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For Britishs

Thailand long-stay visas for Britishs

Britishs get 30 days visa-free. To stay longer, most use the DTV (apply at a Thai mission in United Kingdom with a ACRO Police Certificate (an Irish police certificate is also accepted)) or, at 50+, the retirement visa. The British Embassy in Bangkok stopped certifying income letters from 1 January 2019.

Visa-free stay
30 days
Thai missions
1
via thaievisa.go.th
DTV fee
GBP 300
local currency
Tax treaty
Yes

Where to apply in United Kingdom

DTV for Britishs

Police certificate
ACRO Police Certificate (an Irish police certificate is also accepted) Issued within 6 months of submission.
Proof of residence
Permanent status in the UK, Ireland or a British Overseas Territory, such as indefinite leave to remain. British citizens use their passport.
Fee
GBP 300
  • London states a funds figure of no less than GBP 12,000 (500,000 THB).
  • Bank statements for the last 3 months are the common requirement.
  • Dependants under 16 may submit the main applicant's police certificate, as reported from the London notice.

Build your DTV checklist for United Kingdom · Full DTV rules

Retiring in Thailand as a British

The British Embassy in Bangkok stopped certifying income letters from 1 January 2019. It advised using the 800,000 THB deposit held at least 3 months, or monthly income of at least 65,000 THB transferred into a Thai account, shown by bank statements.

  • For the O-A, Thai missions generally ask for a police certificate and a medical certificate, each issued within 3 months, plus health insurance (3,000,000 THB or 100,000 USD cover is the current standard on several mission pages).
  • Some newer commercial sites say an embassy letter is available again. We found no current official source for that.

Retirement visa rules · 800k bank planner

What Britishs often run into

  • Irish residents are covered by the London embassy for the DTV.
  • ACRO certificates take time. Apply for one before you book anything.

Questions from Britishs

How long can Britishs stay in Thailand without a visa?

30 days on the visa exemption. 30 days for tourism on the visa exemption from 15 September 2026, down from 60. One extension of up to 30 days at immigration is possible at the officer's discretion.

Where do Britishs apply for a DTV?

At the Thai embassy or consulate covering your area of United Kingdom, through the thaievisa.go.th e-visa portal. Since 31 August 2026 you must apply in your country of nationality or permanent residence.

Which police certificate do Britishs need for a DTV?

ACRO Police Certificate (an Irish police certificate is also accepted) Issued within 6 months of submission.

How do British retirees prove income in Thailand?

The British Embassy in Bangkok stopped certifying income letters from 1 January 2019. It advised using the 800,000 THB deposit held at least 3 months, or monthly income of at least 65,000 THB transferred into a Thai account, shown by bank statements.

Does United Kingdom have a tax treaty with Thailand?

Yes. United Kingdom has a double tax agreement with Thailand. Ask a tax adviser how it applies to you.

Sources

  1. TAT Newsroom: new 30-day and 15-day visa exemption rules from 15 September 2026
  2. Royal Thai Embassy London: revision of visa exemption and VoA schemes
  3. Royal Thai Embassy London: DTV
  4. Royal Thai Embassy London: adjustment of DTV supporting documents
  5. GOV.UK: British Embassy Bangkok stopping pension letters service
  6. GOV.UK: Thailand tax treaties
  7. Thai e-Visa portal
  8. MFA O-A / O-X checklist
  9. MFA Non-O retirement checklist
  10. Bangkok Immigration: extension of stay criteria
  11. Revenue Department: income tax guide (lists treaty partners)

Which visa fits you?

Six questions, checked against current rules.