Thailand Tourist Entry

Visa Exemption · For United Kingdom citizens

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Planning a trip to Thailand as a UK citizen? Great news: you can visit Thailand visa-free for up to 60 days for tourism. From May 2025, you must complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) online before arrival. Entry is completely free. This guide covers the requirements and what to expect.

Visa-Free Entry for UK Citizens

British passport holders can visit Thailand without a visa for up to 60 days.1

Key Facts:

  • Stay: Up to 60 days
  • Cost: Free
  • Extension: +30 days available (1,900 THB)
  • Requirement: TDAC must be completed before arrival

Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC)

From May 1, 2025, all travelers must complete the TDAC online before arriving in Thailand.2

How to Complete:

  1. Visit tdac.immigration.go.th
  2. Fill in personal details, passport information, travel plans
  3. Submit at least 3 days before arrival
  4. Receive QR code by email
  5. Present QR code at Thai immigration

The TDAC is free and takes about 5 minutes to complete.

Entry Requirements

To enter Thailand visa-free:3

  1. UK passport with 6+ months validity
  2. Completed TDAC (QR code)
  3. Return ticket within 60 days
  4. Proof of funds (may be requested)

At Thai Immigration

Present at the immigration counter:

  • UK passport
  • TDAC QR code (on phone or printed)
  • Return ticket (if asked)

Processing is typically quick for UK tourists entering visa-free.

Extending Your Stay

Need more than 60 days?1

  1. Visit any Thai immigration office
  2. Bring passport, photo, and 1,900 THB (~£45)
  3. Apply before your 60 days expires
  4. Receive 30-day extension stamp

Major offices in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Pattaya.

Working in Thailand

The visa-free entry is for tourism only. To work in Thailand, you need:

  • A work permit
  • Appropriate visa (Non-B, etc.)

Working without authorization can result in deportation and entry bans.

Overstay Penalties

Thailand enforces strict overstay penalties:

  • Fine: 500 THB per day (max 20,000 THB)
  • Possible detention and deportation
  • Entry ban for serious violations

Always extend or leave before your allowed stay expires.

Travel Advisory

Check the UK Government’s travel advice for Thailand at gov.uk before your trip.3

Common Rejection Reasons

Based on official refusal data for this corridor

40%

Missing TDAC

Did not complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card before arrival.

How to avoid: Complete TDAC at tdac.immigration.go.th at least 3 days before your flight.

30%

No Return Ticket

Cannot show proof of leaving Thailand within 60 days.

How to avoid: Book return or onward travel before departing.

20%

Passport Issues

Passport does not have 6 months validity or has no blank pages.

How to avoid: Check passport before booking flights.

10%

Exceeded Stay Limits

Previous overstays in Thailand or too many recent entries.

How to avoid: Thailand tracks entry history. Respect the 60-day limit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do UK citizens need a visa for Thailand?

No, UK citizens can enter Thailand visa-free for up to 60 days for tourism. However, you must complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) online before arrival. Entry is free.

What is the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC)?

The TDAC is a mandatory digital form that replaced the old TM6 paper card. Complete it at tdac.immigration.go.th at least 3 days before arrival. It's free and takes about 5 minutes.

How long can British citizens stay in Thailand without a visa?

UK passport holders can stay up to 60 days under the visa exemption scheme. This can be extended by 30 days at a local immigration office for 1,900 THB (~£45).

Can I extend my stay in Thailand as a UK citizen?

Yes, you can extend your 60-day visa-free stay by 30 days at any Thai immigration office. The fee is 1,900 THB (~£45). Apply before your initial 60 days expires.

Do I need a return ticket for Thailand?

Yes, you should have proof of onward travel within 60 days. Airlines typically check this before boarding, and immigration may ask at entry.

When did the TDAC requirement start?

The Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) became mandatory on May 1, 2025, replacing the paper TM6 arrival/departure card.

Sources

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