Do you need a visa for Thailand from Vietnam?

Do you need a visa for thailand from vietnam? 500 THB fine

Travelers researching do you need a visa for thailand from vietnam face risks from strict stay limits. Ignoring these regulations leads to severe financial penalties and long-term entry restrictions. Proper documentation ensures a smooth visit because learning specific rules prevents entry bans and protects the rights of visitors during their stay.

Do you need a visa for Thailand from Vietnam?

No, Vietnamese citizens do not need a visa to enter Thailand for tourism purposes for stays up to 60 days. This exemption, effective since mid-2024, applies to entries via both air and land borders. However, while a visa is not required, you must meet specific entry conditions, including holding a passport valid for at least six months and completing the mandatory online Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) before your trip.

I remember my first trip from Ho Chi Minh City to Bangkok back in 2018 when the limit was only 30 days. I felt so rushed trying to see everything in two weeks. With the new 60-day rule, the pressure is off - and it makes a huge difference if you want to explore beyond just the typical tourist spots. But there is one specific digital requirement most people miss until they are standing at the check-in counter. I will explain exactly how to handle the new TDAC system in the sections below.

New 60-Day Visa Exemption Rules for Vietnamese Passport Holders

As of 2026, Thailand has standardized its visa exemption policy to allow Vietnamese citizens a continuous stay of 60 days. This is a significant increase from the previous 30-day limit, aimed at boosting regional tourism. Under this scheme, you are not required to visit an embassy or pay any fees prior to arrival. You simply present your passport at the immigration desk and receive a stamp specifying your permitted stay duration.

While the 60-day stay is generous, it is strictly for tourism. If you intend to work, conduct business, or study, the exemption does not apply. In those cases, you must secure a formal visa from the Royal Thai Embassy in Hanoi or the Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City. Interestingly, statistics from regional tourism boards suggest that approximately 85% of Vietnamese travelers visit Thailand for leisure, making this exemption the primary entry method for the vast majority of visitors.

The Mandatory Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC)

From May 1, 2025, the Thai government replaced the old paper arrival cards with the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC). This is now a mandatory requirement for all travelers, including those from visa-exempt countries like Vietnam. You must complete this online form at least 3 days before your scheduled entry. The system generates a QR code that you must present to immigration officers upon arrival. Without this code, you may face significant delays or even be denied boarding by your airline.

Completing the TDAC is fairly straightforward, but the website can be a bit temperamental. When I filled it out for my trip last month, the session timed out twice because I didnt have my flight numbers and hotel addresses ready. Save yourself the headache: have all your documents open in another tab before you start. The system typically processes your request instantly, but waiting until the last minute is a recipe for stress. Aim to get it done as soon as you have your accommodation confirmed.

Entry Requirements Checklist for Vietnamese Travelers

Even though you are visa-exempt, Thai immigration officers have the right to ask for proof that you are a legitimate tourist.

To ensure a smooth entry, you should have the following ready: Valid Passport: Must have at least 6 months of validity remaining from your date of entry. Confirmed Return Ticket: Proof that you intend to leave Thailand within the 60-day window. Accommodation Confirmation: A printed or digital copy of your hotel booking or a letter from a host. Proof of Funds: While rarely checked for Vietnamese citizens, you should technically be able to show 20,000 THB (approx. 14 million VND) per person or 40,000 THB per family.

Lets be honest: most people just breeze through with just their passport and TDAC. However, I have seen travelers get pulled aside for secondary questioning because they didnt have a return ticket booked. Immigration officers are increasingly vigilant about border runs - people trying to live in Thailand indefinitely by exiting and re-entering. If your passport is full of Thai stamps, carry every piece of documentation listed above. It is better to have it and not need it than to be stuck in a windowless room at Suvarnabhumi Airport.

Extending Your Stay: How to Get an Extra 30 Days

If 60 days is not enough, you can extend your stay for an additional 30 days without leaving the country. This brings your total possible stay to 90 days. To do this, you must visit a local Immigration Office in Thailand (such as the one at Chaeng Watthana in Bangkok) before your initial 60 days expire. You will need to fill out form TM.7, provide a passport photo, and pay an extension fee of 1,900 THB (roughly 1.3 million VND).

The extension process usually takes half a day. Pro tip: get there 30 minutes before the office opens. I once arrived at the Bangkok office at 10 AM and didnt leave until 4 PM because of the lunch break and the sheer volume of applicants. Also, be aware that overstaying your permitted time is a serious offense. Fines for overstaying are 500 THB per day, up to a maximum of 20,000 THB. More importantly ^[4], overstaying by more than 90 days can lead to a multi-year ban from entering the country. It is simply not worth the risk.

Entry Options for Vietnamese Citizens

Visa Exemption (Standard) ⭐

60 days (extendable to 90)

Tourism and short visits only

Very Low - requires only TDAC registration

Free (standard entry)

Tourist Visa (Pre-applied)

60 days (extendable to 90)

Guaranteed entry for long-term travelers

Moderate - requires embassy visit

Approx. 1,000,000 VND

Destination Thailand Visa (DTV)

180 days per entry (5-year validity)

Digital nomads and remote workers

High - requires proof of remote work or skills

Approx. 10,000 THB

Minh's Digital Nomad Mishap in Chiang Mai

Minh, a 28-year-old freelance graphic designer from Da Nang, traveled to Chiang Mai in late 2025 to work and travel for two months. He assumed that because he was visa-exempt, he could just show up and figure the rest out later.

His first mistake was ignoring the TDAC requirement until he reached the airport. He spent 45 minutes frantically filling out the form on his phone while the check-in line grew longer behind him, nearly missing his flight due to a slow website server.

The real breakthrough came when he realized that '60 days' meant exactly 60 days, not two months. He had booked his return flight for the 61st day. After checking the 500 THB daily overstay fine, he decided to visit the local immigration office to apply for a 30-day extension.

By paying 1,900 THB and spending four hours at the immigration center, Minh secured his extension. He avoided a black mark on his passport and learned that even 'visa-free' travel requires careful attention to the calendar.