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In May 2025 Thailand announced several new rules for international tourists. Key changes include reinstating a financial‐proof requirement for all tourist visas, a new online entry form, and expanded e‑Visa access. For example, Thailand’s official e-Visa site now explicitly requires that tourist visa applicants show at least THB 20,000 (≈USD 550) in funds. Travelers must also complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) online within 72 hours of arrival. Below we summarize the updated visa-exemption and visa-on-arrival schemes, extension rules, and e-visa options effective May 2025.

Financial Proof Requirement

1. Reinstated (May 2025): Tourist visa applicants must again provide evidence of sufficient funds. Thai embassies now require proof of at least THB 20,000 (approximately USD 550) per person – e.g. recent bank statements or a sponsor’s letter. This rule was lifted during the pandemic but is back in force as of May 2025.
2. Other documents: As before, applicants must also submit a valid passport (≥6 months), photo, round-trip ticket, and confirmed accommodation. (These documents are standard for any tourist visa .)
3. Visa-exempt visitors: Nationals entering visa-free (see below) are also expected to show adequate funds at entry – typically THB 20,000 per person (or 40,000 per family). This is checked by immigration even on arrival under visa exemption or visa-on-arrival.

Visa-Exemption (Visa-Free) Stays

1. Eligible countries: Thailand currently offers visa-free entry to citizens of about 93 countries and territories. These include most Western nations, India, China, and others. (A full list of eligible countries is published by Thai embassies.)
2. Stay duration: Visa-exempt visitors may stay up to 60 days per entry. (This 60-day allowance has applied since July 2024.) Previously the stay was 30 days for many nationalities, and authorities are reviewing shortening the current 60-day period. As of May 2025 no final change has been announced, so travelers should plan on 60 days.
3. Extension: These 60 days can be extended once for 30 more days by applying at a Thai Immigration Bureau office (fee ~THB 1,900). Extensions are granted at the discretion of the officer. Thus, a visa-free tourist could stay up to 90 days if approved.

Visa-on-Arrival (VoA) Policy

1. Eligible countries: Thailand continues its Visa-on-Arrival scheme for passport holders of 31 specific countries. (See official lists from Thai missions for the exact nationalities.)
2. Validity: A VoA grants a 15-day stay in Thailand. (The visa fee is THB 2,000 payable in cash upon entry.)
3. Requirements: On arrival, applicants must present: a completed VoA form, passport valid ≥30 days, one photo, confirmed accommodation and return ticket, and proof of funds (at least THB 10,000 per person or 20,000 per family). Note that onward tickets to destinations outside Thailand must be shown (tickets to neighboring countries may not qualify).
4. Extension: A VoA can only be extended up to 7 additional days at an immigration office. For longer stays, travelers usually must leave and re-enter (for example, by a land/air border run) to get a fresh 15-day stamp.

Tourist Visa (TR) and Extensions

1. Tourist Visa (TR): Foreigners not eligible for visa-free entry can apply for a Tourist Visa at a Thai embassy/consulate or online (via e-Visa, see below). A Single-Entry Tourist Visa (TR) is valid for 3 months to use and allows a 60-day stay once you enter Thailand. A Multiple-Entry Tourist Visa (if available) permits multiple visits (each entry up to 60 days) within its validity (typically 6 months).
2. Extension: Any Tourist Visa stay (60 days) can be extended once for 30 days at a Thai Immigration office (fee THB 1,900). In practice, this means a single-entry tourist visa can yield up to 90 days total (60+30) if the extension is granted. Extensions remain under Immigration Bureau control, not the foreign embassies.
3. Visa fees: The Tourist Visa application fee (single entry) is usually around USD 40–60, depending on nationality. (Fees are set by each Thai mission and have not changed in this update.)

Expanded e-Visa System

1. Global rollout (Jan 2025): A major update is that the official Thai e-Visa platform (thaievisa.go.th) is now open worldwide. As of 1 January 2025, anyone from any country with a Thai embassy can apply online for a Thai visa (including Tourist Visas) without visiting the embassy in person.
2. Key benefits: The e-Visa portal offers online applications for all major visa types, reducing paperwork and speeding up approvals. (This complements the consular process but does not replace it for nationals who still cannot get visas online.)
3. How to use: Applicants simply register on thaievisa.go.th, complete the form, and upload documents. Payment is online. Once approved, a visa is issued electronically (printout required on travel). This system expansion means, for example, that Australians and other travelers everywhere can now get Thai Tourist Visas entirely online.

Other Entry Requirements

1. Digital Arrival Card (TDAC): Starting 1 May 2025, all foreign arrivals (air, land or sea) must complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) online before travel. This replaces the old TM.6 paper form. Travelers should register and submit the TDAC at least 72 hours before arrival via the official site (tdac.immigration.go.th).
2. Health and security checks: The TDAC collects passport and travel details, plus health disclosures. The system is intended to speed up immigration and improve security. Travelers without internet access will be assisted at designated airport kiosks if needed.
3. Other schemes: (Unchanged) Travelers can still use the Special Tourist Visa or Thailand Elite Visa for long stays, but those fall outside the standard tourist visa category.

Sources: Updates are drawn from official Thai government and embassy announcements. For details see the Thai e-Visa website (thaievisa.go.th) and notices by Thai embassies, as well as press releases from the Tourism Authority of Thailand. Always check the latest information from Thailand’s Immigration Bureau or local Thai consulate before travel.