Thailand visa for Australians: do you need one?

Visa rules for a tourist visit

Australia is on the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs list of countries whose citizens can enter Thailand without a visa for tourism, for a period not exceeding 30 days. The list took effect on 15 September 2026.

How long you can stay

You can stay up to 30 days. Thai embassy sources say you may request an extension of up to 30 days, at the immigration officer's discretion. Smartraveller does not cover extensions.

Smartraveller's Thailand page (no update date shown, read on 27 October 2026) still says you may be able to get a visa exemption to stay for up to 60 days. That is the old rule. The Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs list, in force since 15 September 2026, sets 30 days for Australians and is the newer source.

What to have ready

• Passport: Smartraveller says it must be valid for more than 6 months before entering Thailand.
• Accommodation, funds and ticket: Smartraveller says to be ready to show where you are staying, enough funds and an onward or return ticket.
• How much money: Smartraveller gives no amount, and Thai official sources differ. The Royal Thai Embassy in Washington (updated 17 September 2026) says 20,000 baht per person or 40,000 baht per family. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (6 July 2026, updated 15 August 2026) says 10,000 baht per person or 20,000 baht per family for certain visa-exempt cases.
• Fees: there is no visa fee for the visa exemption, and the TDAC is free. Smartraveller warns about fake TDAC websites that charge fees.

The arrival form

Before you land, submit the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) within 3 days before arrival. It is free on the official Thai Immigration website, and our own TDAC page takes you through it.

Recent and upcoming changes

• 15 September 2026: the 30-day tourist visa exemption replaced the previous 60-day exemption. Travellers who were already in Thailand keep the stay they were given.
• As of 27 October 2026, Smartraveller still mentions 60 days. Follow the newer Thai rule of 30 days.
• Proposed, not confirmed: a 450 baht entry fee for foreign tourists from early 2027, according to a Thai Government Public Relations Department headline of 17 August 2026. It has not been confirmed as approved and has no confirmed start date.