total 90 days possible per entry).
Important: While visa exempt entries are technically unlimited, immigration officers track patterns. Most experts recommend limiting visa exempt use to 2-3 entries per year. Frequent entries (4+ per year) raise red flags and increase denial risk significantly.
Complete Visa Exempt Guides
Thailand Visa Exempt Entry Limits 2026
How many visa exempt entries can you really do? Real data on denial patterns and safe limits.
Visa Exempt Quick Reference
Who Qualifies:
- ✅ Citizens of 93 eligible countries
- ✅ Valid passport (6+ months)
- ✅ Onward travel within 60 days
- ✅ Proof of funds (20,000 THB)
- ✅ No previous overstays or bans
Key Limitations:
- ⚠️ Not for work (even remote work legally requires DTV)
- ⚠️ Not for long-term residence
- ⚠️ Scrutiny increases after 2-3 entries per year
- ⚠️ 180+ cumulative days raises questions
- ⚠️ Back-to-back entries (border runs) risky
Visa Exempt vs Tourist Visa
| Feature | Visa Exempt | Tourist Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free | 1,000-5,000 THB |
| Advance Planning | None | 3-10 days processing |
| Initial Stay | 60 days | 60 days |
| Extension | +30 days (1,900 THB) | +30 days (1,900 THB) |
| Safe Annual Usage | 2-3 entries | Unlimited with METV |
| Best For | 1-2 short trips per year | Multiple trips or 3+ visits/year |
Common Questions
How many visa exempt entries can I do per year?
While technically unlimited, the practical safe limit is 2-3 entries per year. Immigration officers track patterns. After 3 entries, questioning and denial risk increase significantly. If you need more than 3 visits per year, get a Multiple Entry Tourist Visa (METV) or DTV.
Can I work on visa exempt entry?
No. Visa exempt is strictly for tourism only. Remote work for foreign companies legally requires a DTV visa. Working for Thai companies requires a work permit. While enforcement is limited for remote workers, it's technically not allowed under visa exempt rules.
Do I need proof of onward travel?
Yes, required but enforcement varies. Airlines check more strictly than immigration. Have a flight, bus, or train ticket out of Thailand within 60 days. If you don't have one, you may be denied boarding or entry. Use a cheap flight to neighboring country or onward ticket service if needed.
What happens if I overstay?
Overstay penalties are 500 THB per day (max 20,000 THB). You'll pay at airport when leaving. But overstays create permanent records that affect future entries. Even 1-day overstay is noted in your passport. Multiple overstays can lead to bans. Always extend or exit on time.
Can I extend visa exempt inside Thailand?
Yes. Visit any immigration office 30-45 days before your stamp expires. Bring passport, 1,900 THB cash, 2 passport photos, and proof of Thai address. Same-day or next-day processing. This gives you 90 days total (60+30). You can only extend once per entry.
Unsure If Visa Exempt Is Safe for Your Pattern?
Already did 2-3 visa exempt entries this year? Worried about denial risk? Get expert analysis of your entry history and a clear recommendation on whether to risk another visa exempt entry or get a proper visa.