Thailand Visa Exempt vs Visa on Arrival: What’s the Difference? (2025 Update)

Traveling to Thailand has gotten a lot easier in recent years, thanks to friendly visa policies. Many visitors can enter visa-free under Thailand’s Visa Exemption scheme, while others can get a Visa on Arrival (VoA) right at the airport. But what do these terms mean, and which applies to you? In this guide, we’ll break down the difference between Thailand’s visa-exempt entry and visa on arrival schemes. We’ll list all eligible countries for each (as of 2025), highlight how long you can stay, what the conditions are, and walk you through the arrival process at the airport.

We’ll also compare Thailand’s tourist visa rules with those of its neighbors – Vietnam, Cambodia, Malaysia, Indonesia, etc. – to see where Thailand offers more convenience, better infrastructure, or a friendlier immigration process for both tourists and remote workers. By the end, you’ll know exactly what to expect, and you’ll feel confident planning that Thai getaway or digital nomad adventure. Let’s dive in!

Visa Exempt Entry (No Visa Needed) in Thailand

Visa Exemption (sometimes called the visa waiver or visa-free entry) is Thailand’s program that allows passport holders of certain countries to enter without a visa at all. If you qualify, you simply get a stamp in your passport on arrival and you’re good to go – no fees, no prior application. Here are the key details:

• Eligible Countries: As of 2025, nationals of 93 countries and territories can enjoy visa-exempt entry into Thailand. This list was expanded in July 2024 (from 57 countries previously) to boost tourism. It now includes most of Europe, many Asia-Pacific countries, and the Americas. We provide the full list of visa exempt countries below (spoiler: it covers the USA, Canada, UK, all EU nations, Australia, New Zealand, India, China, Japan, South Korea, most of Southeast Asia, and more). If your country is on this list, you do not need to apply for any visa before traveling to Thailand.

• Length of Stay: Under the visa exemption scheme, you can stay up to 60 days in Thailand per visit. That’s a full two months of beach time, pad thai, and temple visits – all without a visa! Better yet, if 60 days isn’t enough, you can extend your stay by an additional 30 days by visiting an immigration office in Thailand (approval is at the immigration officer’s discretion). This means you could get almost 90 days in-country without a visa (60 days on arrival + 30-day extension). After that, you’d need to exit Thailand or obtain a different visa if you wish to stay longer. (Note: Thai authorities have indicated they may reduce the visa-exempt stay back to 30 days later in 2025 due to concerns over abuse of the 60-day allowance. Even if that happens, travelers should still be able to extend for 30 more days, for a total of ~60 days visa-free. Always double-check the latest rule before your trip.)

• Purpose of Visit: Visa-exempt entry is primarily for tourism. Thailand officially also allows visa-free visitors to attend brief business meetings, seminars, or perform certain urgent work on a short-term basis. But you cannot work a regular job or engage in long-term employment on a visa exemption. For most travelers, it’s simply a tourist entry.

• Conditions & Documents: Even though no visa is required, you must meet a few conditions to satisfy immigration:

  • Passport Validity: Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date.

  • Proof of onward travel: You may be asked to show a return or onward ticket indicating you’ll leave Thailand within the allowed period (60 days). For example, if you fly in visa-free, have a print-out of a flight booking out of Thailand before your 60 days are up. Open-ended tickets or one-way itineraries can raise eyebrows – the rule is that the onward ticket cannot be to a neighboring country and should have a confirmed date.

  • Proof of funds: Thai immigration officers might ask for proof that you have sufficient funds for your stay. Officially, visa-exempt travelers should have at least 20,000 THB per person (or 40,000 THB per family) in cash or bank balance available. In practice, this is rarely checked for ordinary tourists, but be aware it’s a requirement. It’s wise to have a credit card or some evidence of funds just in case.

  • Accommodation details: It’s a good idea to have the name and address of your hotel or accommodation handy (sometimes the arrival card or immigration form asks for an address in Thailand). In some cases, officers might ask where you plan to stay; providing a hotel booking or an invite address can be helpful.

• Arrival Process (What to Expect): If you’re from a visa-exempt country, the arrival process is straightforward. On your flight, you might receive an arrival/departure card to fill (Thailand has phased out the paper TM6 arrival card for many nationalities, but if they reinstated an e-arrival card, follow the instructions). Upon landing, head to the normal immigration counters. You’ll queue up with other travelers. When it’s your turn, hand over your passport (and the arrival card if required). The officer will verify your passport and eligibility, ask a couple of standard questions (e.g. “How long will you stay? Is this your first time in Thailand?”). If all is in order, they will stamp you in for 60 days. The stamp shows your entry date and the date by which you must depart (or extend). There’s no fee to be paid – it’s free. The whole process at the counter typically takes just a minute or two, and then you’re officially in Thailand! 🎉

• Re-Entry and Limits: Thailand doesn’t have a hard limit on how many times you can enter visa-free by air. Frequent back-to-back entries can eventually raise suspicion (they want to deter people from living in Thailand long-term by doing endless “visa runs” on tourist status). But for the typical tourist who comes once or twice a year, this isn’t an issue. By land, however, there is a rule that you can only enter visa-exempt twice per calendar year at land border checkpoints (this stops overland perpetual travelers from abusing the system). This land entry limit doesn’t apply to arrivals by air. (Malaysian citizens get a special exception – they can enter overland unlimited times without visa.)

Eligible Countries for Visa Exemption (60 days visa-free): Thailand visa exempt countries in 2025 span the globe. Below is the comprehensive list of the 93 countries and territories whose citizens can enter Thailand without a visa for up to 60 days:

• Europe (including UK): All European Union member states (Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden) + United Kingdom, Norway, Switzerland, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Andorra, San Marino, Ukraine, Georgia, Russia, Albania, Kosovo. (Yes, Russia is included under a bilateral deal – Russian tourists can now come visa-free instead of needing visa on arrival.)

• Asia-Pacific: India, China, Japan, South Korea (90 days), Bhutan, Nepal (note: Nepal was recently added), Sri Lanka, Mongolia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Taiwan, Hong Kong (SAR), Macao (SAR), Maldives, Israel and Jordan (Middle East), Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Philippines, Vietnam, Laos. (All ASEAN neighbors are visa-exempt, though note Myanmar and Cambodia currently get 14 days visa-free as special cases.) Also, Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Tonga are included in this region list.

• Americas: United States, Canada, Mexico, Argentina (90 days), Brazil (90 days), Chile (90 days), Peru (90 days), Uruguay, Panama, Colombia, Costa Rica, Bolivia, Paraguay, Guatemala, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago.

• Africa: South Africa, Morocco, Mauritius. (Most African countries are not visa-exempt, with these few exceptions via bilateral agreements.)

• Middle East: United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman (all six Gulf Cooperation Council states), plus the two mentioned above (Israel, Jordan, counted under Asia-Pacific here).

If you hold a passport from any of the above, congratulations – you can pack your bags for Thailand without needing to visit an embassy or pay a visa fee! ✅

(If your country wasn’t listed, don’t worry – you likely fall into the Visa on Arrival category or need a pre-arranged visa. More on that next.)

Visa on Arrival (VoA) in Thailand

If your nationality isn’t on the visa-exempt list, Thailand’s Visa on Arrival program is your next best option for a short visit. Visa on Arrival (VoA) means you don’t have to apply for a Thai visa beforehand – you can show up at the airport (or land border checkpoint) and get a visa stamp on the spot. However, there are some differences from the visa exemption scheme that you should note:

• Eligible Countries: Visa on Arrival is currently available to citizens of 31 countries and territories. We’ve listed all of them below. Notably, this list includes nations like China, India, Taiwan, Russia, and others that are major sources of tourists but not in the visa-exempt group. In fact, Thailand expanded the VoA program in July 2024 from the previous 19 countries to 31, to make travel easier for more nationalities. If your country is on this list, you can board a flight to Thailand without a prior visa – you’ll just apply for the visa stamp when you arrive.

• Length of Stay: A Visa on Arrival allows a stay of up to 15 days in Thailand. This is significantly shorter than the 60 days under visa exemption. Essentially, VoA is meant for short holidays or stopovers (about two weeks). The 15-day count includes the day you enter and the day you leave. For example, if you enter on January 1, you must depart by January 15 (or earlier). Extensions of a VoA are generally not allowed (or only in exceptional cases) – if you need more than 15 days, you should look into getting a different visa type in advance. (Some travelers have been able to get a 7-day extension on a VoA in the past, but this isn’t guaranteed or encouraged. Plan to stick to the 15-day limit.)

• Purpose of Visit: Visa on Arrival is strictly for tourism only. You are expected to be coming for leisure, sightseeing, or perhaps visiting friends/family. You cannot conduct business or work on a VoA. Immigration officers may ask for your travel itinerary or hotel bookings to be sure you’re a genuine tourist.

• Visa Fee: Unlike visa-exempt entries, VoA is not free. There is a 2,000 Thai Baht fee per person (approximately USD ~$60) that must be paid in cash at the time of issuance. This fee is non-refundable and is charged whether your visa is approved or not (nearly all are approved as long as you have the right documents). It’s a good idea to have Thai currency ready. Major international airports in Thailand have currency exchange counters, but to save time, you might want to exchange a small amount to Baht before you travel. The fee must be paid in Thai Baht – other currencies typically are not accepted.

• Conditions & Documents for VoA: To obtain a Visa on Arrival, you will need to provide a few documents at the immigration counter:

  • Passport: A valid passport from one of the eligible countries, with at least 30 days (preferably 6 months) validity remaining.

  • Completed Visa on Arrival form: You can get this form at the arrival point (sometimes handed out on the plane or available near the VoA counter). It’s a short application where you fill in personal details and your address in Thailand. You will also attach a passport-sized photo (4 x 6 cm) to the form, so bring a couple of recent photos with you.

  • Travel itinerary: Proof of accommodation in Thailand (hotel reservation, invitation letter with address, etc.), and a confirmed return or onward airline ticket showing you will leave Thailand within 15 days. (Crucially, the onward ticket cannot be to a neighboring country and open-ended tickets are not accepted. They want to see you plan to return home or go far, not hop over a land border.)

  • Proof of funds: You should be able to show that you have at least 10,000 THB per person (or 20,000 THB per family) in funds. This can be cash, credit card, or an account statement printout. Immigration may or may not ask to see this, but it’s officially required. Essentially, they want assurance that you can cover your expenses during the short stay.

  • Visa fee: 2,000 THB in cash, ready to pay.

• Arrival Process for VoA: When you arrive in Thailand (by air or land) at a port of entry that offers Visa on Arrival, do the following:

  1. Find the Visa on Arrival counter: In major airports like Bangkok Suvarnabhumi (BKK) or Don Mueang (DMK), signage will direct you to the “Visa on Arrival” section before you go through immigration. Typically, you’ll see a dedicated area where staff issue VoAs.

  2. Fill the form & queue: If you haven’t filled the VoA application form yet, pick one up at the counter and fill it out. Attach your passport photo. Make sure you have your documents ready (passport, flight ticket, hotel info, etc.). Then, submit these at the VoA counter. There might be a queue if several flights arrived at once – this is where having that form ready and exact change in baht helps speed things up.

  3. Pay the fee: Hand your documents to the officer and pay the 2000 THB fee. In exchange, they will process your visa. You may be asked a couple of questions (similar to any immigration: “How long will you stay? Where are you staying?”). Usually, it’s quick since your intended stay is short.

  4. Receive your visa stamp: The officer will stick a visa stamp or sticker in your passport granting permission to enter for 15 days. Collect your passport back – double check the entry stamp and visa sticker dates.

  5. Go through Immigration: After you have the VoA, you will proceed to the normal Immigration control. Show your passport (now with the visa) to the immigration officer. They will stamp an entry stamp on your visa page. And you’re all set! Important: The VoA procedure happens before the main immigration passport control. If you accidentally go straight to immigration without a visa and you need one, they’ll send you back to VoA, which means lining up twice – so be sure to do the VoA first.

  Overall, budget some extra time for the VoA process at the airport. It can take anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour depending on the lines. In big airports, Thailand has tried to streamline the process with e-VoA systems: for example, some airports allow you to apply online for a VoA in advance (essentially pre-approving and paying, then using an express lane on arrival). This is optional, but if you’re concerned about waiting, you might explore the Thai Immigration Bureau’s e-VOA service for eligible nationalities.

Eligible Countries for Visa on Arrival (15 days stay): Currently, passport holders of the following 31 countries/territories can get a visa on arrival in Thailand:

• Asia: Bhutan, China, India, Taiwan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan.

• Europe: Russia, Belarus, Bulgaria, Georgia, Romania, Serbia, Armenia, Malta.

• Americas: Bolivia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Paraguay, Venezuela.

• Africa & Middle East: Ethiopia, Namibia, Seychelles, Tunisia, Saudi Arabia, Cyprus.

• Oceania: Fiji, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu.

(If your country is not on either the visa-exempt or VoA lists, that means you must apply for a Thai visa in advance from an embassy/consulate or through Thailand’s e-visa system. For example, citizens of most African countries and some others fall in this category. But for the vast majority of tourists, the two schemes above cover their needs.)

Quick Comparison: Visa Exemption vs Visa on Arrival

To make things crystal clear, here’s an at-a-glance comparison of Thailand’s Visa Exempt entry and Visa on Arrival:

As you can see, the visa exemption is the more generous scheme – longer stay and no cost – but it’s limited to citizens of certain countries. The visa on arrival is a handy option if you aren’t from a visa-exempt country, allowing you to visit Thailand without much hassle, albeit for a shorter time and with a fee.

Tip: If you hold two passports (dual citizenship) and one of them is on the visa-exempt list, use that one to enter Thailand visa-free rather than getting a VoA on your other passport. Always use the option that gives you the most convenience.

Now that we’ve covered Thailand’s entry schemes, let’s see how they stack up against some neighboring countries’ visa policies. If you’re touring around Southeast Asia or deciding where to base yourself as a digital nomad, these comparisons are golden.

Thailand vs. Its Neighbors: Visa Policies in Context

Southeast Asia is a traveler’s playground, and each country has its own visa rules. So how does Thailand compare with nearby destinations like Vietnam, Cambodia, Malaysia, or Indonesia? Below we contrast their tourist visa policies (and a bit about remote worker visas) with Thailand’s – highlighting where Thailand shines in convenience, infrastructure, and overall ease for visitors.

Thailand vs. Vietnam

Tourist Visa Policy: Vietnam has been improving its visa policy, but it’s still a bit less convenient than Thailand’s for many travelers. Vietnam offers visa exemption to a limited set of countries – mainly some Asian neighbors and a handful of Western countries (for example, citizens of 25 countries including France, UK, Germany, Japan, South Korea, etc., can visit Vietnam visa-free for 15 to 45 days, depending on nationality). This is shorter than Thailand’s 60 days. Recently, Vietnam extended the visa-free stay for certain European nationalities to 45 days (up from 15) to boost tourism, but that still doesn’t match Thailand’s 60 days. For other visitors, Vietnam requires a visa. The good news is Vietnam launched a robust e-Visa system: travelers from most countries can apply online for a 90-day e-visa (multiple entry) for about $25 fee, as of 2023. While 90 days is generous, the process involves an application and fee, whereas Thailand gives 60 days free of charge to many nationalities. In short, Thailand offers more nationals a no-paperwork, no-cost entry, whereas Vietnam often requires an e-visa or has shorter free stays for those who do qualify.

Immigration Experience: Both Thailand and Vietnam have modern international airports. Thailand’s primary airports (Bangkok BKK and DMK, Phuket, etc.) generally handle huge tourist volumes efficiently, with clear signage and even automated passport gates for some nationals. Vietnam’s airports (like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City) are improving, but travelers sometimes report longer lines especially if you need to get a visa on arrival (which in Vietnam’s case requires a pre-approval letter) – a process that Thailand’s visa exemption/VoA setup simplifies. Thailand’s entry is typically straightforward: if you’re visa-exempt, it’s a quick stamp; if you’re VoA-eligible, the process is still fairly quick. Vietnam’s new e-visa means you bypass any on-arrival visa queue, but you must have arranged it pre-trip.

In terms of convenience, Thailand arguably wins for many nationalities – no forms or fees for a two-month holiday. Vietnam’s edge is the 90-day e-visa length, but you pay a fee for that and it applies to fewer countries. Also, Thailand has far more international flight connections; Bangkok is a major hub. Vietnam has fewer direct long-haul flights, meaning getting there (or out) might involve more layovers compared to Thailand.

For Remote Workers: Vietnam currently does not offer a specific digital nomad visa or long-term remote work visa. Many remote workers in Vietnam use a 3-month tourist visa or a business visa and do periodic “visa runs.” In contrast, Thailand in 2024 launched the “Digital Nomad” or Destination Thailand Visa (DTV), a 5-year visa aimed at remote workers and freelancers. The DTV allows 180-day stays at a time (renewable each time without leaving) and is quite innovative in the region. This shows Thailand is trying to position itself as a more welcoming base for remote workers. Vietnam has fantastic expat hubs (e.g., Da Nang, Hoi An) and good internet, but without a formal nomad visa, long-term stays require more workaround. So for digital nomads, Thailand offers more official stability (even though the DTV has income/savings requirements) versus Vietnam’s lack of a program.

Bottom line: Vietnam is catching up, but Thailand still offers easier initial entry for most tourists (more visa-free countries, longer stays, no fees). Thailand’s tourism infrastructure is also very developed – from the moment you land, things like transport options, tourist info, and English signage are abundantly available. Vietnam is a wonderful destination with its own draws, but if you’re comparing pure visa/entry convenience, Thailand has the upper hand for now.

Thailand vs. Cambodia

Tourist Visa Policy: Cambodia’s policy is relatively old-school: most visitors need a visa, but it’s easily obtained as a Visa on Arrival or e-Visa. In fact, almost everyone can get a 30-day visa on arrival in Cambodia by paying a fee ($30, recently reduced from $36). Only a few nationalities (mostly ASEAN neighbors) get visa-free entry to Cambodia for short stays. So, travelers to Cambodia should expect to budget time and money for a visa at the border or online. Thailand, on the other hand, lets the majority of tourists in completely free for 30-60 days. As one travel site bluntly put it: “While Cambodia brags about cutting visa costs by a few dollars, most nearby countries don’t charge tourists anything at all. Thailand lets people stay free for two months. Vietnam gives free entry to many visitors. Even tiny Laos skips visa fees for lots of travelers.”. That highlights just how much more convenient and cost-effective Thailand’s policy is. Saving $30 on a visa might not make or break a trip, but it’s certainly a nicer welcome.

Immigration Experience: At the airport, Cambodia’s visa on arrival process can be straightforward, but at land borders travelers have often encountered “visa helpers” or requests for unofficial fees. Cambodia’s infrastructure is improving, but still, roads can be rough and direct flights are fewer. In contrast, Thailand’s infrastructure is arguably the best in the region – modern airports, plentiful flights, good highways, and well-oiled tourism machinery. From an immigration standpoint, Thailand’s officers are used to huge tourist numbers and generally process entries efficiently. Also, Thailand has introduced tech like e-gates and is planning a free Electronic Travel Authorization system to streamline visa-exempt entries further. Cambodia’s entry ports are smaller and can be less organized (Phnom Penh and Siem Reap airports are much smaller than Bangkok’s).

Where Thailand really stands out is that travel in-country is smoother: more frequent buses, trains, flights, better signage and tourist assistance – these aren’t strictly “immigration” factors, but they contribute to an overall friendlier experience for visitors. As one commentary on Cambodia noted, “when you can enter Thailand, Vietnam, or Malaysia without paying a cent, why would anyone care about saving six bucks in Cambodia?”. The point is Thailand’s free entry and superior infrastructure make it an easier sell.

For Remote Workers: Cambodia doesn’t have a special digital nomad visa – but interestingly, Cambodia makes it very easy for foreigners to stay long-term by using an “ordinary” visa (E-class) and extending it indefinitely with the right sponsor or agent. This is a path many expats take, but it’s not a formal remote worker program. The country also has lower cost of living, which attracts some digital nomads to places like Phnom Penh or Siem Reap. However, in terms of amenities for remote work, Thailand’s cities like Bangkok, Chiang Mai, or Phuket offer more co-working spaces, reliable high-speed internet, and established expat communities. Plus, Thailand’s new DTV visa provides a legal long-term option for remote workers, whereas in Cambodia you’d technically be on a business visa extension.

Bottom line: Thailand offers far more convenience to tourists than Cambodia does, simply because you can just show up in Thailand and not worry about visas or fees. Thailand’s tourism infrastructure and overall travel ease are superior – for example, Thailand welcomed ~28 million tourists in 2024 compared to Cambodia’s 6 million, partly because getting in and getting around Thailand is easier. For the traveler or digital nomad, Thailand’s more developed environment usually means a more stress-free experience, whereas Cambodia, while rewarding to visit, may require a bit more travel savvy and tolerance for developing infrastructure.

Thailand vs. Malaysia

Tourist Visa Policy: Malaysia is actually one of the few neighbors that can rival Thailand’s easy entry for many nationalities. Malaysia grants visa-free entry to a large number of countries. For example, US, Canada, EU citizens, UK, Australia, and many others get 90 days visa-free in Malaysia – which even beats Thailand’s 60 days for those nationals. Regional travelers from ASEAN mostly get 30 days (some 14 days) visa-free in Malaysia. And Malaysia doesn’t charge tourists either. So in terms of “no visa needed”, Malaysia and Thailand are both very welcoming. Neither country requires pre-trip visas for the majority of typical tourists. If anything, Malaysia might allow a slightly longer initial stay for some Western nationals (90 days vs Thailand’s 60), but Thailand allows an extension to close that gap. For travelers from countries like India or China: Malaysia requires a prior eVisa or visa (no visa on arrival generally, except special transit arrangements), so it’s less convenient for them compared to Thailand which allows VoA or even visa exemption for Indians/Chinese now.

Immigration Experience: Both Thailand and Malaysia have efficient, modern airports and friendly immigration officers. English is widely spoken by officials in both. Malaysia’s KLIA airport is comparable to Bangkok’s in capacity and facilities. One edge Thailand has is sheer number of tourist destinations with international airports (Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai, Samui, etc.), whereas in Malaysia most international flights go through Kuala Lumpur. But internal travel in Malaysia is also quite smooth (good roads, buses, budget airlines). Infrastructure-wise, Malaysia and Thailand are the top two in the region for travel convenience. The immigration process in Malaysia for visa-free entries is usually quick – similar to Thailand’s (stamp and go). Neither country makes you fill arrival cards these days (Malaysia eliminated theirs too).

For Remote Workers: Malaysia has jumped on the digital nomad trend with its DE Rantau Nomad Pass introduced in 2022. This is a 1-year renewable visa for remote workers in the digital sector. It requires proof of income (~$24,000/year for tech sector, $60,000 for others) and is relatively straightforward to apply online. It’s a strong program, and Malaysia markets itself as a nomad-friendly destination (particularly KL and Penang, with good internet and English usage). Thailand’s competing option is the DTV 5-year visa as discussed, which offers longer stay but also requires proof of funds (about 500k THB or ~$15k in savings) and some paperwork on employment. The DTV is longer and multi-entry, which is a plus, but Malaysia’s one-year pass has lower income requirements and is simpler for those who qualify.

One area Thailand might still edge out is the variety of visa options – aside from DTV, Thailand has other pathways (Elite Visa, Smart Visa, etc.) whereas Malaysia has mostly the DE Rantau and its second home retirement program (which was tightened). Also, Thailand has more established digital nomad hubs (Chiang Mai is legendary among nomads; Bangkok and Phuket too). Malaysia’s scene is growing, but smaller. Culturally, Thailand might appeal more to certain nomads due to lifestyle and community size. Still, Malaysia is very close to Thailand in offering a friendly immigration process and good infrastructure – it’s not a coincidence these two countries attract the most repeat visitors in mainland Southeast Asia.

Bottom line: Thailand and Malaysia both excel in tourist-friendly visa policies. A traveler doing a circuit will appreciate that these two countries can be entered freely and easily. Thailand’s visa exemption scheme was extended to 60 days in part to keep it competitive with Malaysia’s 90-day entry for Western tourists. For remote workers, it’s almost a tie – Thailand has a longer visa available and huge nomad communities, Malaysia has an easy one-year nomad visa and very modern infrastructure (and arguably even better English proficiency nationwide). You can’t go wrong with either, but Thailand’s cultural draw and range of visa options give it a slight edge for many long-term folks.

Thailand vs. Indonesia

Tourist Visa Policy: Indonesia’s visa policy has fluctuated. Pre-pandemic, Indonesia allowed visa-free entry to citizens of 160+ countries for 30 days – very broad. However, in 2023, Indonesia removed visa-free entry for many nationals except ASEAN neighbors, largely for reciprocity reasons. Now, most travelers to Indonesia must obtain a Visa on Arrival (which Indonesia offers to around 80 countries) or an e-visa in advance. The Indonesian VoA costs $35 USD and grants 30 days stay (extendable once to 60 days). So, compared to Thailand: Thailand gives 60 days free to many, Indonesia gives 30 days for $35 to most. Thailand clearly is more generous for the common tourist – you save money and get more time. Even if Thailand reverts to a 30-day free stay, it’s still free versus Indonesia’s paid visa. Also, if you plan to bounce in and out, Thailand doesn’t charge each time, while Indonesia would charge $35 each entry for VoA.

Immigration Experience: Bali’s Denpasar airport and Jakarta’s airport can get crowded with VoA lines, though they have streamlined payment and even accept credit cards now. Still, after a long flight, having to queue to pay and get a visa sticker is an extra step that visitors to Thailand simply skip. Thailand’s immigration might have longer queues at peak times just due to volume, but there’s no payment step slowing it down. Additionally, Thailand has more international gateways. Indonesia’s main tourism entry is Bali; many travelers going beyond have to transit in Jakarta or Bali then fly domestically. Thailand has multiple entry points depending on your destination. As for infrastructure: Thailand arguably has better internal transport and more tourism-focused services (Indonesia is huge and varied – outside Bali/Jakarta, travel can be more challenging). Thailand’s immigration is generally seen as efficient and straightforward, whereas Indonesia’s can occasionally be complicated (for example, reports of enforcement of onward ticket proof are common in Indonesia – airlines might even deny boarding if you lack a ticket out, whereas Thailand is more relaxed on that in practice for many nationals).

For Remote Workers: Indonesia made headlines with talk of a “digital nomad visa,” but what they have now is essentially a “Second Home” visa that requires a substantial bank deposit (~US$130,000), which isn’t aimed at the average nomad. Instead, what’s actually usable is Indonesia’s one-year “residence permit” for remote workers (sometimes referred to as a digital nomad visa) which requires proof of a high income (~$60k/year). They also still have the simpler 60-day B211A socio-cultural visa which some nomads use but it’s not specifically a work visa. In summary, Indonesia’s offerings for remote workers exist but come with high bars or short durations. By contrast, Thailand’s DTV is 5 years and while it requires savings and paperwork, it doesn’t demand six-figure salaries. Also, practically, many nomads in Indonesia just use the 60-day tourist visa or VoA and hop around, which can be a nuisance. In Thailand, doing long border runs is becoming less needed due to the new long visas. Community-wise, Bali is a huge digital nomad hotspot with great vibes – so Indonesia definitely competes there culturally. But strictly immigration-wise, Thailand provides a clearer, more accessible path for long-term stay for remote professionals (and Thailand’s other long visas like the 10-year Long Term Resident visa for wealthy globals, or the 5-year Elite visa, offer even more options if you have the means).

Bottom line: For tourists, Thailand’s visa policy is friendlier than Indonesia’s right now. Free and longer vs paid and shorter – enough said. For remote workers, both countries realize the potential, but Thailand’s actual implemented solutions (DTV, Smart Visa, etc.) are arguably more attainable for a broader range of nomads than Indonesia’s high-income schemes. When you also factor in the general travel infrastructure – Thailand’s more extensive flight network, very touristy cities that cater to foreign guests, and yes, a reputation for being welcoming (“Land of Smiles”) – Thailand often offers a smoother landing for newcomers.

Other Neighbors (Laos, Singapore, Philippines, etc.)

We won’t deep-dive on every country, but briefly: Laos offers 15-30 days visa-free to some and VoA for most others for a fee. It’s relatively easy but infrastructure is basic. Singapore allows visa-free entry to almost all Western and many Asian countries (duration 30 or 90 days) and has world-class infrastructure – however Singapore is a different scale (tiny city-state) and not a place most nomads stay long due to cost. Philippines is extremely open visa-wise (30 days free for most, easily extended up to 3 years!) and is now introducing a 2-year digital nomad visa with no local tax – a potential game changer in 2025, although implementation is pending. Each country has its nuances, but Thailand consistently ranks at the top for balancing ease of entry, length of stay, tourist amenities, and now offering paths for longer stays legally. It’s no wonder Thailand draws repeat visitors and long-term expatriates; it hits that sweet spot between convenience and comfort.

Conclusion & Call-to-Action: Plan Your Southeast Asia Adventure! 

Thailand has clearly put a lot of thought into welcoming visitors – whether you’re coming for a 2-week holiday or planning to work from a beachside café in Phuket for 6 months. The visa exempt scheme means travelers from dozens of countries can just grab their passport and go (Thailand visa exempt countries 2025 are many and varied), and even those who need a visa on arrival face only a minor hurdle on landing. When comparing with its neighbors, Thailand often comes out ahead in terms of tourist visa friendliness – free longer stays, a smoother airport process, and an extensive tourism infrastructure that makes traveling around a breeze. For the remote work crowd, Thailand’s new long-term visas, reliable services, and huge nomad community make it a top choice in Southeast Asia.

Ready to explore? If Thailand is on your list (and it should be!), now is a great time to take advantage of these visitor-friendly policies. Always double-check the latest rules before you fly (visa regulations can change, and you’ve learned they’re tweaking lengths to find the perfect balance). But in general, you can feel confident that Thailand makes it as easy as possible to say “Sawasdee Ka!” (hello) to its golden temples, spicy street food, and sandy beaches without getting tangled in red tape.

So pack your bags, sort out that flight, and get ready to land with a smile. Whether you’re a backpacker, a family vacationer, or a digital nomad seeking your next base, Thailand’s open-arms approach to visas is one more reason the Land of Smiles is such a joy to visit. Safe travels and maybe we’ll see you in Bangkok or Chiang Mai soon!