Koh Lanta Visa Requirements

Thailand extended its visa-exempt entry from 30 to 60 days in November 2024. This applies to citizens of over 60 countries including the US, UK, all EU member states, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Canada, and most other major Western nationalities. No advance application is required — simply arrive at any Thai immigration point with a valid passport.

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Thailand. You'll also need to show proof of a return or onward flight and, in some cases, proof of sufficient funds (around 20,000 THB per person or equivalent). In practice, these checks are rarely made for Western nationalities arriving at Krabi Airport.

For the latest list of visa-exempt nationalities, check the Royal Thai Embassy website for your country of citizenship, as the list expands periodically.

If your nationality isn't on the visa-exempt list, Thailand offers a 60-day Tourist Visa (TR) through Thai embassies and consulates. Some nationalities can also use Thailand's e-Visa system (thaievisa.go.th) to apply online before travel — the e-Visa grants 60 days and is processed in 5–7 business days.

The Thailand METV (Multiple Entry Tourist Visa) allows multiple 60-day entries within a 6-month period — useful for travellers who plan to visit multiple times or make border runs.

To extend a visa-exempt stay, visit a local immigration office. The nearest office to Koh Lanta is in Krabi Town (about 2 hours from the island by ferry and bus). One 30-day extension is possible for THB 1,900 — bringing your maximum continuous stay to 90 days.

Border runs (exiting Thailand briefly and re-entering) theoretically reset the clock, but Thai immigration has introduced limits — typically two consecutive visa-exempt entries before requiring a proper visa. If you plan to stay longer than 60 days, applying for a Tourist Visa in advance is the most reliable approach.