Visa and entry
Thailand’s entry rules depend on your nationality and change from time to time. Thailand extended its visa exemption to 60 days in July 2024, then cut the standard tourist exemption to 30 days from 15 September 2026 (for example for Australian, British, Canadian, New Zealand, Singapore, UAE and US passport holders), with one extension of up to 30 days possible at an immigration office. Always check current rules at the official Thai e-Visa website or with your nearest Thai embassy before booking flights.
Common options:
| Situation | Typical route |
|---|---|
| Short stay from a visa-exempt country | Visa-free entry for the permitted period |
| Short stay from a non-exempt country | Tourist visa via the e-Visa system |
| Longer treatment stays | Non-Immigrant visa for medical treatment, with clinic or hospital documents |
| Companion of a patient | Usually same route as the patient; check requirements |
If you need a letter confirming your treatment appointment, ask us once your program is confirmed.
Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC)
Foreign visitors must complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card online within the 72 hours before arrival. It replaced the paper TM6 arrival card on 1 May 2025. Use only the official site, tdac.immigration.go.th, as fake look-alike sites exist.
Flights
Bangkok’s main international airport is Suvarnabhumi (BKK), with Don Mueang (DMK) serving many regional and low-cost flights. Approximate direct flight times: Sydney or Melbourne about 9 to 10 hours, London about 11 to 12 hours, Dubai about 6 hours, Singapore about 2.5 hours, Hong Kong about 3 hours. North American travellers usually connect via Asia, the Middle East or Europe.
Flying after a procedure
Long flights increase the risk of blood clots (deep vein thrombosis), and recent procedures can add to this. Practical tips:
- Plan at least a few rest days after treatment before a long-haul flight; your doctor will confirm.
- Choose an aisle seat and walk regularly.
- Drink water, limit alcohol.
- Ask whether compression stockings are suitable for you.
- Seek urgent care for calf pain, swelling or sudden breathlessness.
Accommodation
- Stay close to the clinic, ideally near a BTS Skytrain or MRT station.
- Choose a lift-equipped building if you have knee, hip or spine treatment.
- Serviced apartments are useful for longer stays.
Getting around
Bangkok traffic can be heavy. The BTS and MRT are fast and air-conditioned. Ride-hailing apps and metered taxis are widely available. After treatment, avoid long walks in the heat.
Climate and health
Bangkok is hot and humid year-round, with a rainy season roughly from May to October. Stay hydrated, use sun protection (especially after facial treatments), and drink bottled or filtered water. Check routine vaccinations with your doctor or a travel clinic before travel.
Insurance
Standard travel insurance often excludes planned medical treatment and its complications. Consider specialist medical travel insurance and read the exclusions carefully.
What to bring
- Passport valid for at least six months.
- All imaging files and reports, and recent blood tests.
- Full medication list and enough medication for your stay plus extra.
- Letter from your doctor if you have significant conditions.
- Comfortable, loose clothing.
- A copy of your personalised program and appointment details.
Next steps
Send your MRI for a doctor review, read how it works and plan your aftercare.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa to go to Thailand for treatment?
It depends on your nationality and length of stay. Many countries have visa-free entry for short visits; others need a visa. Check the official Thai e-Visa website for current rules before booking.
Is there a medical visa for Thailand?
Thailand offers a Non-Immigrant visa category for medical treatment, typically for longer treatment stays. Requirements include documents from the treating hospital or clinic. Check the official e-Visa site.
What is the Thailand Digital Arrival Card?
It is an online arrival form that replaced the paper TM6 card in 2025. Foreign visitors complete it online within a few days before arrival. Check the official immigration website for the current process.
How soon can I fly after treatment?
It depends on the procedure. After joint injections, many people fly within a few days. Your doctor will advise, and may recommend compression stockings and moving during the flight.
Which area of Bangkok should I stay in?
Stay close to the clinic to reduce travel time, ideally near a BTS or MRT station. Choose accommodation with a lift and easy access if you are having knee, hip or spine treatment.
This page is general information, not medical advice, and does not replace a consultation with your own doctor. Results vary and no treatment outcome can be guaranteed. We are a patient coordination service and may receive a referral fee from partner medical providers. See our medical disclaimer and referral disclosure.