New visa rules for Thailand: This is what travelers need to know in 2025!

New visa rules for Thailand: This is what travelers need to know in 2025!

Additional controls for border crossings in Thailand

On November 25, 2025, in Ubon Ratchathani, by the responsible authorities, including the Commander of the Immigration Department, พล.ต.ต.ไพรัช พุกเจริญ, and the Head of the Immigration Department Ubon Ratchathani, A new initiative to improve security measures at the Chanthaburi and Pak Sang border crossings was unveiled. These measures aim to control the entry of foreign persons and inform the public about the existing entry regulations. Naevna reports that particular attention is paid to the different visa categories and their requirements.

Visa types in detail

There are several visa categories available for travelers wishing to visit Thailand. These include the non-immigrant visa, which is intended for work, business or study, as well as the tourist visa for typical tourist visits. Other specialized visas are intended for marriage applications, retirement applications and students. Co-journey visas highlights that the visa for educational purposes (Non-Immigrant ED) and the work visa (Non-Immigrant B) are particularly popular with foreign applicants.

Requirements for the visa application

To apply for a Thai visa, different documents are required. This includes a passport with a validity of at least six months, a fully completed visa application form and current passport photos. Financial evidence, such as bank statements, may also be necessary, depending on the type of visa applied for. For special visas, such as the old age visa, a medical certificate may be required. It is also advisable to prepare all documents in a timely and careful manner to avoid rejection of the application. Fascination with Southeast Asia emphasizes that visa fees and processing times may vary and that current information should be obtained from the respective embassies or consulates.

New entry regulations since 2024

Since July 15, 2024, travelers from 93 countries, including Germany, Austria and Switzerland, have had a visa-free residence permit for up to 60 days. An extension of 30 days is possible on site. From May 2025, travelers will be required to complete a digital entry form before traveling to Thailand, further simplifying entry formalities. The introduction of the “Destination Thailand Visa (DTV)”, which allows a stay of up to 360 days per year, is also a new aspect that makes planning a trip to Thailand easier.

Important information for travelers

Visitors should always make sure that they have at least 20,000 baht per person or 40,000 baht per family in order to prove, if necessary at the borders, that they have sufficient financial resources. Even though travel health insurance is no longer mandatory, it is still highly recommended. It is advisable to check the current entry requirements and visas at any time, as these can be adjusted at any time due to changes in the guidelines.

The coming months will show to what extent the new regulations will influence entry into Thailand. Authorities in Ubon Ratchathani and elsewhere are keeping an eye out to ensure safety while promoting tourism.