Thailand entry requirements for UK travellers
Everything a UK traveller needs to know before visiting Thailand: visa and passport rules, recommended vaccines with lead times, and whether you need an International Driving Permit.
Quick answer for UK travellers
- Passport
- valid 6+ months beyond arrival, 1 blank page
- Vaccines
- 2 recommended, 7 to consider
- Driving permit
- 1968 Vienna Convention IDP if you plan to drive
Data is automatically refreshed from official UK government sources: gov.uk Foreign Travel Advice for visa and passport rules, NaTHNaC TravelHealthPro for vaccines, and gov.uk driving abroad guidance for International Driving Permits. Not medical advice - always confirm with a travel-health professional and the Thailand embassy before you travel. Read our full methodology →
Entry requirements for Thailand
Passport validity
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date you arrive and have 1 blank page.
Visas
You can visit Thailand for a period of 60 days for the purpose of tourism, business engagements, and urgent or ad-hoc work. This visa category can be extended for another period not exceeding 30 days.
You can also apply in advance for a multiple-entry visa for up to 60 days.
For work, study or other reasons, you need a visa before you travel.
Digital Arrival Card
From 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.
Overstaying your visa
If 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:
- held in detention
- deported at your own expense
- banned from re-entering Thailand for up to 10 years
Conditions in detention centres can be harsh.
Source: UK Foreign Travel Advice - Thailand · checked . Always confirm the latest requirements before you travel.
Vaccines for travel to Thailand
Based on NaTHNaC TravelHealthPro guidance for UK travellers. Lead times assume protection is needed on the day you arrive.
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2 weeks before travelHepatitis A Recommended
Recommended for all previously unvaccinated travellers.
-
Tetanus / Diphtheria Recommended
Booster recommended if last dose was more than 10 years ago.
-
2 weeks before travelChikungunya Consider
For ages 12+. Consider for outbreak regions, long-term or frequent travellers.
-
Dengue Consider
-
3 weeks before travelHepatitis B Consider
Recommended for those with potential for unprotected sex, healthcare workers, long-stay travellers.
-
4 weeks before travelJapanese Encephalitis Consider
For rural stays, 1+ month stays, or frequent travellers. Not routinely recommended for short city trips.
-
4 weeks before travelRabies (Pre-exposure) Consider
Pre-exposure for those with high-risk activities, remote areas, or long stays (>1 month).
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Tuberculosis (BCG) Consider
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2 weeks before travelTyphoid Consider
Recommended for those visiting friends/relatives, frequent travellers, or those in areas with poor sanitation.
Source: NaTHNaC TravelHealthPro - Thailand · checked . Cross-check against NHS Fit for Travel and US CDC Traveller's Health.
Driving in Thailand
To drive in Thailand with a UK driving licence, you may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) under the 1968 Vienna Convention.
IDPs are issued by PayPoint (no longer the Post Office) - find an issuing store.
Thailand travel: frequently asked questions
How long does my passport need to be valid for Thailand?
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date you arrive in Thailand, and have at least 1 blank page. Check your expiry date well in advance - renewing a UK passport currently takes around 3 weeks.
What vaccines do I need for Thailand?
No vaccines are listed as required for Thailand, but Hepatitis A, Tetanus / Diphtheria are recommended for UK travellers based on NaTHNaC guidance. Some vaccines need several weeks for full protection - book a travel clinic appointment well before you fly.
Do I need an International Driving Permit for Thailand?
If you plan to drive in Thailand on a UK licence, you may need an International Driving Permit issued under the 1968 Vienna Convention. UK IDPs are issued by PayPoint in person and cost £5.50.
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