Long-stay / residence for UK citizens travelling to Thailand
Retirement, elite visas, and other long stays use dedicated Thai visa categories beyond the 30-day exemption.
For a full UK citizen passport. Other British passport types can follow a different rule.
Key facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Who it's for | Retirees and long-term residents. |
| Maximum stay | Defined by visa category and extensions. |
| Cost | Long-stay categories (retirement, elite, extensions) have fees on Thai MFA visa services (opens in a new tab) and Thai immigration. |
| Processing time | Extensions and long-stay visas are handled by Thai immigration and embassies — apply before your permission ends. |
| How to apply | Thai embassy and immigration extensions in Thailand. |
| Official link | Use the authority’s own website. Entry Visa Guide does not take applications. · Thai Immigration Bureau (opens in a new tab) |
Apply only on the government website linked above. This site does not issue visas or travel authorisations and does not take applications. Other websites charge their own service fee on top of any government charge.
How to apply
- Choose retirement, elite, or other long-stay category.
- Apply at the embassy before travel where required.
- Extend at immigration before the visa expires.
FAQ
Can I extend the 30-day exemption?
GOV.UK says you may request an extension through Thai immigration before your permission ends. Overstaying carries a fine of 500 baht a day up to 20,000 baht (GOV.UK Thailand entry requirements (opens in a new tab)).
Is overstay penalised?
GOV.UK lists fines and possible bans for overstays.
Sources
- GOV.UK: Thailand entry requirements (opens in a new tab)
- Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs: visa exemption list, ordinary passports, 15 September 2026 (opens in a new tab)
- Thai Immigration Bureau: Thailand Digital Arrival Card (opens in a new tab)
Independent guide, not legal advice. Entry Visa Guide is an independent information site. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or run by any government or public authority. Always check official sources before you travel. Spotted something out of date? Report an error.