Thailand Tourist Entry
Visa Exemption · For United States citizens
Planning a trip to Thailand as a US citizen? Great news: you can enter Thailand visa-free for up to 60 days for tourism. From May 1, 2025, you must complete the free Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) online before arrival. This guide covers entry requirements, the TDAC process, and what to expect at immigration.
Thailand Visa for US Citizens (2025) - Document Checklist
For United States citizens · VisaBeat.com
Document Checklist
Your US passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry
Mandatory digital form that replaced the TM6 paper card, must be completed online before arrival
Proof that you will leave Thailand within 60 days
Hotel booking or address where you will stay
Evidence you can support yourself during your stay
Entry Requirements
US citizens can enter Thailand visa-free for up to 60 days for tourism.1 This is the simplest option for most American travelers.
What You Need:
- Valid US passport (6+ months validity)
- Completed TDAC (Thailand Digital Arrival Card)
- Return or onward ticket within 60 days
- Proof of accommodation
- Sufficient funds (THB 20,000 per person)
Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC)
From May 1, 2025, all travelers to Thailand must complete the TDAC online before arrival.2
How to Complete TDAC:
- Visit tdac.immigration.go.th at least 72 hours before arrival2
- Create an account with your email
- Enter personal details matching your passport exactly
- Provide flight information and accommodation address
- Submit and save confirmation to your phone
The TDAC is completely free. Avoid third-party websites that charge fees for this service.
Fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa-Free Entry | Free |
| TDAC | Free |
| Extension (30 days) | THB 1,900 (~$55) |
| Tourist Visa (if needed) | THB 2,000 (~$60) |
Most American tourists pay nothing for entry into Thailand.
Extending Your Stay
If you want to stay longer than 60 days:2
- Visit any Thai Immigration Office before your 60 days expires
- Bring passport, one photo, and THB 1,900
- Fill out extension form (TM.7)
- Receive 30-day extension stamp
This gives you a total of 90 days. Major immigration offices are in Bangkok (Chaeng Wattana), Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Pattaya.
Tourist Visa Option
If you need more time or multiple entries, apply for a tourist visa before traveling:3
Single Entry Tourist Visa:
- 60 days stay, extendable by 30 days
- THB 2,000 (~$60)
- Apply at Thai consulate
Multiple Entry Tourist Visa:
- 60 days per entry, 6-month validity
- THB 10,000 (~$290)
- Requires more documentation
At the Border
Present to Thai immigration:
- US passport
- TDAC confirmation (digital or printed)
- Return ticket (if asked)
- Hotel booking (if asked)
Immigration will stamp your passport with entry date and “60 days” allowed stay.
Important Rules
- No working on tourist entry, including remote work for Thai clients
- 90-day reporting not required for stays under 90 days
- Overstay penalties are THB 500 per day (max THB 20,000)
- Re-entry permit needed if leaving and returning during same stay
If Entry is Refused
Entry refusals are rare for American tourists but can happen. If refused:
- You will receive a form explaining the reason
- You will be held in airport transit
- You will be returned on the next flight
Be polite and cooperative. Common issues are suspected visa runs, missing return tickets, or TDAC problems.
Common Rejection Reasons
Based on official refusal data for this corridor
Multiple Consecutive Entries
Making more than 2 consecutive visa-free entries within 180 days. Thailand cracks down on people using tourist entry to live in Thailand.
How to avoid: If you need extended stays, apply for a proper tourist visa. Avoid back-to-back visa-free entries.
No Return Ticket
Cannot show proof of leaving Thailand within 60 days. Airlines may deny boarding.
How to avoid: Always book return or onward travel before departing. Even a cheap regional flight works.
Insufficient Funds
Cannot demonstrate THB 20,000 per person when asked by immigration.
How to avoid: Carry cash or have easy access to bank statements showing sufficient funds.
TDAC Issues
TDAC not completed or information does not match passport.
How to avoid: Complete TDAC at least 72 hours before arrival. Double-check all information matches your passport.
Suspicious Travel Pattern
Long stays near maximum, minimal luggage, or patterns suggesting informal work.
How to avoid: Be honest about your travel purpose. Pack appropriately for your stated trip length.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do US citizens need a visa for Thailand?
No, US citizens can enter Thailand visa-free for up to 60 days for tourism. You only need to complete the free Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) online before arrival. This visa exemption has been in effect since July 2024.
What is the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC)?
The TDAC is a mandatory online form that replaced the old TM6 paper card from May 1, 2025. Complete it at tdac.immigration.go.th at least 72 hours before arriving. It is completely free on the official government website.
How long can Americans stay in Thailand without a visa?
US passport holders can stay up to 60 days under the visa exemption. You can extend this by 30 days at a local immigration office for THB 1,900, giving you a total of 90 days.
Is the Thailand TDAC free?
Yes, the TDAC is completely free when completed on the official government website tdac.immigration.go.th. Beware of third-party websites that charge fees for this free service.
Can I extend my stay in Thailand?
Yes, you can extend your visa-free stay by 30 days at any Thai Immigration Office for THB 1,900 (~$55). This gives you a total of 90 days. Apply before your 60 days expires.
Do I need a return ticket to enter Thailand?
Technically yes. Airlines often check for proof of onward travel before boarding, and immigration officers can request it. Having a return ticket within 60 days is strongly recommended.
How much money do I need to show for Thailand entry?
You should have equivalent of THB 20,000 (~$580) per person or THB 40,000 (~$1,160) per family. Random checks are rare but do happen, especially for younger travelers.
Can I work in Thailand on a tourist entry?
No, the visa exemption is strictly for tourism. Working without proper authorization is illegal and can result in fines, detention, and deportation. For work, you need a Non-Immigrant B visa and work permit.