The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has issued travel advice for British passport holders heading to Thailand, where new visa rules came into force earlier this year
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has warned British travellers of new entry requirements for travel to Thailand.
At the beginning of May this year, the Southeast Asian country, which welcomed in one million Brits during its pre-pandemic peak and around 800,000 annually now, introduced a new visa system for everyone without a Thai passport.
“From 1 May 2025, all foreign nationals entering Thailand, whether by air, land or sea must complete a digital arrival card online before arrival. Travellers can register for an arrival card within 3 days before they arrive,” the FCDO explains on its website.
UK passport holders are able to 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.
However, those who overstay their visa are putting themselves in serious jeopardy, according to the FCDO.
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“If you overstay the period of your visa, you will get a fine of 500 Thai baht a day up to a maximum of 20,000 baht (£450). You risk being: held in detention, deported at your own expense, banned from re-entering Thailand for up to 10 years. Conditions in detention centres can be harsh,” the governmental organisation warns.
There are other entry rules that you’ll have to follow when travelling to Thailand.
Your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least six months after the date you arrive and have at least one blank page. You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.
If you’re a dual national, it is best to leave Thailand on the same passport you used to enter – this will avoid problems at immigration. You can also apply in advance for a multiple-entry visa for up to 60 days.
As of May this year, Thailand has reinstated the requirement for tourist visa applicants to provide financial proof. This measure, which was temporarily suspended in November 2023 to give post-pandemic travel a boost, requires that all applicants demonstrate the ability to support themselves during their stay.
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According to Thailand’s official e-Visa portal, applicants must now submit financial evidence showing a minimum of 20,000 Thai Baht. Acceptable documents include bank statements from the last three months or a sponsorship letter if the trip is being financed by someone else.
Earlier this year, a British man was arrested in Thailand after overstaying his 30-day visa by more than 25 years.
The man, who is now 60 years old, arrived in Thailand on a short-term tourist visa on 9 January 2000, and then went on to evade Thai authorities for 25 years. Thai police said it was a “record” visa overstay, beating the previous record of a Pakistani man who overstayed his visa by 10 years, according to AFP news agency.