If you’re packing bags for Thailand from May 2025 onwards, you’ll wanna read this before you go. May in Thailand brings a lot of things, like the start of the rainy season as well as the Buddha’s birthday, but in 2025 it’ll also bring something else: Thailand’s new entry requirements, required by all foreign travellers to the country – so that includes you!
But don’t panic, it’s actually super easy and will only take a couple of ticks to get done and dusted. Got questions? We’re answering ’em.
Thailand’s New Entry Requirements
From the 1st of May 2025, all foreign travellers to Thailand – including those from the UK – will need to follow Thailand’s new entry requirements by completing the country’s new Thailand Digital Arrival Card, or TDAC for short. This card, completed online at the official TDAC website within 72 hours prior to arrival, replaces the old-style paper forms you used to get given on the plane or at immigration to fill out. So nothing major has actually changed – just the way you do it! The idea is to make the whole process quicker and simpler.
If you’ve travelled to Thailand in the last couple of years and you’re thinking ‘Hang on, I didn’t have to fill out any forms then?’, that’s because in July 2022 the country suspended their use for travel by air to help get the tourism industry back on its feet after Covid. But from the 1st of May 2025, that’ll no longer be the case.
Filling out the card is pretty straight forward. You’ll have to provide all the usual suspects – personal information, travel and accommodation details, health declaration, and then finally validate it. The TDAC will then be sent in PDF form to the email address you provide – either present it on your phone or print it out and show it to immigration officials when you arrive. Done!
Do I need to complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card if I’m only transiting through?
If you remain in the airport during your stopover and don’t pass through immigration, then you’ll be exempt from needing to follow Thailand’s new entry requirements.
But if you have a longer layover in mind and fancy spending the night or even just a few hours, say, in Bangkok if you’re flying into Suvarnabhumi Airport, then you will need to complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card, as you’ll be passing through immigration.
Do I need a visa for Thailand if travelling from the UK?
The UK is part of Thailand’s Tourist Visa Exemption Scheme, so if you’re only travelling as a tourist and don’t intend to study or work long-term in the country, then you won’t need a visa to enter.
How long can a UK citizen stay in Thailand without a visa?
According to the folks over at GOV.UK,
“You can visit Thailand for a period of 60 days for the purpose of tourism, business engagements, and urgent or ad-hoc work. This visa category can be extended for another period not exceeding 30 days.”
If you fancy staying longer than this, then you’ll have to get yourself a visa before travelling.
What is the ‘Tourist Tax’ in Thailand?
There’s plans for Thailand to introduce a ‘tourist tax’ of 300 baht (about £6.80) before the end of 2025, payable by those arriving by air. This may become part of Thailand’s new entry requirements, the Thailand Digital Arrival Card, to help facilitate payment – but nothing is set in stone yet.
As soon as we know for sure, we’ll update you here.
