This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of the current rules for the most common types of travel.
\n\nThe authorities in Thailand set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Thai Embassy in the UK.
\n\nTo enter Thailand, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive and have at least 1 blank page.
\n\nCheck with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.
\n\nYou will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.
\n\nWhen returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.
\n\nIf you’re a dual national, it is best to leave Thailand on the same passport you used to enter – this will avoid problems at immigration.
\n\nFrom 15 September 2026, if you enter Thailand under the visa exemption scheme, you can stay for up to 30 days for tourism only. Visa-exempt entry does not cover business travel, including attending conferences, meetings or other business activities. If you are travelling for business purposes, you should obtain the appropriate visa before you travel.
\n\nVisa-exempt entry for tourism through land-border immigration checkpoints is normally limited to 2 entries per calendar year. This restriction does not generally apply to arrivals by air. If you frequently enter Thailand as a tourist, immigration officials may ask for evidence of your onward travel, accommodation, or sufficient funds, and may refuse entry if they believe you are not a genuine visitor.
\n\nIf you entered Thailand before 15 September 2026, you will usually be allowed to stay for the period granted when you arrived. If you want to stay longer, you must get the appropriate visa before you travel or, if eligible, apply for an extension through the Thai immigration authorities.
\n\nYou may be asked to show that you meet the entry requirements. This could include proof that you have enough money for your stay (at least 10,000 Thai baht per person or 20,000 Thai baht per family) and evidence of onward or return travel. British nationals have been refused entry for failing to provide this evidence.
\n\nIf you overstay your permission to stay in Thailand, you could be fined, detained, deported or banned from re-entering the country. Make sure you understand the conditions of your stay and get any visa extension you need before your permission expires.
\n\nIf you plan to work, study, retire or live in Thailand, you must get the appropriate visa before you travel.
\n\nFrom 1 May 2025, all foreign nationals entering Thailand, whether by air, land or sea must complete a digital arrival card online before arrival. Travellers can register for an arrival card within 3 days before they arrive.
\n\nIf you overstay the period of your visa, you will get a fine of 500 Thai baht a day up to a maximum of 20,000 baht. You risk being:
\n\nConditions in detention centres can be harsh.
\n\nTo enter Thailand, you must have a certificate to prove you’ve had a yellow fever vaccination if you’re coming from a country listed as a transmission risk.
\n\nFor full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Thailand guide.
\n\nAs a public health measure, Thailand has introduced health screening for travellers arriving from affected regions. Travellers are subject to a mandatory quarantine or self-isolation period of at least 21 days.
\n\nThe World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared this a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.
\n\nThere are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Thailand. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.
\n\nIt is illegal to take more than 200 cigarettes per person into Thailand. This is enforced at customs on arrival. If you go over the limit, you could be fined 10 times the value. Your cigarettes will likely be confiscated.
\n\n","safety_html":"This guide also has safety advice for regions of Thailand.
\n\nThere is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.
\n\nUK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.
\n\nTerrorists are likely to try to carry out attacks in Thailand.
\nThere are regular terrorist attacks in the 4 provinces in the southern tip of Thailand by the border with Malaysia. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advises against all but essential travel to these provinces.
\n\nMartial law is in place in most areas in these provinces, which means security forces have greater security enforcement and investigative powers. See Regional risks.
\n\nHowever, terrorist attacks could take place anywhere in Thailand. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in tourist destinations. Stay aware of your surroundings, keep up to date with local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities.
\n\nTargets might include:
\n\nThe political situation can be unpredictable and has led to periods of civil and political unrest. Avoid protests, political gatherings, demonstrations and marches.
\n\nTo reduce your personal risk:
\n\nDo not hand your passport over as a guarantee, for example to motorcycle or jet-ski rental businesses. Companies may hold on to passports against claimed damage.
\n\nViolent crime, including gun crime, rarely involves tourists. However, several foreign nationals were victims of gun violence in Bangkok in 2018. Take care when travelling in unfamiliar areas and avoid walking through isolated areas alone, especially at night.
\n\nViolent sexual assaults and unprovoked attacks can happen in tourist areas across Thailand. Attacks are most common during full moon parties or similar events, and near bars late at night.
\n\nDrink spiking and drug-assisted sexual assault does happen in tourist areas around Thailand, with male and female victims. Do not leave your drinks unattended or accept drinks from strangers. Pre-arrange your transport home so you do not have to accept lifts in unlicensed vehicles.
\n\nDrinks served in bars are often stronger than those in the UK. Alcohol and drugs can make you less alert and more vulnerable to accidents, injuries, robbery and assaults.
\n\nThere have been deaths and cases of serious illness caused by alcoholic drinks containing methanol in Thailand.
\n\nEven small amounts of methanol can kill. It is not possible to identify methanol in alcoholic drinks by taste or smell. See Travel Aware Spiking and methanol poisoning for information about how to reduce the risks.
\n\nSeek urgent medical attention if you or someone you are travelling with show the signs of methanol poisoning after drinking.
\n\nBe aware of card fraud. Do not lose sight of your card during transactions. There have been incidents of ATM skimming. Use an ATM in a bank and always protect your PIN.
\n\nBe wary of job offers that appear too good to be true. People have arrived in Thailand and been illegally transported to neighbouring countries on the promise of high-paying jobs, which turn out to be scams. When you re-enter Thailand you may then be detained while your immigration status is validated.
\n\nThere have been incidents of:
\n\nThe British Embassy in Bangkok’s video talks about what to be aware of when living or travelling in Thailand:
\n\n\n\nCriticising the Thai monarchy (‘lèse-majesté’) is illegal. The law can be interpreted broadly and carries a long prison sentence. British and Thai journalists, human rights defenders and members of the public have faced charges for making political comments or sharing articles online that could be interpreted as being negative towards the institution of the Thai monarchy. The law also covers any accusations about members of the Thai Royal Family, past and present.
\n\nPosting images of people drinking alcohol or wearing clothing considered inappropriate can be illegal. Both the person who uploaded the images and the people in them could be fined or imprisoned.
\n\nThai authorities have increased enforcement against unlawful business ownership arrangements involving foreign nationals. This includes the use of Thai nationals as ‘nominee’ and majority shareholders, where a foreign national provides the funding for, or exercises control over, a business or property ownership arrangement.
\n\nIf you are considering buying property, investing in a business or setting up a company in Thailand, make sure you understand local laws and seek independent legal advice. If you already own a business or have property-related investments in Thailand, consider reviewing your ownership arrangements with a qualified legal adviser to ensure they comply with Thai law. Those found to be operating in breach of Thai business laws may face arrest, fines, deportation or other legal penalties.
\n\nOn 28 August 2026, Thailand introduced new deportation regulations. Foreign nationals may be deported without the need for a criminal conviction if the Thai authorities determine that their conduct is contrary to public order, public morals or the wellbeing of the Thai people. Those who are deported may also face restrictions on returning to Thailand. You should comply with all local laws and regulations and follow instructions issued by Thai authorities.
\n\nIt is illegal to fly a drone in Thailand if it is not registered. You must register your drone with Thailand’s National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) within 30 days of entering Thailand or purchasing a drone in Thailand even if you do not intend to fly it.
\n\nThe regulations apply to all drones, including those for recreational use. The fine for an unregistered drone with the NBTC is 100,000 baht or five years imprisonment or both.
\n\nThailand has strict laws on gambling. Under the Playing Cards Act (1943) it is illegal to carry over one hundred and twenty playing cards. Violation of the Act could lead to prosecution, a fine, or even imprisonment.
\n\nPolice may ask to check your passport. If you do not have it with you, you could be asked to produce it within 24 hours at a police station. Usually, a copy of the photo page of your passport will be sufficient.
\n\nIt’s illegal to smoke in public with a fine of up to 5,000 Thai baht. It is illegal to possess or use any vape, e-cigarette, pod, e-liquid, or heat-not-burn device in Thailand. Offences can lead to confiscation, heavy fines (typically 5,000–30,000 Thai bhat), detention, and court proceedings. You may be required to remain in Thailand until the case has been finalised. There are no exceptions for tourists or for personal use.
\n\nThe sale of alcohol is restricted between midnight and 11am. This does not apply to licensed hotels, international airport terminals or authorised entertainment venues. Exercise caution when purchasing or consuming alcohol in public places during restricted hours and check with venue owners or shop sellers. Failure to comply could result in a fine.
\n\nThailand has strict laws against drug use, possession and trafficking. Possessing small quantities of illegal substances can lead to heavy fines or imprisonment. Possessing Class A drugs can lead to the death penalty.
\n\nConditions in prisons and other detention facilities in Thailand are harsh, with limited access to healthcare. Detainees have died in custody.
\n\nSome British nationals have suffered severe psychiatric problems because of drug use, sometimes leading to suicide.
\n\nCannabis laws in Thailand are strictly enforced and have changed in recent years. You must follow local regulations on possession, use and export.
\n\nCannabis use in Thailand is restricted to medical purposes only. You must not buy, possess or use it without a Thai-issued medical prescription, which is limited to a 30-day supply. Recreational use remains illegal.
\n\nIt is illegal to take cannabis out of Thailand without the appropriate export permission from the authorities.
\n\nAttempting to take cannabis out of Thailand will result in penalties, including fines starting at 30,000 Thai baht per kilogram (about £684 per kg). If you do not pay, you will be detained or imprisoned. You will also be placed on an immigration watchlist affecting future travel to Thailand.
\n\nCannabis is illegal in many countries. If you carry it when arriving in, or transiting through, another country, you risk arrest and serious penalties, including long prison sentences.
\n\nThailand is generally a safe place for LGBT+ travellers. Thailand legalised same-sex marriage in January 2025. Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.
\n\nIt’s illegal to buy, sell, kill or capture any protected wild animal or trade its parts without a licence.
\n\nElephant treks can be dangerous, especially if elephants are mistreated or not handled properly. Use a reliable, licensed tour guide. British nationals have been seriously injured and killed because handlers have lost control of the elephant.
\n\nTake care when swimming off coastal areas, especially during monsoon season. People have drowned in strong riptides. Thailand has lifeguards on duty at designated beaches and operates a flag system for safe swimming. Follow all warning signs, especially red flags.
\n\nSee water safety on holiday from the Royal Life Saving Society.
\n\nJellyfish can swim close to the shore, particularly during the rainy season from May to October. Jellyfish stings can be fatal. Take local advice from your hotel and dive centres.
\n\nTake care when swimming, diving, kayaking or white water rafting in rivers or close to waterfalls, particularly in the rainy season. Currents can be extremely strong.
\n\nSee watersports safety advice from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (ROSPA).
\n\nDiving schools may have limited resources and do not always observe safety and maintenance standards. Always:
\n\nIf you have not had any previous diving experience, check what to do if something goes wrong, including how to call for help while at sea.
\n\nThailand has a high number of road traffic accidents, particularly with motorcycles. The World Health Organisation (WHO) ranks Thailand as one of the world’s deadliest countries for fatalities on motorcycles.
\n\nIf you are planning to drive in Thailand, see information on driving abroad. You’ll need to carry both the 1968 version of the international driving permit (IDP) and your UK driving licence while driving. You cannot buy an IDP outside the UK, so get one before you travel.
\n\nIf you live in Thailand, you can apply for a Thai driving licence using your UK driving licence.
\n\nMotorcycles and scooters for hire in tourist areas are often unregistered and cannot be used legally on a public road. Before you hire a vehicle, make sure your travel insurance covers you and check the small print of the lease agreement, paying particular attention to any limits on engine size and necessary licenses. Many travel insurance policies expect you to hold the correct UK licence for the type of car, motorbike or scooter you intend to drive abroad. This means that if you wouldn’t be legally permitted to drive it in the UK, your insurer may not cover you for driving it in Thailand.
\n\nBy law, you must wear a helmet when riding a motorcycle.
\n\nIf you drive a car or ride a motorcycle in Thailand without a valid licence, it could invalidate your travel insurance and you’ll be unable to claim if you have an accident or injury.
\n\nNok Air has been suspended from operating international flights due to safety concerns by Thailand’s Civil Aviation Authority, though still operates domestically within Thailand.
\n\nThere are many passenger boat services operating between the mainland and islands. Boats can sink or collide, which has led to fatalities, including of British nationals. Accidents are usually due to:
\n\nFind out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.
\n\nThe rainy season is generally from May to October. In Koh Samui and south-east Thailand it is usually from November to March. However, weather patterns have become increasingly unpredictable and periods of intense rainfall can occur across Thailand.
\n\nHeavy rainfall can cause flash flooding, landslides and disruption to transport, particularly in northern, north-eastern and mountainous areas. Conditions can change rapidly and may result in road closures and local travel disruption. Lakes, caves and waterfalls are particularly at risk of dangerous flash flooding.
\n\nFollow local authority advice and monitor the Thai Meteorological Department for weather warnings.
\n\nEarthquakes and tremors are a risk in northern Thailand. Earthquake Track lists recent activity.
\n\nThe US Federal Emergency Management Agency website has advice about what to do before, during and after an earthquake.
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