Before visiting Phuket, it is very important you investigate your Visa situation to determine if you are from a Visa-free country, eligible for Visa on Arrival or must apply in advance for a Tourist Visa.
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Thailand Visa-Free Countries
Many nationalities require no documentation other than a passport with 6 months validity when they arrive in Phuket (or any port in Thailand). But be aware the rules for how long you can stay Visa-free in Thailand are constantly changing.
The latest iteration on 1 April 2023 (no joke!) was removing the 45-day limit, reverting back to 30 days. The 45-day rule was a temporary measure brought in on 1 October 2022 to promote tourism.
Despite lobbying by TAT (Tourism Authority Thailand) for a 60-day stay for visa-free tourists, is yet to come to fruition.
Current List of Visa-Free Countries for Entering Phuket (Thailand)
- Argentina
- Australia
- Austria
- Bahrain
- Belgium
- Brazil
- Brunei
- Canada
- Chile
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hong Kong
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Indonesia
- Ireland
- Israel
- Italy
- Japan
- Kuwait
- Laos
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Macau
- Malaysia
- Maldives
- Mauritius
- Mexico
- Monaco
- Mongolia
- Myanmar
- Nepal
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
- Norway
- Oman
- Peru
- Philippines
- Poland
- Portugal
- Qatar
- Romania
- Russia
- San Marino
- Singapore
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- South Africa
- South Korea
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Taiwan
- Turkey
- Ukraine
- United Arab Emirates
- United Kingdom
- United States
- Uzbekistan
- Vietnam
Please note that this list may be subject to change, so it’s always a good idea to check with the Thai embassy or consulate in your country for the latest information.
(Listing as of April 2023)
Extending Your Stay in Phuket
If your stay is over 30 days, it can be extended once at a Thai Immigration office. This will now give you 60 days (30 days + 30 days) if you are from a Visa-free country.
- Phuket Immigration can be found at 482 Phuket Rd, Tambon Talat Yai, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket 83000.
- The office is open from Monday to Friday, from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm and closed on Public Holidays
You can extend this further by leaving the country and restarting the process.
- Note that land “border runs” are limited to 2 per year.
- Whilst theoretically, there’s no limit on how many times you can re-enter by air, Thailand immigration officers are within their right to refuse your entry if they feel a formal visa should have been obtained in advance.
Visa on Arrival Countries For Phuket (Thailand)
There are certain nationalities that do not need to pre-apply for their Visa to Thailand. These “Visa on Arrival” countries can pay 2000 THB cash upon arrival in Phuket:
- Andorra
- Bhutan
- Bulgaria
- China (including Taiwan)
- Cyprus
- Ethiopia
- Fiji
- India
- Kazakhstan
- Latvia
- Lithuania
- Maldives
- Malta
- Mauritius
- Papua New Guinea
- Romania
- San Marino
- Saudi Arabia
- Ukraine
- Uzbekistan
This entitles visitors to a 15-day stay. It can be extended once by seven days at Thailand immigration. There are no land border runs permitted.
Thai Tourist Visa
Those that do not fall into the above categories need to apply to their nearest Thai consulate for a Tourist Visa. You can opt for either a single-entry or a multiple-entry Tourist visa for Thailand.
- The single-entry visa remains valid for three months from the date that it is issued.
- A multiple-entry visa allows you to stay in Thailand for up to 60 days and remains valid for six months. This visa is only suitable for those who wish to travel to Thailand for tourism purposes.
Documents Required With Your Thai Visa Application
- Passport or travel document with an expiry date of no less than 6 months
- Visa application form (filled out)
- 4 x 6cm photograph of the applicant
- Round-trip air ticket or e-ticket (paid in full)
- Proof of financial means (20,000 baht per person/40,000 baht per family)
- Proof of hotel or private accommodation booking
Visa requirements are subject to change, so it’s best to check with your country’s Thai embassy or consulate for the latest information.
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