Do I need a visa for Thailand?

Whether you need a visa to travel to Thailand depends on a number of factors including how long you are planning to stay in Thailand and your nationality. But there is good news for travellers from the UK and Ireland. If you hold a UK or Irish passport and are flying to Thailand for a 2-3 week holiday, you do not require a visa to travel.

The information on this page applies specifically to travellers who hold a UK or Irish passport and are travelling to Thailand for tourism purposes. If you hold a passport from another country or are not travelling as a tourist, different rules may apply and you should check the advice given by your nearest Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate.

Visa Exemption

Allowed to stay in Thailand for 30 days*

*From 15 September 2026, the visa exemption period reverts back to 30 days. Although it was raised to 60 days in July 2024, that was always intended as a temporary measure.

Under the Visa Exemption scheme, you do not need to apply for a visa to travel to Thailand if you meet all the necessary requirements:

• Available to passport holders from certain countries including UK and Ireland
• The purpose of your visit is tourism
• You possess a passport with at least 6 months validity
• You have proof of planned travel (confirmed air, train, bus, or boat tickets) to show you will be leaving Thailand within 60 days of the arrival date*
• You may be required to show proof of adequate finances for your stay. This should be cash or travellers cheques equivalent to 20,000 Baht (approximately £450 ) per person or 40,000 Baht (approximately (£900) per family. Although this requirement is rarely requested by immigration officers, it is something to take note of just in case.

*This was the rule prior to July 2024 and we are still waiting for official confirmation whether it will be still the case or not when visa exemption reverts to 30 days.

Visa Exemption sometimes gets called ‘Visa on Arrival’ on travel websites and forums, but this isn’t the same thing as Visa Exemption. Visa on arrival is a separate category of visa which isn’t applicable to UK or Irish passport holders.

Tourist Visa (single entry or multiple entry)

Allowed to stay in Thailand for: 60 days
(Plus a one-time extension of 30 days if required)

Tourists from the UK and Ireland who wish to stay in Thailand for up to 60 days at a time can apply for this visa. If you wish to extend the Tourist Visa for a further 30 days, you can apply at any immigration office in Thailand and pay the application fee of 1,900 Baht. You can see the full details required to apply for the visa on the Royal Thai Embassy website, but some of the things you will need to show include:

• Proof of travel booking confirmation
• Proof of accommodation in Thailand e.g. hotel booking
• UK/Irish bank statements showing sufficient funds to cover your trip to Thailand

Apply for the Tourist Visa at least four weeks in advance of the travel date via the official Thai E-Visa website.

Destination Thailand Visa

Allowed to stay in Thailand for: 180 days per entry

If you are in the UK or Ireland, you can apply for the Destination Thailand Visa online at the official Thai E-Visa website: https://www.thaievisa.go.th/

If you are not in the UK or Ireland (e.g. you are travelling in South-East Asia), you should contact the nearest Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate.*

*The rules changed in August 2026. Applicants need to show they are resident in the country whose consulate/embassy they are applying through. Additional checks may also be required (including criminal background).

How to apply for a Thai visa

• Apply online at Thai E-visa official website
• Guide to E-visa application process

Check the latest entry and visa requirements for Thailand from the Royal Thai Embassy, London. If you are travelling from Ireland, please note the Royal Thai Consulate in Dublin stopped issuing visas in May 2021. Instead, visa applications can be processed online or via the Royal Thai Embassy, London.

Thailand travel advice