You’ve made up your mind. You want to visit Thailand. Whether you wish to come for a two-week holiday or visit here for months on end, planning for your trip may leave you feeling a bit overwhelmed. Do you need a visa? Are there any special entry requirements? How can you stay long term? The whole process may seem confusing, and you have no idea where to start. Don’t worry. Take a breath. And know that getting to Thailand is much easier than you think.

This guide provides the information you’ll need to visit Thailand for 60, 90, or 180 days. You’ll learn about the requirements for different entry lengths, and learn how to extend your stay in the Kingdom. In other words, this guide provides a simple way to take the first step on your journey to Thailand.

How long would you like to visit?

The requirements and process vary depending on your intended stay length.

Short-term stay ( From up to 60–90 days)

Requirements

Travelers from 93 countries are allowed to enter Thailand visa exempt for stays of up to 60 days.

How it works

Once your passport is stamped, you’re granted access to Thailand. You’re allowed to use the 60-day visa-exempt stamp for tourist-related purposes.

Extending your stay

You can apply to extend your 60-day entry stamp for an additional 30 days by visiting a Thailand Bureau of Immigration office and filing form TM7 the cost is 1,900THB .

Long-term stay  (180 days)

The Destination Thailand or DTV visa allows stays of up to 180 days and has a term of 5-years.  It’s a true multiple entry visa, so if you leave the country, even briefly, when you reenter Thailand you’ll be stamped in for another 180 day stay.

This visa is for anyone over the age of 20 who can show about $16,000 in a foreign or Thai bank account.  You can qualify in one of three ways.  You can work remotely from Thailand for a company, or be self-employed, such as a content creator or consultant.  You can enroll in a Thai cultural program such as a Muay Thai academy or cooking school (but not Thai language school).  Finally, you can schedule medical treatments or an examination appointment at a Thai hospital or medical clinic.

The cost of this 5-year visa is about $400.00 USD, which is quite a bargain when compared to similar programs offered by other countries.  Now each Royal Thai Embassy around the world may have slightly different requirements so please check your home country’s Thai Embassy before applying.

How to extend your stay

Your 60-day visa exemption, or your 180 day DTV stay, can be extended in the same way. That said, before you visit an immigration office, check with that specific branch about requirements, as they may vary. Once you’ve done that, you’ll need to prepare your documents.

Documents required for your visa extension:

  • A copy of your passport pages (biographical data page, arrival stamp, visa if applicable). Sign each page of the copies with the same signature style that appears in your passport.
  • A 4 cm x 6 cm passport photo. Tip: Wear a collared shirt for the picture.

Applying for your visa extension

Your extension day has arrived and you’re ready to head to immigration. But first, be sure to dress right. Wear long pants (jeans are OK) and a shirt with sleeves; you’ll be visiting a government office and respectful attire, a smile, and patience will be a plus.

Once you’re dressed for success and your documents are prepared, the next step is to apply for your extension. Here’s how to do that:

  1. Go to any Thailand Bureau of Immigration office and fill out an application (form TM 7). Use the following link to find the closest office near you: Immigration Bureau.
  2. Apply for an extension at least a few days before your visa or exempt status expires (we recommend 5 days before). Applying in advance eliminates any unnecessary stress if something comes up and you can’t get to an immigration office in time.
  3. The process should take a few hours. You submit everything, it gets reviewed by a staff member, and then is processed by the officer in charge.
  4. Pay THB1,900 (about US$56) in cash. Exact change is recommended, as that is all that some immigration officers are willing to accept.

For more information on extensions, the Thailand Immigration Bureau page can be a handy resource.

How to enjoy your stay in Thailand

Now that you know how to get to Thailand and stay for an extended period, what should you be aware of once you arrive? Here are some tips from our team, who have been living in or visiting the Kingdom for a combined 75+ years:

Smile 🙂

Thailand is known as the Land of Smiles for a reason. Everyone smiles. Getting angry or frustrated is a way to lose face and trust… you almost never hear drivers honking their horns in traffic. A smile, however, can go a long way with locals. It can be key to getting better service at restaurants, businesses, and even immigration.

Don’t work on a tourist visa 🚫

Working or earning money from a company based in Thailand while you’re on a tourist visa subjects you to potential fines and jail time.

Don’t overstay 📅

Just like working in Thailand, overstaying is a big no-no. If you do, you risk fines and being blacklisted, which means you could be banned from re-entering Thailand for up to 10 years.

Bring some nice clothes 👚

Appearance counts in Thailand. You will usually get better service when you wear nice clothes. Also, more formal clothes are often necessary for visits to temples and first-class places like rooftop bars that require a dress code.

Learn some basic Thai 💬

While English is quite common in Thailand, there are times where you’ll face a clear language barrier. Knowing some basic Thai can be extremely helpful when taking a taxi, ordering food, or whenever you’re in a rural area.

Conclusion

At Baan Thai, we’re here to help you with your unique goals. Whether you’re looking to visit, retire, open a business, or work in Thailand, we are here to guide you through the legal challenges and make your transition here as seamless as possible.

We realize your situation is unique. So if you’d like personalized guidance, contact us today for a free consultation.

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Mark Friedman

Managing Director of Baan Thai
Mark is a member of the California Bar and a 1987 graduate with honors from the University of Southern California Gould School of Law.

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