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If Thailand is on your 2025 holiday wishlist, it’s time to take note—starting May, the Land of Smiles is updating its visa rules and entry requirements. While these changes aim to streamline the process and improve security, they’ll also impact how you plan your trip.
From May 1, the country is saying goodbye to the good old paper arrival form and rolling out the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC). Whether you’re flying in, crossing the border by land, or arriving by sea, all non-Thai travellers will now need to complete the TDAC at least three days before arrival. It’s a mandatory online form that asks for your passport details, travel and stay plans, and even recent medical history. Sounds like a lot? Maybe—but the idea is to make immigration quicker, tighten security, and support public health initiatives. Think of it as trading a few minutes of paperwork for a smoother landing.
And that’s not the only change in store. While 93 countries—including India—currently enjoy a generous 60-day visa-free stay, Thailand is now considering cutting that down to 30 days. Officials are reviewing the policy amid concerns about visa overstays and misuse. If the revision goes through, holidaymakers will have to plan their itineraries a bit more tightly—no more casually turning a beach break into a two-month sabbatical.
The shift is part of a broader effort to modernise immigration. Earlier announcements already pointed to a digital visa system and a new Advance Passenger Processing System (APPS) that screens travellers before they even board their flight to Thailand. Basically, if your documents don’t check out, you might not make it past the airport gate in your home country.
Financial proof may also be requested, so it's best to carry evidence of funds to support your stay. Add that to your checklist alongside sunscreen and swimwear.
The revamped policies come as Thailand anticipates a strong tourist season in 2025 and seeks to balance its open-door approach with more stringent checks. Travellers are advised to stay informed about the changes and prepare accordingly to ensure a smooth entry into the country.
