Phuket Visa Requirements

Thailand grants visa-exempt entry to citizens of over 60 countries. Travellers arriving by air from the US, UK, EU member states, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Canada, and most ASEAN nations may stay up to 60 days without a visa. This was increased from 30 days in November 2024 and applies to tourist arrivals at all international airports including Phuket.

Arrival by land or sea crossing (e.g. from Malaysia) still carries the shorter 30-day limit. Each visa-exempt stay should be a genuine tourist visit — Thai immigration may question frequent consecutive entries without proof of onward travel or hotel bookings.

Chinese, Indian, and Saudi Arabian citizens have benefited from recent bilateral visa-exemption agreements. Check your passport nationality on thaievisa.go.th for the exact duration applicable to you.

If your nationality isn't on the visa-exempt list, or if you plan to stay longer than 60 days, apply for a Thailand Tourist Visa (TR) online via thaievisa.go.th. The e-Visa costs around 2,000 THB (approximately USD 55) and is valid for a 60-day stay with the option to extend by 30 days at a Phuket immigration office.

Processing typically takes 3–7 business days. You'll need a passport photo, flight and hotel bookings, and proof of sufficient funds (typically 20,000 THB per person). Once approved, you receive an e-Visa to present at arrival — no sticker in the passport is required for e-Visa holders.

Phuket International Airport (HKT) is the main entry point for international visitors. In 2022, Thailand abolished the TM6 departure card, so you no longer need to fill out a paper arrival card. Simply present your passport at immigration.

Make sure your passport has at least 6 months validity beyond your intended stay. Proof of onward travel (a return flight or a ticket to your next destination) may be requested, though it is rarely enforced for short visits from Western countries.

Visa-on-Arrival (VOA) is available for nationalities not covered by visa exemption — a limited list. The fee is 2,000 THB and processing can take 1–2 hours during peak arrivals. Applying for the Thai e-Visa in advance is strongly recommended over VOA to save time at the airport.

If you want to stay beyond your initial visa-exempt period, visit the Phuket Immigration Office (on Phuket Road, near the city center). Visa-exempt holders can apply for a 30-day extension for a fee of 1,900 THB. Bring your passport, a passport-style photo, a filled TM7 form, and proof of accommodation.

The office opens Monday–Friday 8:30 am–4:30 pm. Arrive early as queues can be long, particularly in high season (December–February). Alternatively, some long-stay visitors opt for a border run to Malaysia, though re-entry limits can apply.