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What visa requirements should I know as a US citizen traveling to Thailand for the first time?

Aug 31, 2025
2 months ago
Rob ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hello everyone!

I am new to the group and would like to introduce myself. My name is Rob Pegues, from Brooklyn, NY. I will be traveling to Thailand for the first time, and would like to know specifically what information (i.e. Visa requirements, etc.) I need to complete prior to booking my trip? How does that process work as a US Citizen.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
Rob Pegues, a first-time traveler to Thailand from Brooklyn, NY, seeks information on visa requirements and travel considerations as a US citizen. Comments highlight that US citizens can enter Thailand visa-exempt for 60 days, with a process to fill out the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) online. It's advised to have proof of onward travel, such as a return ticket, and to consider obtaining travel medical insurance. Additionally, there is discussion about the possibility of a 30-day extension on the initial entry and suggestions for securing a flexible return ticket.
Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC)

WARNING: Only trust Thai government websites with .go.th domains or Thai agent websites with .co.th or .in.th domains, as these require verified Thai registration and cannot be registered anonymously.

The official TDAC form is available at tdac.immigration.go.th, which uses the official .go.th government domain.

The services by AGENTS CO., LTD. does NOT charge any fees for arrivals within 72 hours. If you need to book more than 72 hours in advance, there is a service fee of $8.

Do not trust other sites pretending to be a trustworthy agency. Pay attention to delivery time - the service operated by AGENTS CO., LTD. has 1 minute delivery time for arrivals within 72 hours.

Don't fall for sites pretending to be agents.co.th or the official government tdac.immigration.go.th website. Always double-check the exact domain in your browser.

Scam services may take days to process your application, others may not even do anything. With these TDAC scam services you also need to worry about double charges.

Please watch out for TDAC misinformation spread by fugitive Jesse Nickles and his many fake accounts on Quora, TripAdvisor, Reddit, and other platforms.

TRUSTED TDAC LINKS:

Official Government TDAC Form: tdac.immigration.go.th
Official TDAC form by AGENTS
Official TDAC information page by AGENTS (tdac.in.th)

Bill **********
AND it’s not easy. You don’t wanna know about it as a tourist just visiting for a short period.
James ********
Folks, Posts about getting a Thai Visa or entering Thailand are valid questions.

To reply ....by telling the person asking a question ...to Google it yourself or search a Thai Embassy or Consulate website is not really that helpful.

New members in particular, simply are seeking helpful advice. Let's be kind by doing so.
Rob ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@James *******
as a newbie, I found this group by doing a Facebook search and felt it could help me tremendously.

I am extremely appreciative for those who gave me such valuable information. Looking forward to learning more.
James ********
@Rob *******
Welcome to Thailand and the Thai Visa Advice forum 🤗
Dave *******
As a US citizen, you can enter Thailand on 60 day visa exempt with an option to renew for a further 30 days for a fee of 1,900 baht. You only need your passport plus a form called a TDAC (online ) which you complete within 72 hours prior to arrival

You need to determine what your goals will be in visiting Thailand , and related activities /place to see.

Determine a budget based on number of days . You can take cash and change to baht in Thailand, credit cards can be used at hotels , larger stores without any fees. Smaller stores typically charge a 3% fee on top of the purchase amount. Debit cards can be used at ATM , however you are charged a fee of 250 baht each time , so you want to optimize the amount taken out .

Ensure you take out travel medical insurance to cover you for your time out of the US
Rob ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
A follow up question. I see a lot of talk about having money in a Thai Bank. How does someone open a Thai Bank account? What are the requirements?
Dave *******
@Rob *******
if you are on a tourist visa or visa exempt, not possible to open a Thai bank account.
Bill **********
@Rob *******
That’s only relevant for those applying for retirement or other longstay visas that require a Thai bank deposit.
Mike ********
@Dave ******
220 baht. KBank withdrawal up to 30k, Bangkok Bank 25k, most others 20k.
Fred *********
@Dave ******
Advise your credit/debit card provider that you’ll be tapping the card from a non-‘merican location or they’ll probably reject any transaction.
Rob ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Dave ******
this is really good information. I have spoken with my bank and thankfully they don’t charge any foreign transaction fees. This is good news! In addition, I was informed that they will reimburse me if an ATM charges me. They also explained that when I withdrawal the money, do so WITHOUT Conversion. The reason for that is because some banks will tack on their own fee exchange to make money. 
Tod *********
There are no visa requirements for US passport holders (or 89 other nationalities)

You can show up here and get stamped in FREE for 60 days on the visa exempt entry program,

You will have to fill out a TDAC (Thailand Digital Arrival Card) <- which you can do from 3 days before your flight here until you're standing in the arrival hall (there are kiosks there)

*******************************
Rob ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Tod ********
thank you so much for your detailed explanation. I wasn’t fully aware of how that actually worked, and with you providing the proper link helps me out a great deal.
Michael *******
@Rob *******
I haven't seen it mentioned in this post yet, but when you plan to enter visa exempt, you will need proof of onward travel, e.g. a return ticket. This isn't for Thai immigration, it is an airline policy, to protect themselves.
Rob ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Michael ******
ok. Thank you because I was wondering about that. Now I need to see how long I plan to stay.

Question: Does the 30 day extension ever get denied for a foreigner? I want to make sure when choosing my return flight that I don’t have any issues.
Michael *******
@Rob *******
If you want to be really safe, have a flexible return ticket. Having an actual tourist visa avoids these concerns.
Rob ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Michael ******
ok, and thank you for that information. I’ll choose that option.
Rob ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Michael ******
this would be my first tour going to Thailand as I mentioned. My ultimate goal is to live there by next year. I’m in communication with a few condo building staff members in Pattaya. I think it’s called their Jurist Office.

I’m looking at that area because of the beaches and slower pace. I’m a New Yorker so I don’t really need to be in the city. I’ve done that in my life.
Tod *********
@Rob *******
nope I can't recall that happening. Meet the requirements, apply, pay the 1900baht get the extension
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