Visa guide

Thailand Changes Visa-Free Stay to 30 Days from 15 September 2026

Thailand has announced an important change to its visa exemption rules. From 15 September 2026, Swedish passport holders travelling to Thailand for tourism can stay visa-free for up to 30 days, instead of the previous 60-day visa-free period.

Travelling without a visa

Being able to travel without a visa makes the trip easier, but it doesn't mean you can always travel without any entry requirements. Many countries offer visa-free entry for UK citizens and other nationalities for a limited time, but the rules vary depending on the destination, the purpose of the trip, and how long you plan to stay.

Extending a visa

If you want to stay longer in a country than your current visa allows, you can in some cases extend your visa. The ability to extend a visa varies from country to country and depends on the type of visa you have, the purpose of your stay, and the rules of immigration authorities, among other things. In some countries, you will need to apply for an extension before the visa expires, while others require you to leave the country and apply for a new visa.

Refusal of visa application

Getting a visa rejection can be both frustrating and stressful, especially if you've already planned your trip. A rejection means that the authorities have assessed that the application does not meet the country's requirements for being granted a visa. The reason can be anything from missing documents to the wrong visa type being selected or that additional information is needed.

Expired Visa

An expired visa means that the validity of your visa has expired and you are no longer entitled to use it for entry or stay under the conditions under which the visa was issued. If your visa has expired before you travel or while you are abroad, it is important to act as soon as possible to avoid problems at border control or with immigration authorities.

Official visa

An official visa is intended for people who are traveling abroad for official assignments on behalf of a government agency, public organization, or international institution. This type of visa is used for business trips, official meetings, international collaborations or other assignments carried out in the public service. The type of official visa you need depends on the country you are traveling to, the purpose of the mission, the length of stay, and your nationality.

Visitor visa

Visiting family, relatives, or friends abroad is a common reason for international travel. In many countries, a visitor's visa is required before you can enter. The type of visitor visa you need depends on the country you are going to visit, how long you plan to stay, the purpose of the visit, and your nationality.

Pilgrim visa

Traveling abroad for religious ceremonies, pilgrimages or holy holidays requires a pilgrimage visa in many countries. This type of visa is used for people who are traveling for religious purposes, such as to participate in Hajj, Umrah, or other organized pilgrimages. The type of pilgrim visa you need depends on the country you are going to visit, the purpose of the trip, how long you plan to stay, and your nationality.

Conference visa

Attending an international conference, trade show, congress or business event abroad requires a conference visa in many countries. The type of visa you need depends on the country you are traveling to, the duration of the conference, the purpose of the visit, and your nationality. A conference visa entitles you to attend meetings, seminars, trainings, and industry-related events, but not to take up employment in the country.

Residence permit

Moving to another country to work, study, live with your family or live there for a long time often requires a residence permit. Unlike a regular visa, a residence permit gives you the right to stay in the country for a longer period of time and in some cases may also give you the right to work or study. The type of residence permit you need depends on the country you are moving to, the purpose of your stay, how long you plan to stay, and your nationality.

Family Visa

Reuniting with family or relatives in another country is a major reason why many people apply for family visas. In most countries, a family visa is required if you are going to live with a spouse, cohabitant, partner, parent, or other close family member for an extended period of time.

Volunteer visa

Volunteering abroad is a meaningful way to contribute to community projects, environmental work, education or humanitarian efforts while gaining international experience.

Internship visa

Doing an internship abroad is a great way to gain international work experience, develop language skills and strengthen your CV. In many countries, an internship visa is required before you can complete an internship with a company, organization, or educational institution.

Pensioner visa

A retirement visa allows retirees to settle for an extended period in another country after retirement. Many countries offer special visa programs for people with stable retirement income or other regular incomes. The type of retirement visa you need depends on the country you want to move to, how long you plan to stay, your financial situation, and your nationality.

e-Visa

An e-Visa (electronic visa) allows you to apply for a visa completely online without having to visit an embassy or submit documents in person in many countries. The type of e-Visa you need depends on the country you are traveling to, how long you plan to stay, the purpose of the trip, and your nationality.

Transit visa

A transit visa is needed in many countries when you are transiting through on your way to another destination and must pass through border control before continuing your journey. Whether you need a transit visa depends on the country you are transiting in, your nationality, how long you are staying, and whether you are leaving the airport's transit area.

Digital Nomad Visa

A Digital Nomad Visa is needed when you want to live for a longer period in another country while working remotely for an employer or running your own business with clients outside the country where you are staying.

Medical Visa

A medical visa is needed when the purpose of the trip is to undergo medical treatment, surgery, rehabilitation or other planned treatment in another country. Many countries offer special visas for patients who are to be treated in an approved hospital or specialized clinic.

Entry Permit

Press visa

Travelling abroad to report, film, photograph or conduct interviews requires a press visa in many countries. A press visa is intended for journalists, photographers, film crews, and other media representatives traveling for professional purposes. The type of press visa you need depends on the country you are going to visit, how long you are going to stay, the type of journalistic work you are going to do, and your nationality.

Diplomatic visa

A diplomatic visa is intended for people traveling on behalf of a state, government, or international organization. If you are going to represent your country at official meetings, diplomatic missions or international conferences, many countries require you to apply for a special diplomatic visa before departure. The type of diplomatic visa needed depends on the destination, the length of the mission, the purpose of the trip, and your nationality.

Maritime Crew Visa

Working aboard a ship or cruise ship often means that you will need a Maritime Crew Visa before you are allowed to enter the country where you will begin or end your service. The type of maritime crew visa you need depends on the country you are going to travel to, how long you are going to work, what ship you are serving on, and what nationality you have.

Working Holiday Visa

A Working Holiday Visa is an excellent option for those who want to combine travel with the opportunity to work abroad for a limited period. The visa type is offered through special agreements between countries and is aimed at young adults who want to finance their trip through temporary work.

Student visa

Studying abroad is a great opportunity to develop both your skills and your international experience. In most countries, a student visa is required if you are going to study for an extended period at a university, college, language school, or other educational institution. The type of student visa you need depends on the country you will be studying in, the length of your education, the scope of study, and your nationality.

Business visa

You need a business visa when traveling to another country for business-related activities without getting hired by a local company. Examples of trips that often require a business visa include business meetings, conferences, trade shows, supplier visits, customer meetings, contract negotiations, and corporate training.

Work Visas

A work visa is a visa or an entry permit that gives you the right to work legally in another country for a certain period. For many countries, both an approved work permit and a work visa are required before you can enter and start working.

Tourist visa

A tourist visa is a visa that allows you to travel to a country for tourist or leisure purposes for a limited time. It may be needed if you are going on holiday, visiting attractions or visiting family and friends.