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Thailand-Visa
AS OF: JULY 2026
Planning to spend several weeks or months in Hua Hin? Thailand offers various entry and visa options, depending on your nationality, age, planned length of stay, and whether you intend to work during your time here. This overview is intended for Swiss and European guests planning a long-term stay at Swiss Baan Chiang.
From a short holiday to retirement in Hua Hin
The five most common routes into Thailand, from visa-free entry to the Long-Term Resident Visa, at a glance — ordered by planned length of stay and life situation.
This overview does not replace legal advice. The current information provided by the relevant Thai authorities always takes precedence.
AT A GLANCE
Stay and matching visa option
STAY
Holiday
VISA
Visa-free entry
STAY
About 2 to 3 months
VISA
Tourist visa
STAY
Several months with remote work
VISA
Destination Thailand Visa
STAY
Retirement from age 50
VISA
Non-Immigrant O oder O-A
STAY
Premium long-term stay
VISA
Thailand Privilege oder LTR-Visum
01 - Visa-free entry
For many European travelers, visa-free entry is the simplest option for a holiday or an initial stay in Thailand.
At the time of this publication, holders of a regular Swiss or Liechtenstein passport may, according to the Royal Thai Embassy in Bern, enter Thailand without a prior visa for up to 60 days.
A one-time extension of 30 days can be requested at a Thai immigration office for a fee of 1,900 THB. Approval is at the discretion of the relevant authority and depends on the regulations in effect at the time of the request.
IMPORTANT UPDATE 2026
On May 19, 2026, the Thai cabinet approved a revision of the visa-free entry rules. Among other changes, the general 60-day rule is set to be replaced by new stay periods of 30 or 15 days respectively for eligible nationalities.
However, these changes do not take effect immediately. They will only become effective once the corresponding announcements from the Thai Ministry of Interior have been published in the Royal Gazette and an additional 15-day period has elapsed.
Travelers should therefore check the currently applicable length of stay again shortly before departure via an official source, or ask us.
02 - Tourist visa
A tourist visa is suitable for guests who already know they want to stay in Thailand longer than a typical holiday.
A standard single-entry tourist visa generally offers:
- a visa validity of three months, within which entry must take place
- a permitted stay of up to 60 days after entry
- the option to apply for an extension at a Thai immigration office
For eligible applicants who wish to enter and exit multiple times during the validity period, a multiple-entry tourist visa may also be an option.
03 - Destination Thailand Visa – DTV
The Destination Thailand Visa is particularly attractive for digital nomads, remote workers, freelancers, and people taking part in recognized activities in Thailand.
Under certain conditions, spouses and dependent children can also be included.
The DTV generally offers:
- a visa validity of up to five years
- multiple entries into Thailand
- a permitted stay of up to 180 days per entry
- the option to apply once for an additional extension of up to 180 days
- financial and documentary requirements depending on the purpose of stay
Applicants must prove their eligibility, for example through documents relating to remote employment, self-employment, professional activity, or participation in a recognized activity in Thailand.
The DTV does not automatically permit taking up employment with a Thai company. It is important to distinguish between remote work for a foreign company and gainful employment in Thailand.
04 - Visa options from age 50
Thailand offers various visa categories for foreign nationals aged 50 and over who wish to spend an extended period in the country without working.
Non-Immigrant O
A Non-Immigrant O visa can be applied for, among other purposes, for a retirement stay. It often initially allows a stay of up to 90 days.
Under certain conditions, an extension of stay can subsequently be applied for within Thailand. This requires meeting the applicable financial and immigration requirements.
Non-Immigrant O-A Long Stay Visa
The O-A visa is aimed at eligible individuals aged 50 and over who wish to stay in Thailand for up to one year.
Applicants generally need to submit evidence relating to the following:
- age and nationality
- financial means
- health insurance
- state of health and criminal record
- residence in the country where the application is filed
Gainful employment in Thailand is not permitted under a retirement visa.
Non-Immigrant O-X
The O-X visa is a longer-term retirement option for nationals of certain approved countries. Higher financial, insurance, and documentary requirements apply.
05 - Thailand Privilege & Long-Term Resident Visa
For guests seeking a particularly comfortable or long-term structured solution, the following options may be of interest.
Thailand Privilege
A paid membership program offering long-term visa privileges and selected support services.
Duration, benefits, and fees depend on the chosen membership package.
Long-Term Resident Visa (LTR)
The Long-Term Resident Visa, or LTR visa for short, is aimed at specific groups of people, including:
- wealthy retirees
- financially established international individuals
- highly skilled professionals
- qualified remote workers
The requirements regarding income, assets, employer, and insurance are significantly higher than for a standard tourist or retirement visa.
APPLICATION PROCESS
How to apply for a Thai e-Visa
Many eligible applicants can apply for their visa online via the official portal of the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs: www.thaievisa.go.th
The application must normally be submitted while the applicant is physically present in the country or territory served by the selected Thai embassy or the responsible consulate (for example, Switzerland).
Processing times, fees, and required documents vary depending on nationality, residence, visa category, and the responsible foreign mission.
CHECKLIST
To check before your trip
- Passport validity and condition
- Return or onward travel ticket
- Travel or health insurance
- Customs regulations for medication, drones, and restricted items
- Confirmed accommodation details
- Sufficient financial means, if required
- Current digital entry and registration requirements
SUPPORT
How Swiss Baan Chiang can support you
We support you well before your arrival.
The binding review of your application lies with the relevant Thai representation. We make sure you arrive there well prepared.
This support is available to you in connection with a booking at Swiss Baan Chiang.
RELIABLE SOURCES
Official information
Visa and entry requirements can change at short notice. Before booking your flights or applying for a visa, always check the current requirements at:
The official Thailand e-Visa portal: www.thaievisa.go.th