Expat Pattaya Thailand

Basic Immigration Information

Thailand Immigration has been noted for sometimes making changes without notice,
the information presented is current to the best of our knowledge.

Thai Immigration Information

All foreigners visiting Thailand may only encounter the Immigration checkpoint when entering or exiting the country. However, those planning longer stays or requiring additional services will need to visit their local Immigration Office.

Downloadable forms:

Immigration Forms

When Entering Thailand

The type of entry you use to enter Thailand determines how long Thai Immigration will permit you to stay. These entry types include Visa Exempt, Visa on Arrival, Tourist Visa, Non-Immigrant Visa, or Long-Term Resident Visa.

For the latest updates or temporary changes not covered here, please check our Latest Thai Immigration Information page.

Ports of Entry and Entry Requirements:

Thailand has multiple ports of entry, including international airports and land border crossings. Like all countries, Thailand has specific requirements for foreigners entering the Kingdom.

What Do I Need to Enter Thailand?

Entry options include:

Visa Exempt (no visa required)
Visa on Arrival (issued at the port of entry)
Visa obtained from a Thai Embassy or Consulate (applied for via the Thai E-Visa online system)

Required documents vary by visa type and by the Embassy or Consulate issuing your E-Visa. Fees and supporting documentation requirements are specified on the respective Embassy or Consulate’s website.

For more details and to access the online visa application, visit our Thai E-Visa information page.

What Should I Do When I Arrive?

Previously, travelers were required to complete a TM.6 Arrival/Departure Card and present it at immigration. This has now been replaced by the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC), which must be presented either as a printed copy or on a mobile device.

TDAC HERE:

Upon arrival:

Present your valid passport (valid for the intended stay).
If you have a visa, present the printed E-Visa approval notice from your online application.
Present your TDAC.

TDAC - Enter Thailand

What Happens at Immigration?

The Immigration Officer will stamp your passport with an “Admitted Until” date, which indicates how long you are allowed to stay. This period depends on your type of entry (Visa Exempt, Visa on Arrival, Tourist Visa, Non-Immigrant Visa, etc.).

Important: Check the “Admitted Until” date before leaving the Immigration counter. If it’s incorrect—which can happen—politely ask the officer to correct it. Refer below for standard stay durations by entry type.

Visa vs. Permission to Stay

A Visa is a document (usually an email confirmation from the E-Visa application) that permits you to enter Thailand within a certain validity period and number of entries.

Permission to Stay is the duration granted by Immigration upon arrival, indicating how long you may legally remain in the country. These two are not the same.

What if I Overstay?

Do not overstay your permitted stay. Although you might hear it’s just a matter of paying a fine (currently 500 Baht per day, max 20,000 Baht), overstaying is illegal and can lead to arrest, detention, fines, and deportation at your own expense.

Overstaying may also result in a ban from re-entering Thailand for a period, in addition to monetary penalties. For detailed information, see the official Thai Immigration penalty notice on overstaying.

If you have accidentally overstayed, visit a local Immigration Office as soon as possible. They may impose the fine but could extend your stay briefly to allow you time to leave the country, though leniency is unlikely for long overstays.