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Thailand
Phuket
Andaman beaches from Kata to Surin, Phuket Old Town's shophouses and food, Wat Chalong, and boat trips to Phang Nga Bay and Phi Phi's Maya Bay.
Do I need a visa for Thailand?
Choose your passport to see the rules for Thailand.
- TDAC (Thailand Digital Arrival Card): free at tdac.immigration.go.th, submit within 3 days before arrival; mandatory since 1 May 2025.
- Passport valid at least 6 months
- Onward or return ticket within the permitted stay; may be asked for funds (about THB 20,000 per person, checked at random)
- Since 15 Sep 2026: the 60-day exemption is repealed and 60 countries or territories get 30 days, for tourism only.
- 30-day-exemption travellers entering by land are limited to 2 entries per calendar year (Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia and Singapore are exempt from this limit).
Checked October 2026. Rules change: confirm on the official sites before you book. tatnews.org, ratchakitcha.soc.go.th, ratchakitcha.soc.go.th, ratchakitcha.soc.go.th, image.mfa.go.th, thaievisa.go.th, tdac.immigration.go.th, envoyglobal.com, dtvthaivisa.com
Before you go to Phuket
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Entry
Visa-free stays cut to 30 days
From 15 September 2026 the 60-day visa exemption ended, and passport holders from 60 countries (including the UK, US and Australia) now get 30 days visa-free for tourism. Visa-free entries by land are generally limited to 2 per calendar year.
Official site · www.tatnews.orgShow funds and an onward ticket
Visa-exempt visitors may be asked for at least 10,000 baht per person or 20,000 baht per family, plus proof of onward or return travel.
Official site · www.gov.ukComplete the TDAC within 3 days of arrival
All foreign nationals have needed the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) since 1 May 2025. Submit it free in the 3 days before arrival at tdac.immigration.go.th.
Official site · www.gov.uk
Safety
Obey red flags on the beach
People have drowned in strong riptides, especially during the monsoon (roughly May to October on the Andaman coast). Follow beach flags and warning signs, and don't swim when red flags fly.
Official site · www.gov.ukJellyfish risk May–October
Jellyfish are more common from May to October, and some stings can be fatal. Get medical help quickly if you are stung.
Official site · www.gov.ukJet-ski and motorbike rental scams
Never give your passport as a deposit to jet-ski or motorbike rental businesses, which may hold it against made-up damage claims.
Official site · www.gov.ukVapes are illegal, including for tourists
Possessing or using any vape, e-cigarette, pod, e-liquid or heat-not-burn device is illegal, with no exceptions for tourists. Fines typically run 5,000–30,000 baht, plus confiscation and possible detention.
Official site · www.gov.ukCannabis is medical-only
Recreational cannabis is illegal again. Use requires a Thai-issued prescription limited to a 30-day supply, and taking cannabis out of the country without permission brings fines from 30,000 baht per kg.
Official site · www.gov.uk
Transport
Scooters need an IDP and a helmet
Carry a 1968 International Driving Permit (IDP) plus your home licence, and wear a helmet, which is required by law. Riding without the right licence can void your insurance.
Official site · www.gov.uk
Health
Insurance and emergency numbers
Hospitals require a guarantee of payment, so travel insurance is essential. Call 191 for police, fire or ambulance, or 1669 for an ambulance.
Official site · www.gov.uk
Money
Use ATMs inside banks
ATM skimming has been reported, so use machines inside bank branches and cover your PIN.
Official site · www.gov.uk
Etiquette
Respect the monarchy and mind what you post
Criticising the Thai monarchy carries long prison sentences. Posting photos online of people drinking or in clothing seen as inappropriate can also be illegal.
Official site · www.gov.uk
Rules and fees change. Check the official links before you travel.