Visa & Stay
Germans, Austrians, and Swiss can visit Thailand for tourism purposes visa-free — the rules were relaxed in 2024:
Visa-Free Stay
- Duration of stay: Up to 60 days (extended since 2024, previously 30 days)
- Requirements: Passport with at least 6 months validity, return or onward flight ticket, theoretically proof of sufficient funds (20,000 Baht / person, rarely checked)
- Extension: Possible once for an additional 30 days (at the Immigration Office, fee 1,900 Baht)
- Maximum stay: Thus up to 90 days consecutively
Tourist Visa (if longer than 90 days)
For stays over 90 days, you need a Tourist Visa (TR), which you must apply for BEFORE the trip at the Thai embassy:
- Single Entry: 60 days + 30 days extension = 90 days
- Multiple Entry (METV): Valid for 6 months, each entry 60 days. Cost: approx. 150 €.
Overstay — DON'T do it!
Overstaying your visa incurs a 500 Baht per day fine (max. 20,000 Baht). Overstay beyond 90 days may result in a re-entry ban (1–10 years depending on duration). Thai immigration shows no leniency — overstay is detected at the airport upon departure and immediately penalized.
Important Immigration Offices
- Bangkok: Immigration Bureau, Chaeng Wattana Government Complex (north of the city)
- Chiang Mai: Immigration Office, Promenada Resort Mall
- Phuket: Immigration Office, Phuket Town
Achtung
The so-called "Visa Running" (leaving and immediately re-entering to obtain a new visa) is increasingly viewed critically by Thai immigration. Frequent short exits and entries may lead to entry denial. Those wishing to stay longer in Thailand should apply for a proper visa.