UK Foreign Office issues visa update for Thailand ahead of summer holidays

Holidaymakers heading to Thailand have been warned of a change to the country’s visa requirements. The UK Foreign Office has issued an update for its travel guidance for the country.

Thailand has opened up its visa-free entry scheme to 93 countries, with visitors being able to stay for up to 60 days without a visa. Only 57 countries were included in the scheme previously. The expansion is to boost the country's tourism industry and the economy.

The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said: “If you are arriving by air or land you can enter Thailand without a visa (visa exemption) for the purposes of tourism, business engagements, urgent or ad-hoc work for up to 60 days.” It added that more information can be found on the Thai government’s website.

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The FCDO added: “The period of stay can be extended for another period not exceeding 30 days. If you intend to stay longer (for work, study or other reasons) you need a visa before you travel.”

Those who overstay their visa are warned that they could face a fine of 500 Thai baht (around £10) for each day to a maximum of 20,000 baht (£430). The FCDO says that travellers also risk:

UK holidaymakers are warned that “conditions in detention centres can be harsh.” For more information before you travel, visit the FCDO website.

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