File 02 · Visas
Thai visas for Americans, without the forum rabbit hole.
Visa-free entry is now 30 days. To live here you need one of the long-stay visas below. Each page explains who it's for, what it costs and where people get stuck.
Visa finder
Which visa fits you?
Four questions. Nothing is sent anywhere.
Compare
All long-stay visas side by side.
| Visa | Best for | Stay | Money test | Work |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DTVDestination Thailand Visa | Remote workers, freelancers and people coming for Muay Thai, cooking school or medical treatment. | 180 days per entry, extendable once by 180 days | ฿500,000 in savings (about US$15,000) | Only for employers or clients outside Thailand |
| O / O-ARetirement visa | Americans aged 50 or older who want to live in Thailand year-round on savings or a pension. | 1 year, renewable every year in Thailand | ฿800,000 in a Thai bank, or ฿65,000 a month in income, or a mix of both | Not allowed |
| LTRLong-Term Resident visa | High earners, wealthy retirees and remote professionals who want 10 years and the lightest paperwork. | 10 years (5 + 5) | Depends on the category: usually US$80,000 a year in income, or US$1 million in assets | Yes, with a digital work permit |
| PrivilegeThailand Privilege (formerly Elite) | People who want a long visa with no income or savings test, and are happy to pay for it up front. | 5 to 20 years, depending on the tier | No financial test: the membership fee is the qualification | Not allowed |
| Non-OMarriage visa | Americans married to a Thai citizen. | 1 year, renewable every year | ฿400,000 in a Thai bank, or ฿40,000 a month in income | Yes, with a work permit |
Short stays
Just coming to look around first?
Smart move. These rules apply to short visits.
- Visa exemption
- Since September 15, 2026, US citizens can stay up to 30 days without a visa, for tourism only. You can ask to extend once by up to 30 days in Thailand. Arrivals over land are limited to two a year.
- Tourist e-visa (TR)
- Apply before you leave for a 60-day stay, extendable by 30 days in Thailand. Useful for a scouting trip before you commit.
- Arrival card
- Everyone must fill in the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) online before arriving.
Rules checked on October 24, 2026. Thai immigration rules change often; we re-check them for every client.
Not sure which one?
A 30-minute call is usually enough to know. It's free, and we'll tell you if you don't need us.