Thailand, a Southeast Asian country comprising 1,000 islands, is a famous holiday destination. People from all over the world flock to Thailand for its breathtaking beaches, beautiful ancient temples, fascinating culture, vibrant nightlife, and drool-worthy Thai cuisine. Moreover, it is also extremely affordable. However, before you visit the country, you may have to get a Thailand visa. Even if you are from a visa-exempt country, there are some rules that you need to know. Here is everything you need to know about Thailand’s new visa rules 2025.
Latest Thailand Visa Rules 2025
The Thai Government introduced new policies and changes in the Thai visa system in 2025 to digitalize the entire visa process, strengthen immigration controls, and standardize the entry procedures. The new Thailand visa norms are in place to ensure that the Thailand visas are not misused by visitors.
1. Digital Arrival Card
The Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) is the latest initiative by the Thai Government regarding the Thai visa. Every foreign visitor to Thailand must obtain this card before entering the country, even if they are eligible for visa-free entry, visa on arrival, or e-visa. The digital card has replaced the TM6 or the traditional paper arrival card. TDAC was introduced in May 2025. Every foreign national, whether a tourist, business visitor, or long-term resident, needs to get the TDAC.
The process of obtaining the Digital Arrival Card is entirely done online, and you get the card in your email. Here is the process of getting the Digital Arrival Card.
- The first step is to visit the official Thailand immigration website at tdac.immigration.go.th. Once you enter the website, you need to click on the button, “Arrival Card.”
- The next step is to put in your personal information. This includes first name, last name, birth date, passport number, and nationality. If you hold a Thai visa, this should also be mentioned.
- Next, you need to enter your travel details, including arrival date, purpose of visit, Thailand address, means of transportation, and more. After completing this step, click “Continue.”
- The form also requires you to declare your health status by mentioning the countries you have visited in the last 14 days.
- Once you have entered all your information, you need to review it before submitting. Make sure that there are no errors on the form, both spelling and factual mistakes.
- You also need to provide your correct email ID. Ensure it is functional and you can receive emails correctly.
- After reviewing everything, click the Submit button upon accepting the terms of use. Once this is done, you will receive your Thailand Digital Card in your email almost immediately.
- You need to download the card and then print it out to be produced at the time of immigration.
Important Things to Know About the Thailand Digital Arrival Card
- You must apply for the Thailand Digital Arrival Card at least 3 days or 72 hours before arriving in the country.
- If you are staying in Thailand for a longer duration, you must update the Thailand Digital Arrival Card every 90 days.
- People who are transitioning through Thailand do not need to get the TDAC. It is also not needed by people who enter the country with a Thailand Border Pass.
2. Alteration of Thailand Visa Free Stay Duration
Although this is one of the new Thai visa rules that has not yet been implemented, the Thai Government is considering it quite seriously. According to the current rule, people who enter Thailand with a visa on arrival or visa-free entry can stay in the country for 60 days, which can be extended to an additional 30 days. However, in the near future, this may be altered. The Thai Government is considering lessening the duration of stay for visa-free entry and visa-on-arrival visitors. As per the new rule, the initial duration of the visit would be no more than 30 days, which might or might not be extended. This rule would be introduced to address issues related to overstaying.
3. Thailand E-Visa Portal
The Thailand e-visa is not limited to just a few countries. In fact, citizens of countries all over the world can apply for a Thailand e-visa. The Thai e-visa is available to tourists, students, business professionals, retirees, family members of Thai citizens, foreign experts, startup entrepreneurs, investors, etc. Transit visas are also available on this e-portal. In fact, the Thai Government launched a brand new Thai e-visa portal on January 1, 2025. As the process is entirely digital and paperless, applying for a Thailand visa has become easy and quick. Here is the process of applying for a Thailand e-visa.
- You need to create an account on the website “thaievisa.gov”, where you must provide details such as your full name, contact number, email ID, and nationality. Once this is done, you will receive an email with a verification link.
- The next step is to fill out the application form. You will need to provide your name, date of birth, nationality, and other relevant details. The information should match the details in your passport.
- The form also requires you to provide travel details, such as travel dates, duration, travel purpose, accommodation, etc.
- Once you have filled in the form, the next step is to upload the soft copies of all the documents. You need to scan all the required documents, including your passport, photos, proof of accommodation, flight itinerary, and proof of finances. Additional documents may be required depending on the type of visa you are applying for.
- The next step is to pay the Thailand visa fee online. The cost of the visa fee would depend on the type of visa you are applying for. You can pay the visa fee using a credit card.
- Once you click ‘Submit,’ your Thai visa verification process begins. It can take anywhere between 3 and 10 business days for completion of the process. If approved, you will receive your e-visa in your email.
- In case you find the Thailand e-visa process a bit time consuming or even confusing, you can get in touch with visa consultants at Rayna Tours. The visa experts at Rayna are knowledgeable and experienced and will guide you through the entire process step-by-step. This will ensure that your e-visa application goes smoothly, and you get your visa on time, without any hassles.
Thailand Visa
Easy Documentation
Online Payment Option
4. Financial Requirements
The Thai visa rules have become stricter regarding financial resources. One of the Thailand entry requirements 2025 is that the visitors must have enough money in their bank account to take care of their needs while staying in the country. Currently, it is mandatory for visitors to have a minimum of 20,000 Thai Baht (USD 550) in their account. As proof, you will need to submit your bank statements for the past three months. If a Thai citizen or resident is sponsoring your trip, you need to submit a sponsor letter.
5. Passport Validity
Another visa rule that you must follow when visiting Thailand is the validity of your passport. Your passport must have at least six months’ validity from the date of arrival in Thailand. Moreover, there should be at least two blank pages in the passport. Ensure you always have your passport with you while exploring the country. Do not forget to take printouts of both your passport and visa pages with you.
Important Tips Regarding Thailand Visa Rules
Here are some key points to remember when it comes to Thailand visa rules.
- You must obtain your Thailand Digital Arrival Card before you arrive in the country. Ensure that you’ll fill out the form at least 3 days prior to your arrival in Thailand.
- Several countries are eligible for visa on arrival and visa-free entry into Thailand. However, the requirements and duration vary by country. Hence, check the Thailand visa rules for your country before you start making your plans.
- Always check the right visa type for you before applying. It is crucial that you apply for the right visa, one that matches the purpose of your visit to Thailand. Otherwise, your visa may be rejected.
- Make sure you respect and follow the visa validity and rules. It is important that you leave the country before your visa expires. This will ensure that you do not incur any fines or issues with visiting the country again in the future.
- Always keep both soft copies and printed copies of your e-visa, TDAC, travel insurance, and return tickets for safety purposes.
Conclusion
An important thing to remember when it comes to a Thailand visa is that the rules keep changing to accommodate the changing times and requirements. Hence, if you are planning a trip to Thailand, the first step is to check the Thai visa requirements before exploring things to do in Thailand. This will ensure that there are no roadblocks in your travel plans. You can also consider consulting a reputable visa consultant to stay informed about the latest rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
