Do Russians need a visa for Thailand

If you are going to Thailand for a holiday of up to a month, you do not need a visa. If you are going for longer, you do. Here is where the line sits according to official sources, as of 19 October 2026.

When you do not need a visa

Russian citizens with an ordinary passport enter without a visa and may stay up to 30 days. The basis is the bilateral agreement between Thailand and Russia, signed on 13 December 2005 and in force since 24 March 2007 (Royal Thai Embassy in Moscow). The embassy’s announcement says holders of Russian passports may enter and stay in Thailand for up to 30 days without a visa.

The immigration officer at the border sets the length of stay and makes the decision on entry. Normally you get 30 days if the passport is valid for more than 30 days. If less than 30 days of validity remain, the stay equals the validity of the passport.

What changed on 15 September 2026

From 15 September 2026 the 60-day visa exemption ended for all 93 countries and territories that used it. For Russians the Moscow embassy puts it this way: the earlier 60 days have ended, and the visa exemption of up to 30 days under the agreement remains. If you entered before 15 September, you may stay until the date on your stamp. What to do if you need more than 30 days is covered in how many days you can stay without a visa and in the guide to extending a visa-free stay.

What to do before you fly

• Fill in the TDAC. Immigration requires the digital arrival card from all passengers and asks for the details 3 days before arrival. How to fill it in for free is in the TDAC answer
• Check your passport. More than 30 days of validity are needed for the full 30 days, and some airlines refuse boarding with under 6 months left
• Prepare a ticket and funds. The officer or the airline may ask for a ticket out and proof of funds, details here

When you do need a visa

Tourist and other visas are applied for online. A full breakdown with fees and documents is in the guide Thailand visa rules for Russian citizens.

How to apply when you need a visa

1. Submit an application at thaievisa.go.th. Since 1 January 2025 everyone living in Russia applies for any visa only through this site. The embassy advises applying about a month before departure and at least 14 business days ahead.
2. Check your details before submitting. The embassy cannot edit an application after submission, and the fee is not refunded on rejection.
3. Pay the fee. In cash in US dollars at the embassy in Moscow, on weekdays 9:30 to 12:00, within 14 days of confirmation. Notes issued before 2009 are not accepted.
4. Wait for the decision. Usually 14 business days after payment. An approved visa is sent by email and must be printed for the airline and immigration.

Belarus, Uzbekistan, Armenia, Moldova

These nationalities have different rules, listed by the same embassy in Moscow. Belarusians can get a visa on arrival for up to 15 days, Uzbeks and Armenians need a visa in advance from 15 September 2026, and Moldovans still need one. More in the answer on visa-free days.

This page is reviewed every 30 days: Thailand’s visa rules changed several times in 2026.

Found an error or outdated fact? Tell the editors, we will fix it and update the check date.