Thailand Entry Requirements 2026: Visa Exemption, TDAC & THIM Guide
A practical guide for international travellers preparing to enter Thailand, covering the September 2026 visa-exemption changes, Thailand Digital Arrival Card, THIM, passport preparation and group travel.
Thailand visa-exemption rules change from 15 September 2026
Thailand's revised tourism visa-exemption and Visa on Arrival framework takes effect on 15 September 2026.
- The previous 60-day tourism visa-exemption arrangement is revoked.
- A revised 30-day tourism visa exemption applies to 60 eligible countries and territories.
- A separate 15-day tourism exemption applies to two eligible countries or territories.
- Visa on Arrival eligibility is revised to three countries or territories.
- Travellers admitted before the effective date retain the stay period granted by immigration at entry.
Eligibility depends on nationality, passport and travel purpose. Verify the arrangement applicable to your passport before departure.
What should travellers check before entering Thailand in 2026?
Separate four different checks: visa status, TDAC, digital immigration tools and final verification before departure.
01. Visa status
Check whether your passport qualifies for visa exemption, Visa on Arrival or requires another visa category.
02. TDAC
Thailand Digital Arrival Card is separate from visa or visa-exemption status.
03. THIM
THIM forms part of Thailand's developing digital immigration-management environment.
04. Recheck
Immigration procedures can change. Verify current requirements shortly before travel.
What is THIM Thailand?
THIM stands for Thailand Immigration Management and is associated with Thailand's developing digital immigration platform and traveller services.
Immigration-management platform
THIM is designed as part of Thailand's wider digital immigration environment and can support traveller registration and related services.
Not automatically another arrival card
Travellers should not assume THIM creates a second mandatory arrival card that must always be completed separately from TDAC.
THIM vs TDAC vs Visa: What is the difference?
| Item | What it is | What travellers should understand |
|---|---|---|
| THIM | Thailand Immigration Management platform. | Part of Thailand's broader digital immigration-management environment. |
| TDAC | Thailand Digital Arrival Card. | Online arrival information submitted under the TDAC process. |
| Visa / Visa Exemption | Immigration entry permission framework. | Determines whether travellers need a visa or qualify for an exemption or Visa on Arrival. |
What is TDAC?
TDAC stands for Thailand Digital Arrival Card. It is Thailand's online arrival-information system for foreign travellers entering the Kingdom under the current immigration process.
Submit before arrival
TDAC may be submitted within three days before arrival, including the arrival date.
TDAC is not a visa
Completing TDAC does not replace a visa, visa exemption or Visa on Arrival requirement.
Prepare accurate information
Passport, travel and accommodation information should match the actual journey.
Passport information and MRZ preparation
Information entered into Thailand's entry systems should match the passport used for travel.
Check passport information carefully
Review the traveller's full name, nationality, date of birth and passport number before submission.
Passport MRZ scanning
When MRZ scanning or image upload is supported, travellers should still verify the imported information.
TDAC preparation for families and tour groups
TDAC group submission can make preparation more efficient for families and organised tour groups.
Family travellers
Shared travel and accommodation details can simplify preparation for travellers on the same itinerary.
Up to 10 travellers
The current TDAC system supports up to 10 traveller records in one group submission.
Authorised assistance
Tour leaders or travel agents may assist travellers when authorised and provided with accurate information.
What information should travellers prepare?
Passport
Personal information exactly as shown in the travel document.
Travel details
Flight or transport details for the journey into Thailand.
Accommodation
Hotel or accommodation details for the stay in Thailand.
Contact details
A working email address and other information requested by the system.
Protect passport and traveller information
Passport numbers, dates of birth and travel information are sensitive personal data. Travellers should use official immigration channels or officially announced systems when submitting Thailand entry information.
Continue from entry preparation to Thailand trip planning
After checking Thailand entry requirements, continue with destination research, seasonal planning and practical tour routes.
Thailand Travel Guide
Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Krabi, seasons and itinerary ideas.
Read Thailand Travel Guide →Thailand Tour Hub
Private tours, cultural routes, family journeys and group travel planning.
Explore Thailand Tours →Southeast Asia Travel
Continue to Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia and neighbouring destinations.
Explore Indochina Explorer →Thailand Entry Requirements 2026: Frequently Asked Questions
1. What changes for Thailand entry on 15 September 2026?
2. Is Thailand's visa exemption still 60 days?
3. How long is the revised Thailand visa exemption?
4. Does every nationality receive the same visa-free period?
5. What does THIM stand for?
6. Is THIM the same as TDAC?
7. Does THIM replace TDAC?
8. What is TDAC?
9. Is TDAC a visa?
10. When can TDAC be submitted?
11. Can TDAC be submitted for a group?
12. Can a travel agent assist with TDAC?
13. Can passport MRZ information be scanned?
14. Can Thailand entry requirements change?
15. Where can I plan my Thailand itinerary?
16. Can Indochina Explorer arrange a private Thailand itinerary?
Entry requirements checked? Let us help shape the right Thailand itinerary.
Tell us your travel dates, number of travellers, preferred destinations, number of days and travel style. Our Thailand-based team can review a practical route for private journeys, families, corporate groups, study visits and special-interest travel.
Contact Indochina Explorer
Local planning support since 1997
Indochina Explorer (Thailand) Co., Ltd. provides practical tour planning for Thailand and Southeast Asia.
- Established in 1997
- Tour Operator License 11/11211
- Private, FIT, GIT & Group Travel
- Corporate, Incentive & MICE
- English / Thai / Bahasa / Mandarin / Cantonese guide support
- Thailand & Southeast Asia route planning
