Here is an overview of using the Thailand stay duration calculator.
Planning a trip to the Land of Smiles has become more streamlined in 2026, but the introduction of the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) and shifting stay limits mean that precision is your best friend.
Whether you are landing in Bangkok for a street-food marathon or heading to the quiet shores of Khao Lak, understanding your "Entry-to-Exit" timeline is critical to avoiding heavy fines or missed flights.
Note: Thai Immigration counts the Arrival Day as Day 1, even if landing late at night.
Submit your free TDAC at tdac.immigration.go.th.
Your recommended submission date:
(Submission window: 72 hours before arrival).
One of the most common mistakes travellers make when visiting Thailand is how they count their days. Unlike a hotel stay, where you count nights, Thai Immigration counts days.
Our calculator above uses this inclusive logic to ensure you never accidentally book a flight on what you think is Day 30, but is actually Day 31.
As of 2026, the old paper "blue cards" are a thing of the past. The TDAC is a mandatory digital filing for all international arrivals.
When to File?
The system operates on a strict 72-hour window. You cannot submit your details earlier than 72 hours before your scheduled landing time. However, waiting until the last minute at the airport is risky due to potential server delays.
The TDAC process is free through the Thai Goverment, but be aware of fake sites that will do the manual submission for you at a fee.
You can access the free Thailand Digital Arrival Card site here.
For citizens of many "high-trust" nations, you do not need to apply for a visa in advance. You simply show up with a valid passport (with at least 6 months validity) and receive a stamp at the border.
As of May 2025, it is planned to remove the current 60-day limit and revert to the prior 30-day limit. The transition requirements are not known at this point and the calculator is based upon the prior standards on the assumption this is what will be reverted to.
The following nations generally receive a 30-day stay upon arrival:
Eligible 30-Day Visa Exemption Countries (Standard List):
Europe: UK, Ireland, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Switzerland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, Austria, Belgium.
North America: USA, Canada.
Oceania: Australia, New Zealand.
Asia: Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia.
Note: In late 2025, several countries were briefly granted 60 days, but the 2026 standard is planned to revert to 30 days for many to align with the new security protocols.
Always check the calculator against your specific passport.
Not to be confused with "Visa Exemption," the Visa on Arrival (VoA) is a specific category for citizens of countries that must pay a fee (usually ฿2,000) and provide a photograph at a dedicated kiosk before hitting the main immigration line.
Eligible 15-Day VoA Countries:
Important: VoA entries are strictly 15 days and are much harder to extend than a standard 30-day exemption.
If you are from a VoA country, your return flight must be within that 15-day window, or you may be denied boarding at your origin.
If you are planning a deep-dive into Thai culture, a 30-day stamp might not be enough. You can apply for a 60-day Tourist Visa at a Thai Embassy or Consulate (or via the E-Visa portal) before you leave home.
Thailand takes its borders seriously. If the date on your entry stamp passes and you haven't cleared immigration, you are "On Overstay."
Before you head to the airport, ensure you have ticked these boxes:
By using the Thailand Stay & TDAC Planner, you take the guesswork out of your logistics, leaving you more time to enjoy the beaches of the south or the mountains of the north.
Safe travels!
Yes. Regardless of the time you land (even 23:59), that calendar day is officially Day 1 of your permitted stay.
Can I submit my TDAC a week before my flight?
No. The system strictly requires submission within 72 hours of your arrival time.
What happens if I overstay by one day?
You will be required to pay a ฿500 fine at the airport immigration counter. Use our TDAC calculator to ensure you don't exceed your limit.
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