Rule change on 15 September 2026: Thailand has ended its 60-day visa exemption. From that date, eligible passports get 30 days visa-free instead. Arrive on or before 14 September 2026 and you still receive the 60-day stamp for that entry; arrive on or after the 15th and the 30-day rule applies. Comfortably enough for a honeymoon, but worth knowing if you are adding a long stay either side.
Do I need a visa for Thailand?
Visa-Free Entry: Great news for many! Citizens from the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and most European Union/Schengen Area countries can enter Thailand without a visa for tourist stays. From 15 September 2026 the visa exemption allows up to 30 days, and 60 countries and territories are on that list. Two nationalities (Mauritius and Seychelles) get 15 days instead, and three (Azerbaijan, Belarus and Serbia) move to Visa on Arrival. Thirty days is ample for almost every honeymoon itinerary.
For those eligible for visa-free entry, you simply arrive at a Thai international airport or land border checkpoint, present your passport, and receive an entry stamp. There's no need for any prior online application or embassy visit if your stay falls within the permitted duration. One thing to note if you are arriving overland from Malaysia, Cambodia or Laos: land-border entries on the 30-day exemption are limited to twice per calendar year.
Extending Your Stay: Should your honeymoon plans stretch beyond the initial visa-free period, you can apply once for an extension of stay at an Immigration Office within Thailand. This grants an additional 30 days and the fee is generally 1,900 THB, but always confirm the latest requirements with the Thai Immigration Bureau.
E-Visa for Longer Stays or Specific Nationalities: If you plan to stay longer than the visa-free period, or if your nationality is not among those eligible for visa exemption, you will need to apply for a tourist visa in advance. Thailand offers an official e-Visa application system, which simplifies the process for many applicants by allowing online submissions.
- Permitted Stay: For many major nationalities (UK, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, EU/Schengen), visa-free entry allows stays of up to 30 days from 15 September 2026, extendable once by a further 30 days. A pre-arranged Single-Entry Tourist Visa (TR) permits 60 days, also extendable by 30, so up to 90 days in total.
- Passport Validity: Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended date of departure from Thailand.
- Blank Pages: Ensure your passport has at least two blank pages for immigration stamps.
- Extension Options: Visa-exempt stays and single-entry tourist visas can be extended for an additional 30 days at a Thai Immigration Office, subject to approval, a 1,900 THB fee and specific requirements.
Staying longer than 30 days?
Most honeymoons fit comfortably inside the visa exemption, but if you are stretching the trip out, here is the simplest route for each length of stay.
- Up to 30 days: Nothing to arrange. Turn up, present your passport, and the immigration officer stamps your stay. Confirm your nationality's eligibility before you fly, as entry is always at immigration's discretion.
- 30 to 60 days: Either enter visa-free and apply for the 30-day extension once you are in Thailand, or apply for a Single-Entry Tourist Visa (TR) before you travel, which allows up to 60 days. For a stay only slightly over 30 days, the extension is usually the easier option.
- 60 to 90 days: Apply for the Single-Entry Tourist Visa (TR) before you arrive, then extend it by 30 days at a Thai Immigration Office once you are there.
- More than 90 days: Check the long-term visa options with your nearest Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate before booking, as eligibility and permitted activities vary by nationality and visa category.
Entry checklist
- A valid passport with at least six months of validity remaining from your date of entry.
- Proof of onward or return travel (e.g., a confirmed flight ticket out of Thailand) within your permitted stay period.
- Proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay (e.g., 10,000 Baht per person or 20,000 Baht per family). While not always requested, it's wise to be prepared.
- Proof of accommodation (e.g., hotel bookings) for at least part of your stay.
- A completed Arrival/Departure Card (TM.6), typically provided on your flight or at the immigration counter.
Applying for Your Thai Tourist Visa (e-Visa)
If your nationality requires a visa, or if you plan to stay longer than the visa-free exemption period, you will need to apply for a tourist visa in advance. The official Thai e-Visa system allows for a streamlined online application process from the comfort of your home.
- Where to Apply: Applications for a Thai Tourist Visa are primarily submitted through the official Thai e-Visa portal operated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand. Locate the Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate responsible for your country of residence on the portal.
- Required Documents: Typically include a passport copy, recent passport-sized photograph, flight itinerary, accommodation details, financial proof (bank statements), and sometimes a letter of invitation or employment. Specific requirements vary by nationality and visa type, so check carefully.
- Processing Time: Standard processing usually takes 3-10 business days once all documents are submitted. Expedited services may be available for an additional fee, but it's best to apply well in advance.
- Fees: A single-entry Tourist Visa (TR) typically costs around $40-50 USD, payable online. Fees are subject to change and may vary slightly by embassy/consulate.
- When to Apply: We recommend applying at least 4-6 weeks before your planned departure date to allow for processing and any unforeseen delays, especially during peak travel seasons.
The quickest way to see the exact rules for your passport is to check your requirements with Sherpa, which keeps track of the latest entry changes for you.
Once you're in Thailand
Once you have successfully entered Thailand on a tourist visa or under the visa-exemption scheme, you are generally free to travel throughout the entire country without any additional permits. From the northern mountains of Chiang Mai to the southern islands of Phuket and Koh Lanta, your honeymoon adventure awaits without regional restrictions.
Official info
Check the latest visa requirements:
- Thai e-Visa Official Website
- Thailand Immigration Bureau
- Contact the Thailand embassy or consulate in your country
Make your trip easier
- Flights: compare fares for your Thailand flights on Skyscanner.
- Travel insurance: cover your honeymoon with Nomad Insurance from SafetyWing.
- Money: dodge bad exchange rates with a Wise travel card.
With these visa insights, you're well-prepared for a seamless entry into Thailand. Focus on dreaming of vibrant street food, serene temples, and stunning beaches, knowing your travel documents are in order. We can't wait for you to experience the magic of Thailand on your unforgettable honeymoon! Check out our Thailand honeymoons.
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