Do I need a visa on arrival for Thailand?

Is a Thailand visa on arrival free now?

Ugh, Thailand. I went in 2023, July to be exact. Bangkok was crazy hot. Seriously, like oven heat. I sweat through three shirts the first day. The visa? Totally not free. Cost me a fortune, 2000 baht, that’s like sixty bucks or something. Rip off. I was so annoyed. I had read some old articles online and some blogs that made it seem like it might be free! Lies! All lies! So frustrating.

Planned the whole trip meticulously, flights, hotels – even bought a ridiculous bright orange sunhat, which I ended up never wearing. The visa thing just ruined my whole mood initially, a real downer. I mean, I budgeted, sure, but it felt like a sneaky extra charge.

They should have been upfront about it on their tourist sites. The official website was a total mess, btw. Hard to navigate. Honestly, the entire process felt a bit shady. Next time, I’m getting a proper visa in advance. Avoids all the hassle. Learned my lesson the hard way. The rest of the trip was amazing, though, don’t get me wrong. Stunning temples, incredible food. Worth it, despite the visa shenanigans.

Here’s what I should have done differently:

• Checked the official website more thoroughly. Didn’t actually read everything, just skimmed. My fault.
• Contacted the Thai embassy directly. Would have saved me a lot of stress.
• Paid attention to dates on online articles. Some were seriously outdated.

Who can enter Thailand visa free?

Ugh, Thailand. So many countries can go visa-free, right? Ninety-three, I think. Seriously, that’s a lot. My friend from Sweden went last year, no visa needed. He loved it, naturally. Wish I had gone with him. He sent pics, amazing beaches. Made me jealous. Damn.

It’s crazy how many places offer this, though. It’s a good way to get tourists. Makes economic sense. Smart move.

I need to check the list again. Was it 93 or 94? Stupid brain.

Anyway, the point is: Many countries get a free pass.

• Europe: Most of Western Europe. France, Germany, UK. Pretty sure Italy’s on there too.
• Asia: Japan, South Korea. Maybe Singapore? I’m hazy on southeast Asia besides Thailand.
• Americas: Canada, USA. They should all have free visas.

I should organize this list properly later. It’s a mess. This whole thing is a mess. What was I even doing? Oh yeah, visa-free entry. It’s all about tourism, people. Money, money, money. That’s the bottom line. Gotta go, dinner with Sarah. Later!

Is a Thailand arrival card still required?

Oh, Thailand’s playing digital cupid, are they? From May 1, 2025, every Tom, Dick, and Harriet arriving in the Land of Smiles, prepare to woo the TM6 form online.

Think of it as Thailand’s way of saying, “Before you dive into our beaches, fill out this questionnaire, darling!”. Whether you’re visa-free or not, brace yourself.

Air, land, sea—doesn’t matter; digital arrival card is mandatory. It’s like they’re ensuring every tourist is properly “documented” before unleashing them on unsuspecting tuk-tuk drivers.

So, yes, get ready for the TM6 form before you even think about Pad Thai. It’s the price of paradise, or at least a compulsory first date with Thai bureaucracy.

• Digital, digital: It’s all online!
• Everyone’s invited: Visa-free or not, fill it up.
• Mode-agnostic: Arriving by plane, train, or rubber ducky—same rules.

The TM6 form, bless its little digital heart, collects standard info. Name, passport details, flight number. You know, the usual “so we know who you are” stuff. They probably also ask if you intend on riding an elephant in tiny shorts. (Just kidding! I think.)

Think of it like this: it’s Thailand’s way of ensuring you don’t accidentally smuggle a durian onto the plane home.

And that’s on you if you do! I was once attacked by a coconut. True story. Changed my view on tropical fruit forever.