Visa exemption (30 days)
Fine for a holiday or a first look, not for living here.
By Shane RuddleRules as of October 2026- How long
- 30 days, plus one 30-day extension
- Money to show
- None in practice
- Cost
- Free. ฿1,900 to extend
- Can you work?
- No
Most Western passports can arrive without a visa. From 15 September 2026 that stay was cut from 60 days to 30 for most countries (check before applying).
You can usually extend once, by up to 30 days, at the immigration office in Jomtien. Before you fly, fill in the online Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC).
Who it suits
- Holidays and a first look at Pattaya before you move
- Viewing property or meeting schools before you commit
Watch out for
- Back-to-back visa-free entries get questioned at the border
- It's not a way to live here. If you're staying, pick a proper visa before you come
What you'll need
- A passport from an eligible country, with at least 6 months left
- The online Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC), filled in before you arrive
- An onward or return ticket can be asked for
How it works from Pattaya
- 1Fill in the TDAC online in the days before you fly
- 2Get stamped in on arrival for 30 days
- 3If you need longer, extend once at the immigration office in Jomtien (฿1,900)
Visa rules in Thailand change often, so treat this as a guide, not a rulebook, and check the current requirements before you apply. TDAC (official)
Short answers
How long can I stay in Thailand without a visa?
For most Western passports, 30 days from 15 September 2026 (it was 60 days before that), plus one extension of up to 30 days. Check your own country's rules before you travel.
Can I extend my visa-free stay in Pattaya?
Usually once, by up to 30 days, at the immigration office in Jomtien. The fee is ฿1,900.
What is the TDAC?
The Thailand Digital Arrival Card, an online form every foreign visitor fills in before arriving. It replaced the old paper arrival card.
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