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Thailand visa for Japanese citizens

Japanese citizens can stay in Thailand for 30 days without a visa when arriving on or after 15 September 2026. The day of arrival is day 1. One extension of up to 30 days is possible at an immigration office before your last day, for about 1900 baht.

Visiting, working and living in Bangkok

Bangkok has one of the largest Japanese communities outside Japan. The visa exemption covers holidays and short visits only. Working in Thailand needs a Non-Immigrant B visa and a work permit, arranged with your employer, and family members of workers apply for their own visas.

Your passport is one of the fourteen that can apply for the five-year O-X long-stay visa. See retirement visa requirements.

Entering overland

Visa-free entry through a land border is limited to 2 times per calendar year on this passport.

Before you fly

  • Passport valid well beyond your planned stay
  • Return or onward ticket and your first hotel booking, in case the officer asks
  • The free TDAC arrival card, submitted in the window before you arrive

Worked example

Japanese citizens arriving on Tuesday, 1 December 2026 can stay until Wednesday, 30 December 2026: 30 days, counting the arrival day as day 1. With one approved extension, the last day becomes Friday, 29 January 2027. Leaving two days after the last legal day would mean an overstay fine of 1,000 baht at departure.

Your last legal day

Arriving by
Check an overstay fine (optional)

Choose your passport and entry date to see your last legal day.

Questions from Japanese citizens

Do Japanese citizens need a visa for Thailand?

Not for tourism within the visa-free period. Japan is on Thailand's visa-exemption list.

How long can Japanese visitors stay?

The visa-free stay was shortened on 15 September 2026. Use the calculator for your exact last day.

Can I work on a visa exemption?

No. Work needs the right visa and a work permit.

Can Japanese retirees get a long-stay visa?

Yes. Japan is eligible for both the O-A and the five-year O-X visa.

Sources

Last verified:

For information only, not legal advice. The immigration officer at your port of entry makes the final decision. ThaiSpend is an independent site and is not affiliated with Thai Immigration or any government agency. Spotted an error? Tell us.