A visa for Thailand is not required for Ukrainian citizens in 2026: visa-free entry is in effect for up to 60 days. This is the rule as of August 2026. But that very limit is currently under review, and it determines how long you can actually stay in the country.
In May 2026, the Thai government decided to cut visa-free stays for most countries, Ukraine included, from 60 to 30 days. As of August, it has not yet taken effect: the new rules kick in 15 days after the official publication in the Royal Gazette, and that publication has not happened yet. Until then, the old 60-day limit stands. So the first thing to do before you fly is to double-check the current limit on the embassy website.
How Many Days Can You Stay in Thailand Without a Visa?
Right now, visa-free entry gives you up to 60 days per arrival. The countdown starts the day you cross the border, not the date on your ticket. If the announced changes take effect, the limit will drop to 30 days. For a short holiday that is no big deal, but for anyone planning to overwinter or take a long trip, an extra month makes a real difference.
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Visa-free entry works for tourism, visiting family and short business meetings without the right to work. To earn money, study or take official employment, you need a separate visa.
What Documents Will Border Control Ask For?
The passport stamp is free, but an officer has the right to ask for proof that you are a tourist and not a would-be migrant. Checks are random, but it is best to have your documents ready in advance.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Passport | valid for at least 6 months after the date of entry |
| Return or onward ticket | proof of departure from the country within the allowed period |
| Proof of funds | 20,000 baht per person or 40,000 baht per family (cash or equivalent) |
| Accommodation address | a hotel booking or the address where you are staying |
| TDAC | a digital arrival card filled out online before you arrive |
Funds and a ticket are not requested from everyone, most often only when there is doubt about the purpose of the visit. But a tourist without a return ticket can be turned away, so keep that ticket on hand.
What Is TDAC and Why Won't They Let You In Without It?
TDAC (Thailand Digital Arrival Card) is a mandatory digital arrival card that has replaced the paper TM6 form. You fill it out online within three days before landing, and the service is free. The card records your passport details, your accommodation address and your departure point, and at the end the system issues a QR code.
Save the confirmation in several places: a screenshot on your phone and an email in your inbox. At the border the QR is scanned, and fishing for an email on roaming in the middle of a queue is no fun.
How Do You Extend Your Stay?
The 60-day visa-free stay can be extended once for another 30 days at a local immigration office. It costs 1,900 baht, and you have to apply before the allowed period ends. That adds up to 90 days per arrival, and you cannot extend the same visa-free stay a second time.
When Is Visa-Free Not Enough and You Need a Visa?
If your purpose does not fit the tourist format or the allowed timeframe, you apply for a Thailand visa at a consulate in advance. A TR-category tourist visa gives a longer window than visa-free entry and can also be extended on the spot. For remote work and long stays over the winter, there is a separate long-term DTV visa. Check the exact terms and the document package with the consulate, since the requirements are updated from time to time.
Common Mistakes at Entry
| Mistake | The Right Way |
|---|---|
| Treating 60 days as "two months with room to spare" | count from the stamp date; overstaying costs a 500 baht fine per day |
| Not filling out the TDAC | do it online 1-3 days before departure and save the QR offline |
| Flying with a passport that is "still good for six months" | leave at least 6 months of validity after the date of entry |
| Planning to earn on the side while visa-free | get the appropriate visa; visa-free entry gives no right to income |
| Blindly counting on the old 60 days | before buying tickets, check whether the new 30-day rule has taken effect |
Flying for the first time and only for a couple of weeks? Visa-free entry is more than enough: a passport, a return ticket, a TDAC and a hotel booking cover every question. But if you are planning to overwinter or going for a long stay, do not rely on a figure from last year's article: before buying tickets, open the website of the Ukrainian embassy in Thailand and check the current visa-free limit, because that is exactly what is changing right now.
