Visa & entry requirements for Thailand (Koh Samui arrivals)

Entry rules for Thailand changed shortly before this database was built. Under Ministry of Interior regulations published in the Royal Gazette on 31 August 2026, the 60-day visa exemption scheme ended on 14 September 2026. From 15 September 2026, passport holders of around 60 countries (including the US, UK, EU states and Australia) receive a 30-day visa exemption for tourism on arrival. A one-time 30-day extension is available at immigration offices for 1,900 THB - on Koh Samui the immigration office is in the Nathon area. Some nationalities have bilateral agreements with different durations (for example 90 days for several South American countries and South Korea; 30 days for China and Russia under separate arrangements) - check the rules for your specific passport. Separately from any visa, all foreign arrivals must submit the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) online within 72 hours before arrival; it is free and replaces the old TM6 form. Travellers wanting longer stays should look at tourist visas (SETV/METV, typically 60 days plus a 30-day extension) instead of the exemption. Rules in this area change frequently - always confirm with an official Thai source shortly before travel.

Key facts

• 30-day visa exemption (tourism) for ~60 countries, effective 15 September 2026
• Previous 60-day exemption ended 14 September 2026
• One-time 30-day extension at immigration: 1,900 THB
• TDAC (Thailand Digital Arrival Card) mandatory for all foreign arrivals since 1 May 2025 - free, submit online within 72 hours before arrival at tdac.immigration.go.th
• Visa exemption entries via land borders capped at 2 per calendar year (ASEAN neighbours excepted)
• Bilateral agreements give some nationalities different durations (e.g., 90 days Brazil/Argentina/Chile/South Korea/Peru; 30 days China/Russia)

Local tips

• Submit the TDAC before your flight - it is free and only via the official site tdac.immigration.go.th; avoid paid lookalike sites.
• The Koh Samui immigration office for extensions is in the Nathon area.
• Entry rules changed in September 2026 and may change again - verify with an official Thai embassy or immigration source before booking.

Frequently asked questions

How long can tourists stay in Thailand without a visa in 2026?

From 15 September 2026, most Western passport holders receive a 30-day visa exemption for tourism on arrival, extendable once by 30 days for 1,900 THB at immigration.

What is the TDAC and is it a visa?

The Thailand Digital Arrival Card is a free online arrival registration required of all foreign visitors since 1 May 2025. It is not a visa - it replaces the old paper TM6 form.

Where do I extend my stay on Koh Samui?

At the immigration office in the Nathon area. A one-time 30-day extension of a visa exemption costs 1,900 THB.