Thailand Entry Requirements for US Citizens
TDAC application for AmericansThailand is modernizing its borders. For US citizens, the days of "just showing up" are changing. While you still enjoy visa-free entry, a new mandatory digital clearance system is now in effect.
Americans must now complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) before they fly. Without it, they cannot clear immigration.
Here is your streamlined guide to entering Thailand in 2025/2026.
Quick Summary for US Travelers
Do Americans Need a Visa to Enter Thailand?
As a U.S. citizen thinking of visiting Thailand, you are probably asking yourself: “Do I need a visa to enter the country?” Good news: You do not need a visa for tourism.
Please note that this exemption is strictly for tourism purposes; if you intend to work or conduct formal business, you will need to secure a different permit before departure.
The 60-day Thai visa exemption for Americans
Under the current Visa Exemption Scheme, U.S. citizens are granted a 60-day stay stamp immediately upon arrival. This is an upgrade from the previous 30-day limit, giving you more time to explore Chiang Mai or island-hop in the south without bureaucratic friction.
If 60 days isn't enough, you have options to stay longer without leaving the country. You can extend your stay once for another 30 days at any local Thai Immigration Office for a fee of 1,900 THB.
Do Americans Need a Visa to Enter Thailand?
As a U.S. citizen thinking of visiting Thailand, you are probably asking yourself: “Do I need a visa to enter the country?” Good news: You do not need a visa for tourism.
Please note that this exemption is strictly for tourism purposes; if you intend to work or conduct formal business, you will need to secure a different permit before departure.
The 60-day Thai visa exemption for Americans
Under the current Visa Exemption Scheme, U.S. citizens are granted a 60-day stay stamp immediately upon arrival. This is an upgrade from the previous 30-day limit, giving you more time to explore Chiang Mai or island-hop in the south without bureaucratic friction.
If 60 days isn't enough, you have options to stay longer without leaving the country. You can extend your stay once for another 30 days at any local Thai Immigration Office for a fee of 1,900 THB.
How Does the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) Work for US Travelers?
What is the new mandatory step that Americans must comply with before entering Thailand?
The TDAC is the digital replacement for the old paper "TM6" form. It is mandatory for every US traveler, regardless of age or visa status.
You must have this approved before you approach the immigration desk, and airlines frequently check for this confirmation before allowing you to board your flight in the US.
Key TDAC Rules:
- Submission window: You should apply within 3 days of arrival.
- Validity: Valid for a single entry only.
- Enforcement: Strict. No TDAC often means no boarding.
Ensure you have your QR code saved to your phone before heading to the airport to avoid stress at the check-in counter.
How to Apply for the TDAC as a U.S. Citizen?
If you are wondering how to get your TDAC quickly as a U.S. passport holder, here at EasyThaiPass we can help simplify the process.
While government portals can be glitchy and confusing, we have streamlined the process to ensure you are travel-ready without the stress.
Our system is designed to catch common errors that lead to rejections, such as incorrect date formats or US passport typos.
The EasyThaiPass service levels:
We deliver your approved TDAC QR code directly to your email. Once you receive it, simply save the image to your mobile phone gallery, and you are ready to fly.
What Documents Do Americans Need to Carry to Thailand?
To ensure a smooth entry at Bangkok (BKK) or Phuket (HKT), American visitors should have their documentation organized and accessible in their carry-on luggage. Immigration officers may request to see the following items:
Document checklist before traveling from the US to Thailand
- US passport: Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date.
- TDAC QR code: The digital approval we send to your email.
- Proof of onward travel: A confirmed return flight to the US (or another destination) within 60 days.
- Accommodation details: The address of your first hotel or hostel.
It is rare for officers to ask for all of these, but having them ready prevents any potential delays at the border.
FAQs for Americans Entering Thailand
Is the "Visa on Arrival" the same as the exemption for US citizens? Toggle faqs
No, and this is a common confusion. US citizens should not use the "Visa on Arrival" lanes.
As an American, you are eligible for the Visa Exemption, which is free and valid for 60 days. "Visa on Arrival" is a paid service for other nationalities (like India or China) that typically grants a shorter stay. Always head to the standard "Foreign Passport" immigration counters.
Can US citizens work remotely on the 60-day exemption? Toggle faqs
Technically, no. The 60-day exemption is strictly for tourism. While checking email is fine, formal employment or "setting up shop" is illegal.
If you are a US freelancer planning a long-term "workation," you should apply for the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV), which is specifically designed for digital nomads and allows stays of up to 180 days.
Should Americans pay a Tourist Tax to enter Thailand? Toggle faqs
U.S. citizens will need to pay a Travel/Tourist Tax as of early 2026 (at this time, it is not yet required). The Thai Travel Tax for Americans will be a mandatory entry requirement that applies to all short-term visitors from several countries, including the United States.
Once this entry requirement has been launched, American travelers must ensure they have proof of payment. Without it, they risk delays at the airport or even denial of boarding.
I am at the airport and forgot to get my TDAC. What should I do? Toggle faqs
Don't panic. EasyThaiPass offers a Priority Processing service that delivers your approved TDAC in just 1 hour. You can apply from your phone at the departure gate in the US, and have your QR code ready by the time you land in Thailand.
Do I need a visa or an ETA to enter Thailand right now as an American? Toggle faqs
U.S. citizens are part of Thailand’s visa-exempt program. This means that Americans do not need a visa to enter Thailand for trips lasting less than 60 days. In other words, the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) is currently the only mandatory digital form you must complete before flying. There is no ETA to apply for, only the TDAC.