Thailand
Entry requirements
This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of the current rules for the most common types of travel.
The authorities in Thailand set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Thai Embassy in the UK.
Passport validity requirements
To enter Thailand, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive and have at least 1 blank page.
Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.
You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.
Dual nationals
When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.
If you’re a dual national, it is best to leave Thailand on the same passport you used to enter – this will avoid problems at immigration.
Visa requirements
From 15 September 2026, if you enter Thailand under the visa exemption scheme, you can stay for up to 30 days for tourism only. Visa-exempt entry does not cover business travel, including attending conferences, meetings or other business activities. If you are travelling for business purposes, you should obtain the appropriate visa before you travel.
Visa-exempt entry for tourism is normally limited to two entries per calendar year. If you have already entered Thailand under the visa exemption scheme twice in the same year, you may need to obtain a visa before travelling.
If you entered Thailand before 15 September 2026, you will usually be allowed to stay for the period granted when you arrived. If you want to stay longer, you must get the appropriate visa before you travel or, if eligible, apply for an extension through the Thai immigration authorities.
You may be asked to show that you meet the entry requirements. This could include proof that you have enough money for your stay (at least 10,000 Thai baht per person or 20,000 Thai baht per family) and evidence of onward or return travel. British nationals have been refused entry for failing to provide this evidence.
If you overstay your permission to stay in Thailand, you could be fined, detained, deported or banned from re-entering the country. Make sure you understand the conditions of your stay and get any visa extension you need before your permission expires.
If you plan to work, study, retire or live in Thailand, you must get the appropriate visa before you travel.
Digital Arrival Card
From 1 May 2025, all foreign nationals entering Thailand, whether by air, land or sea must complete a digital arrival card online before arrival. Travellers can register for an arrival card within 3 days before they arrive.
Overstaying your visa
If you overstay the period of your visa, you will get a fine of 500 Thai baht a day up to a maximum of 20,000 baht. You risk being:
- held in detention
- deported at your own expense
- banned from re-entering Thailand for up to 10 years
Conditions in detention centres can be harsh.
Vaccine requirements
To enter Thailand, you must have a certificate to prove you’ve had a yellow fever vaccination if you’re coming from a country listed as a transmission risk.
For full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Thailand guide.
Ebola
As a public health measure, Thailand has introduced health screening for travellers arriving from affected regions. Travellers are subject to a mandatory quarantine or self-isolation period of at least 21 days.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared this a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.
Customs rules
There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Thailand. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.
Taking cigarettes into Thailand
It is illegal to take more than 200 cigarettes per person into Thailand. This is enforced at customs on arrival. If you go over the limit, you could be fined 10 times the value. Your cigarettes will likely be confiscated.