Thailand tightens entry: shorter stays, digital cards and new fees explained

Planning a getaway to the Land of Smiles? You'll want to double-check your itinerary - and your paperwork.

From shorter visa-free stays and new digital entry cards to a proposed tourist tax, Thailand is rolling out major rule changes for international visitors.

Whether you're chasing street food in Bangkok or heading to the beaches of Phuket, here is everything you need to know before you book.

On September 15, the Thailand Government reduced its visa-free stay from 60 to 30 days for eligible visitors, including Australian tourists.

World Expeditions CEO, Sue Badyari, said for most Australian holidaymakers the change is unlikely to make much difference, as most people travel for considerably less than a month. But if you're planning a longer getaway, you'll need to factor it in.

"It's longer-stay travellers who will need to pay closer attention to the entry requirements and make sure they have the appropriate arrangements in place," Badyari told Explore.

G Adventures managing director ANZ, Sean Martin, warned travellers wanting to stay beyond 30 days will now be required to complete a visa application.

Thailand's Ministry of Tourism and Sports has proposed a new 450 baht ($19) fee for international arrivals, likely payable from early-to-mid 2027.

The entry fee is another measure designed to shift Thailand away from high-volume, low-margin tourism.

World Expeditions' Badyari said payment methods are still being finalised, with options including incorporating the fee into air tickets or payment through an official website, app or entry-point kiosk.

"At around $20 per person, it's another cost to factor into a holiday, particularly for families, but I don't think it's at a level that will deter Australians from visiting Thailand," Badyari said.

"At the proposed rate, four travellers would pay 1800 baht in total. Given the overall cost of an international holiday, I suspect most people will simply take it in their stride."

Martin from G Adventures said tourist taxes are commonplace in many popular destinations wanting to combat over-tourism.

"They are often only a small amount, but historically when a tourist tax is introduced or increased, it always has an impact on customers when choosing a destination and can become a deterrent when deciding where to travel," Martin said.

If it's been a while since your last trip to Thailand, entry requirements have changed. Foreign visitors now need to fill out a Thailand Digital Arrival Card online prior to travel.

It requires standard declaration data including travel dates, personal details, passport information, flight numbers, accommodation address and a health declaration.

The new system, introduced in May 2025, replaces the old paper arrival card.

Thailand has evolved beyond its reputation as primarily a destination for young backpackers, beach holidays and nightlife.

There has been a shift towards more meaningful, experience-led travel, World Expeditions' Badyari said.

"Those experiences are still part of its appeal, but there's so much more to the country, and we're seeing travellers looking for more immersive ways to experience it, whether that's walking and cycling, food, culture, nature or exploring less-visited regions," she said.

G Adventures' Martin suggested stepping off the tourist trail and taking a trek through the forests and rugged terrain of Thailand's hilltribes on one of their tours.

"Throughout the hilltribe trek, travellers stay at the Ban Pha Mon Homestay - a homestay we worked with a local non-government organisation to establish to sustainably build tourism opportunities for locals who previously would have left the agricultural community in search of greater opportunities," Martin said.

"It's these experiences that stay with travellers long after they've left, and they're a far cry from the beach towns Thailand is known for."