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🇹🇭THAILAND
🇬🇧UNITED KINGDOMTH-GB

Do Thailand passport holders need a visa to visit United Kingdom?

ETA required since 25 Feb 2025. £16 (£20 from 8 Apr 2026), valid 2 years, 6-month stays. Thai ordinary passport holders need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to enter the United Kingdom since 25 February 2025 (Thailand entered the ETA scheme in the second wave, after the original 8 January 2025 group). The ETA costs GBP 16 (rising to GBP 20 from 8 April 2026) and is valid for 2 years or until passport expiry, allowing multiple visits of up to 6 months each for tourism, business, study (under 6 months), or transit. Apply via the official UK ETA app or website; approval typically takes minutes to 3 working days. Thai travellers previously enjoyed visa-free entry with no advance authorization.
VISA REQUIREDTOURISMMULTIPLE ENTRYLast verified 2026-05-27
For guidance only — visa rules change with little notice. Always confirm directly with the destination's embassy or foreign ministry before booking non-refundable travel. Information here applies to ordinary (non-diplomatic) passports unless noted.
/01 — The numbers

Key facts

Last verified 2026-05-27
Visa type
Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)
Maximum stay
Up to 6 months per visit
per entry
Entries
Multiple
from issue date
Visa fee
GBP 16 (GBP 20 from 8 April 2026)
consular fee only
Processing time
Minutes to 3 working days
standard track
Validity
2 years or until passport expiry
from issue date
/02 — The process

How to apply

/01
Check passport validity
Must be biometric (e-Passport) and valid for the duration of stay.
· e-Passport required
/02
Apply for ETA
Via the official UK ETA app (preferred) or gov.uk. GBP 16 payable by card. Provide passport, photo, and security/employment details.
· app preferred
/03
Wait for approval
Most decisions within minutes; up to 3 working days. Approval is emailed and linked electronically to your passport.
· minutes to 3 days
/04
Book travel
Onward ticket and accommodation evidence recommended at boarding and arrival.
· return ticket
/05
Arrive in the UK
Use e-gate (Thailand is on the eligible list). Border Force officer determines length of stay (up to 6 months).
· e-gate available
/03 — The paperwork

Required materials

10 items
Personalized checklist
0 / 10 complete
Thai biometric passport (e-Passport)
Valid for stay
ETA approval
GBP 16; valid 2 years
Round-trip ticket
Onward travel within 6 months
Accommodation evidence
Hotel or host's address
Funds evidence
Cards or cash for the trip
Travel insurance
Recommended; UK healthcare for visitors charges full cost
Driving licence + IDP
Thai licence + IDP valid up to 12 months in UK
Mobile data plan
UK SIM or roaming
Customs declaration
Goods over GBP 390 must be declared
ETIAS awareness (separate)
ETIAS is for Schengen, not the UK; do not confuse
Track your progress · save & email a copy
/04 — The cost

Fee breakdown

All-in estimate
Line itemAmountSource
UK ETAGBP 16Rises to GBP 20 from 8 April 2026
Standard Visitor Visa (alternative)GBP 127For longer or specific-purpose visits; up to 6 months
Long-term Visitor VisaGBP 480 (2y) / GBP 876 (5y) / GBP 1,059 (10y)Multiple visits over years
Overstay penaltiesUp to 10-year banStrict enforcement; future ETA eligibility lost
Total estimateGBP 16 — GBP 20incl. all
/05 — The wait

Processing time

ETA standard
Minutes to 3 working days
Most approved within minutes via the UK ETA app.
Standard Visitor Visa
3 weeks
Required for specific purposes or longer arrangements (academic 12 months, etc.).
Long-term Visitor Visa
3 weeks
Multi-year visas for frequent travellers; 6 months per visit.
/06 — The risks

Common refusal reasons

by frequency
/01
Past UK overstay
Any previous overstay or removal heavily affects future ETA approvals.
Medium
/02
Criminal record
Recent convictions (especially involving drugs or violence) can lead to ETA denial.
Low
/03
Suspected work intent
Carrying obvious work gear, multiple resumes, or pre-arranged paid engagements requires a work visa.
Low
/04
Misrepresentation
Incorrect answers on ETA application can lead to denial and future bans.
Low
/05
Insufficient funds
Inability to show funds for stay can lead to questioning at the border.
Low
/07 — On arrival

After you land

/01
Immigration
Keep your passport, visa or exemption proof, return ticket, and accommodation details ready for border inspection.
/02
Customs
Review the destination's customs rules before travel and declare restricted goods or large cash amounts when required.
/03
Connectivity
Check whether airport SIMs, eSIMs, or roaming are the best option for your route before arrival.
/08 — The history

Policy changelog

since 2024
2026-05-27
Thailand to UK route verified
Confirmed ETA required since 25 Feb 2025, GBP 16 (rising to GBP 20 on 8 Apr 2026).
2026-04-08 · major
ETA fee rises to GBP 20
UK ETA fee increases from GBP 16 to GBP 20 from 8 April 2026.
2025-02-25 · major
ETA required for Thailand
UK ETA scheme expanded to Thailand and other second-wave visa-exempt nationals from 25 February 2025.
/09 — The questions

Frequently asked

Do Thai citizens need a visa for the UK?—
No visa, but an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) is required since 25 February 2025. GBP 16, valid 2 years, for stays up to 6 months per visit.
How much does the UK ETA cost?+
How long is the ETA valid?+
Can I work in the UK with an ETA?+
Can I use e-gates with an ETA?+
Do I need ETIAS to visit the UK?+
/11 — Passport tools

Tools for the Thailand passport

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Compare the Thailand passport
Stack it up against another passport→
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Thailand visa-free map
See where this passport goes visa-free→
🇹🇭▤
Thailand passport power
Global rank and destination breakdown→
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