Your Thailand Trip Just Changed: Key Visa Updates Effective May 2025

Thailand is implementing significant changes to its visa policies, effective May 2025, which will impact travelers worldwide. These updates aim to enhance immigration control, streamline entry procedures, and address concerns about visa misuse. Here's a detailed breakdown of the key changes:

Key Visa Updates Effective May 2025

Read More: Europe Travel Just Got Smarter: What You Need To Know About EES & ETIAS

1. Reinstatement Of Proof Of Funds ftor Tourist Visa Applicants

a) Requirement: As of May 2025, Thailand has reinstated the requirement for tourist visa applicants to show proof of funds. This regulation was temporarily suspended in November 2023 to encourage tourism during the post-pandemic recovery.

b) Minimum Amount: Applicants will now need to demonstrate that they have a minimum of 20,000 Thai Baht (approximately USD 550 or EUR 510) in available funds. This requirement applies to individual travelers. For families, the required amount is typically 40,000 Thai Baht.

c) Acceptable Proof: Acceptable documents to prove financial solvency generally include: 

1) Bank statements covering the last three months, showing the required balance.

2) A sponsorship letter from a third party if someone else is financing the trip.

d) Enforcement: This condition is being enforced by Thai embassies and consulates worldwide and is explicitly stated on Thailand's official e-Visa website. While the financial proof requirement is primarily for visa applicants, immigration officers at entry points retain the discretionary authority to request proof of sufficient funds even from those entering via visa-free arrangements or Visa on Arrival (VoA). Historically, enforcement has varied, but travelers should be prepared for potential checks.

e) Purpose: The reinstatement of this requirement is intended to ensure that visitors have adequate financial resources to support themselves during their stay, thereby reducing risks associated with overstaying, illegal employment, or dependency on local resources.

2. Introduction Of The Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) System

a) Mandatory for Non-Thai Nationals: Effective May 1, 2025, all non-Thai nationals traveling by air, land, or sea must complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) electronically.

b) Replacement for TM6: The TDAC system replaces the conventional paper-based TM6 arrival card, which was previously filled out by travelers upon arrival.

c) Submission Timeline: Travelers are required to complete the TDAC at least three days (72 hours) before their scheduled arrival in Thailand. For example, if arriving on May 5th, submission can begin on May 2nd. The system opened for submissions starting April 28th to accommodate those arriving on the launch date.

d) How to Complete: 

1) Access the official TDAC website: tdac.immigration.go.th.

2) Choose between individual or group submission.

3) Provide accurate and complete information in all required sections, including: 

• Passport Information: Full name (as per passport), passport number, nationality/citizenship, date of birth.

• Personal Information: Occupation, gender, country/city/state of residence, phone number, visa number (if applicable).

• Travel Information: Date of arrival/departure, country where you boarded, purpose of travel, mode of travel (air, land, or sea), flight number/vehicle number.

• Accommodation Information: Type of accommodation (hotel, hostel, friend's home, etc.), address of accommodation (province, district, sub-district, postal code, street address).

• Health Declaration: Countries visited within two weeks before arrival, any symptoms experienced in the past two weeks (e.g., fever, cough, rash, diarrhea), and yellow fever vaccination certificate (if applicable, based on travel history).

4) Review all entered information carefully for accuracy.

5) Enter an email address to receive the TDAC confirmation.

6) Agree to the terms and conditions and submit the application.

7) Save or print the confirmation (PDF file) for reference and present it to immigration officers upon arrival.

e) Benefits: The TDAC aims to streamline the entry process, reduce queues and waiting times at immigration checkpoints, improve data management for security and administrative purposes, and support public health initiatives.

f) Exemptions: Foreigners transiting or transferring in Thailand without going through immigration control, and those entering Thailand using a Border Pass, are generally exempt from completing the TDAC.

Important Note: The TDAC is not a visa and does not substitute for, nor exempt, any visa requirements under Thai immigration law. Failure to complete the TDAC in advance may result in delays or denial of entry.

3. Potential Reduction In Visa-Free Stay Duration For Certain Nationalities

a) Ongoing Discussions: There are ongoing discussions and a strong possibility of reducing the visa-free stay duration for certain nationalities, including Indians, from 60 to 30 days. This proposed change is driven by concerns over visa misuse, unauthorized employment, and illegal property rentals.

b) Current Policy (as of May 2025): Currently, citizens of 93 countries, including India, are allowed visa-free entry into Thailand for a maximum of 60 days for tourism or business purposes.

c) Reasons for Proposed Change: The Thai government is reviewing this policy due to reports of foreigners exploiting the extended visa-free period to work illegally or engage in unauthorized business activities.

d) Impact on Indian Travelers: While an official announcement regarding this reduction is pending, Indian travelers should stay updated on the latest rules. If implemented, it would mean that Indian passport holders would need to apply for a visa or consider other options for stays longer than 30 days. The 60-day visa exemption for Indian passport holders might remain in effect, but it's crucial to verify.

e) Verification: Travelers, especially those planning extended stays, are strongly advised to verify the latest visa rules and regulations with the Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate in their country, or through official Thai government sources, before making travel arrangements.

These changes reflect Thailand's shift towards more stringent immigration controls to balance its efforts to boost tourism with the need to maintain national security and prevent misuse of its immigration policies. Visitors to Thailand should ensure they fulfill all new requirements to ensure a smooth and hassle-free trip.