The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has updated its travel advice for British nationals visiting Thailand, following a major change to the country's entry requirements.
As of September 2026, UK travellers face stricter visa-free stay rules, with the permitted stay reduced from 60 days to 30 days. The change applies to visitors from the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, India, and Japan.
New entry requirements for Thailand
Thailand is a popular destination for British travellers, known for its culture, food, warm weather, sandy beaches, and tropical islands, with around a million UK visitors each year. For the past two years, citizens of 93 countries, including the UK, could visit visa-free for up to 60 days.
Under the updated rules, visitors who wish to stay longer must apply for an extension of up to 30 additional days. Travellers must also hold a confirmed return or onward ticket out of Thailand. Border control may require proof of at least 10,000 Thai Baht (about £224) per person or 20,000 Thai Baht (about £450) per family.
Visa rules and overstay penalties
Entry without a visa by land is limited to twice per calendar year, and border officers may closely check frequent back-to-back tourist entries. The FCDO warns that using the wrong visa as a tourist can have serious consequences.
The FCDO states on its website: “If you overstay your permission to stay in Thailand, you could be fined, detained, deported or banned from re-entering the country. Make sure you understand the conditions of your stay and get any visa extension you need before your permission expires. If you plan to work, study, retire or live in Thailand, you must get the appropriate visa before you travel.”
Digital arrival card and safety advice
All foreign visitors to Thailand must complete a digital arrival card online before arrival, whether entering by air, land, or sea. Travellers can register up to three days before arrival.
The FCDO has also updated its safety advice about Thailand's rainy season. Most of the country sees rain from May to October, while Koh Samui and southeast Thailand get rain from November to March. The new advice warns that “weather patterns have become increasingly unpredictable and periods of intense rainfall can occur across Thailand”.
It continues: “Heavy rainfall can cause flash flooding, landslides and disruption to transport, particularly in northern, north-eastern and mountainous areas. Conditions can change rapidly and may result in road closures and local travel disruption. Lakes, caves and waterfalls are particularly at risk of dangerous flash flooding.”
Travellers should follow local authority advice and regularly check the Thai Meteorological Department for weather updates and warnings. For more information on Thailand entry requirements, visit the FCDO website.
