Visas and documents in Phuket 2026: tourism, ED visa, licence
Updated for 2026: visa-free stay, extensions, the ED student visa, a Thai driving licence and the airport green corridor. Where to go.
Updated: 2026-02-10 · 9 min read · AURA Phuket
Stay rules change, so in 2026 it matters to rely on current terms and use verified partners for paperwork.
Key facts
- Your passport must be valid for at least six months and the digital arrival card completed online.
- A tourist stay is usually extended once for 30 days at the Phuket immigration office.
- For a long stay, look at the ED visa, DTV, retirement or LTR — terms depend on age, income and purpose.
- Overstay costs about 500 ฿ a day and can end in an entry ban.
- The TM30 is filed by your landlord, and long-stay visas require a report every 90 days.
Tourist entry in 2026
Citizens of many countries get visa-exempt entry for tourism (in recent years up to 60 days), but the exact term and conditions depend on nationality and can change. Before you fly, check the current rules and complete the digital arrival card. This is general guidance, not legal advice.
- A passport valid for at least six months.
- A completed digital arrival card.
- Proof of a return or onward ticket.
- Your accommodation address in Phuket.
- Sometimes proof of funds; requirements depend on nationality.
Extending at the immigration office
A tourist stay can usually be extended once for 30 days at the Phuket immigration office for a small fee. Bring your passport, a photo and the completed form; arrive early, as queues build in high season. A verified partner can accompany you and save time.
Long stay: the ED visa
A student ED visa via a language school is a popular legal way to stay in Thailand beyond the tourist term. A partner handles paperwork and extensions.
Other long-stay options
- DTV (Destination Thailand Visa) — for remote workers and long trips, with multiple entry.
- Retirement visa — for those aged 50 and over, with financial requirements.
- LTR — a long-term visa for investors and in-demand professionals.
- A marriage visa with a Thai citizen.
A Thai driving licence
Getting a licence in Thailand is easier and cheaper than expected: a medical certificate, address proof (TM30) and a residence certificate. Valid across ASEAN.
TM30 and the 90-day report
The TM30 is a notification of your address filed by your landlord or hotel; it is needed for many services and extensions. Long-stay visa holders must also file a report of their address every 90 days — online or at the immigration office. A verified partner will remind you of the deadlines.
The airport green corridor
Chosen by those with many Thai stamps, study visas or a past overstay — an officer escort reduces the risk of border issues.
Overstay: the risks and how to avoid it
- A fine of about 500 ฿ for each day overstayed, up to a capped amount.
- Being caught while overstaying can mean deportation and an entry ban.
- A long overstay can lead to a blacklist for several years.
- Set a reminder a week before your stay ends and extend in advance.
This is general guidance for 2026, not legal advice: exact terms depend on your nationality and the current rules. Arrange visas and documents through verified partners and check official sources.
Frequently asked questions
How do I extend a tourist stay in Phuket?
Go to the Phuket immigration office before your stay expires: you need a passport, a photo and the completed form. An extension is usually granted once for 30 days for a small fee. Arrive early — queues build in high season.
Which visa suits living in Phuket for over a year?
The common routes are an ED visa through a language school, the DTV for remote workers, a retirement visa from age 50, or the LTR for investors and professionals. The choice depends on age, income and purpose — confirm with a licensed lawyer.
Do I need an International Driving Permit to rent a scooter?
Yes. Without an International Driving Permit for category A the police issue fines and insurers can refuse to pay after a crash. The alternative is getting a Thai licence locally.