Short Stay & Tourist Visas for Thailand
Complete guide to visiting Thailand for a few weeks to a couple months. Tourist visas, visa-exempt entry, Visa on Arrival, extensions, and practical information for short-term travelers.
Short Stay & Tourist Options
Each option below is designed for trips up to 60 days. Choose the entry method that works best for your home country and travel plans.
Tourist Visa
60 days
Applied at a Thai embassy or consulate before arrival. Valid for a single entry. Can be extended once for an additional 30 days at Thai immigration.
Tourist guideVisa-Exempt Entry
30–60 days
No visa required for citizens of 93 countries. Entry stamp granted on arrival at the airport. Can be extended at Thai immigration.
Visa-exempt guideVisa on Arrival (VOA)
15 days
Available for citizens of most countries at the airport. Stamped on arrival. Limited stay period but no advance preparation needed.
VOA guideVisa Extensions
+30 days
Extend any tourist or visa-exempt entry by 30 additional days at Thai immigration offices in-country. Simple process, small fee required.
Extensions guideBorder Runs
Restart stay
Exit and re-enter Thailand to restart your tourist or visa-exempt stay. Popular option from Chiang Mai to Laos, Malaysia, or Myanmar.
Border runs guideOverstay Information
Penalties
Understand overstay penalties and what to do if you've stayed past your visa validity. Penalties increase daily and affect future visa applications.
Overstay guide
Visa rules for short-stay entries can change and vary by nationality. Always verify current requirements with the Thai embassy or consulate in your country before traveling.
Short Stay Options at a Glance
Compare duration, requirements, and best use cases for short-stay entry methods.
Planning a Short Stay in Chiang Mai?
Get personalized advice on the best entry method for your situation and travel plans.