Tourist Visa FAQ

What is a Tourist Visa (TR)?

TR is for tourism, visiting family or friends, short medical stays and other short visits that are not work. It does not allow employment, running a business or earning income in Thailand.

How does a 6-month tourist visa (TR180 / METV) work in Thailand?

TR180 in Thailand is essentially a multiple-entry tourist visa, typically the METV (Multiple Entry Tourist Visa). The validity period of the visa is 6 months (approximately 180 days from the date of issue). However, this does not mean you can stay in Thailand for 180 consecutive days on a single entry.

Here is how it works:

• The visa is valid for entry for 6 months from the date of issue.
• During these 6 months, you can enter Thailand multiple times.
• Each entry typically grants a 60-day permission of stay stamped by Immigration.
• Each 60-day stay can usually be extended at a local Thai Immigration office for an additional 30 days (standard fee of 1,900 THB).
• Leaving the country concludes your current permission of stay.
• As long as the visa itself is still valid ('Enter Before' date), your next entry will grant a brand new 60-day stay.

The key rule is never to confuse the visa validity period (the window during which you can enter) with the permitted length of stay.

Example: If your TR180 / METV is valid from October 1, 2026 to March 30, 2027:

• You enter on October 5 → you receive 60 days of stay;
• You depart Thailand;
• You re-enter in December → you receive another stay of up to 60 days;
• If you make your final entry on March 29, 2027, you will still receive up to 60 days of stay, even though the visa expires for new entries on March 30.

Thus, by strategically timing entries and 30-day extensions, you can spend well over 180 total calendar days in Thailand across the lifetime of a TR180, though a single entry never grants 180 continuous days.

Do I need a return ticket to enter on a tourist visa?

A return ticket or onward ticket is commonly required for boarding and may be requested at the border. The airline can refuse check-in without proof of departure within the permitted stay. Exact practice depends on the carrier and the immigration officer.

How long can a 30-day visa exemption stamp be extended for, and how many times?

A 30-day visa-exempt entry stamp can be extended at a local Thai Immigration office for an additional 30 days (standard government fee is 1,900 THB). You can generally obtain such an extension up to 2 times per calendar year.

How early before the current stamp expires can you apply for a 30-day visa exemption extension?

You can submit your application for a 30-day visa exemption extension starting from 7 days before your current permission-to-stay stamp expires. The additional 30 days are added to your original expiration date, not from the date of application.

Can I change a tourist visa to a long-stay visa without leaving Thailand?

In many cases a change of status from a tourist stay to Education (ED) or a retirement Non-O route can be filed inside Thailand through Immigration. DTV is different: the official e-Visa route requires the applicant to be outside Thailand.

What happens if I overstay?

Overstay is remaining after the stamp or visa expires. The commonly stated fine is THB 500 per day, capped at THB 20,000. Payment is at Immigration or at the airport on departure. A long overstay can lead to a ban or deportation if the person is stopped by police.

Until what age are children not held responsible for overstay in Thailand?

Under internal instructions of the Thai Immigration Bureau, children under 15 are not held responsible for overstay — the parent or legal guardian is responsible for the child's overstay. Importantly, this age is not stated directly in the law itself (Immigration Act B.E. 2522). The rule operates as an internal directive of the Immigration Bureau and is applied in practice at immigration offices and when departing through the airport. From age 15, the child is treated as a separate offender and overstay can be charged to the child personally. This does not remove the need to regularise the child's status: the overstay is recorded and is best cleared before departure rather than relying on age.

What documents are typically needed for TR?

Typical list: passport, photograph, application form, proof of funds, proof of accommodation, and a return or onward ticket if the mission requires it. The responsible embassy or consulate may add items.