Here is the latest Thailand travel information (as of January 2026) for tourists planning a trip to Thailand. The information is based on official and reliable sources such as the German Federal Foreign Office, Thai immigration authorities, and travel portals. The situation can change – therefore, always check official websites shortly before your trip!
Here is the latest Thailand travel information (as of January 2026) for tourists planning a trip to Thailand. The information is based on official and reliable sources such as the German Federal Foreign Office, Thai immigration authorities, and travel portals. The situation can change – therefore, always check official websites shortly before your trip!
Entry is possible for German citizens with the following documents:
Notes:
Entry into Thailand is routinely denied to travelers with documents previously reported lost or stolen, even if these documents have been returned by German authorities and the corresponding entry has been removed from the wanted lists. In such cases, travelers are forced to return home at their own expense.
Foreigners are required to carry their identification documents at all times. Identity checks are frequently conducted, particularly in the entertainment districts of the capital, but also in Pattaya, Phuket, and Chiang Mai. A photocopy of the passport is sufficient, provided that the page containing the Thai visa or entry stamp is also copied and carried.
German citizens generally do not require a visa for tourist stays, which would need to be obtained before entry.
A visa is only required if travelers cannot prove onward or return travel with a flight, bus, or train ticket.
The permitted length of stay is determined by the immigration authorities upon arrival: for both air and land arrivals, a stay of up to 30 days is permitted.
A one-time extension of the visa-free stay for a further 30 days for purely tourist purposes is possible. The visa extension must be applied for at the relevant Thai Immigration Bureau before the expiry of the permitted visa-free stay.
Visa-free entry by land and sea is limited to a maximum of two entries per calendar year. Entry via international airports is not affected by this regulation.
Tourist visas obtained from a Thai embassy or consulate before arrival generally entitle the holder to a stay of up to 60 days.
Further information on the individual visa types is available (in English) from the Thai immigration authorities .
Violations of immigration regulations are not minor offenses in Thailand. Travelers who exceed the permitted length of stay (“overstay”) risk arrest and deportation detention, substantial fines and imprisonment, deportation at their own expense, and a re-entry ban. For overstays of up to 40 days, a flat fine of 500 TBH (approx. €13) per additional day, up to a maximum of 20,000 TBH (approx. €500), is currently levied. If this fine cannot be paid, legal proceedings ensue, which typically result in a fine or imprisonment. Fines cannot be covered by German public funds, even in cases of financial hardship. Deportation detention is usually ordered until deportation. Conditions in deportation detention are very harsh.
Although usually only the intended place of stay needs to be stated upon entry, Thai immigration conducts interviews in cases of doubt ( e.g., with some backpackers) and may request further information or even proof of the intended accommodation.
If it is discovered upon departure that there is no entry stamp in the passport, the accusation of illegal entry and illegal residence will be made, which can lead to fines and/or imprisonment and deportation.
Numerous cases of fraud have come to light in which travelers were sold counterfeit visas. In these cases, travelers face additional criminal proceedings for possession of forged documents.
Apply for visa extensions directly with the Thai Immigration Bureau; do not use the services of third-party providers such as travel agencies or hotels. In Bangkok, some visa categories can be extended online through the service provider VFS .
Only enter via official border crossings and make sure you get an entry stamp in your passport.
Unaccompanied minors must carry an official declaration of consent from their parent(s) or legal guardian(s).
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From the airport (HKT) → Patong/Kata etc. (45–90 min.)
| option | Price (THB) | Length of time | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grab/Bolt/inDrive (App) | 400–800 | 30–90 min. | Best choice – transparent & affordable! |
| Official taxi | 500–1,200 | 30–90 min. | Right at the airport |
| Shared minivan | 200–400 pP | 60–120 min. | budget |
| Phuket Smart Bus | 100–200 | 60–120 min. | Comfortable & AC |
On the island:
Download Grab – saves 30–50% compared to tuk-tuks!
No, travel insurance (or specifically adequate COVID insurance coverage) is no longer required for ordinary tourists entering Thailand – neither for Germans, Austrians nor Swiss.
Here is the current situation (as of January 2026):
Only in special cases is it mandatory (not relevant for most Phuket travelers):
There is no such requirement for the classic 60-day visa-free entry (which most Phuket tourists use) .
Even though it’s not mandatory, almost all official bodies (German Foreign Office, Austrian Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs, Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, US State Department, etc.) strongly recommend good travel and health insurance. Reasons:
Include a clear indication, e.g.:
Travel insurance: Not mandatory – but highly recommended! Since the end of 2022, Thailand no longer requires proof of insurance for tourists (visa-free stays of up to 60 days) – not even for COVID. Nevertheless, a good policy with comprehensive international health insurance (including repatriation) protects against high costs in Phuket and southern Thailand. Many clinics require prepayment!
Official sources for confirmation (always check for the latest updates):
No, travel insurance (or specifically adequate COVID insurance coverage) is no longer required for ordinary tourists entering Thailand – neither for Germans, Austrians nor Swiss.
Here is the current situation (as of January 2026):
Only in special cases is it mandatory (not relevant for most Phuket travelers):
There is no such requirement for the classic 60-day visa-free entry (which most Phuket tourists use) .
Even though it’s not mandatory, almost all official bodies (German Foreign Office, Austrian Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs, Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, US State Department, etc.) strongly recommend good travel and health insurance. Reasons:
Include a clear indication, e.g.:
Travel insurance: Not mandatory – but highly recommended! Since the end of 2022, Thailand no longer requires proof of insurance for tourists (visa-free stays of up to 60 days) – not even for COVID. Nevertheless, a good policy with comprehensive international health insurance (including repatriation) protects against high costs in Phuket and southern Thailand. Many clinics require prepayment!
Official sources for confirmation (always check for the latest updates):
The content is based on long-term averages (approx. 2200–2500 mm annual rainfall on the Andaman coast) and current patterns – the tropical monsoon climate changes slowly, but always check short-term forecasts (e.g. Thai Meteorological Department or AccuWeather).
Phuket and the Andaman coast (Krabi, Phi Phi, Khao Lak, Koh Lanta) have a tropical monsoon climate : hot year-round (25–35 °C), very high humidity (70–90%), and two main seasons – the dry season (high season, November–April) and the rainy season (low season, May–October). The Andaman side receives more rain than the Gulf coast (Koh Samui, etc.) because it is directly affected by the southwest monsoon.
Current forecast for January 2026 (mid-dry season): Sunny, pleasantly warm (approx. 28–32 °C during the day, 23–26 °C at night), very little rain (mostly just isolated showers), calm seas and ideal conditions for beaches, snorkeling, boat trips and safaris. Sea temperature ~28–29 °C – perfect for swimming!
| Month | Day/Night temperature (°C) | Rainfall (mm / rainy days) | Sun (hours/day) | Sea (°C) | Evaluation | Tips & Recommendations |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 29–32 / 23–26 | 30–100 / 5–9 | 9–10 | 28–29 | ★★★★★ | Best time to go! Dry, sunny, ideal conditions for all outdoor activities. High season – book hotels & tours early! |
| February | 30–33 / 23–26 | 20–50 / 3–6 | 9–10 | 28–29 | ★★★★★ | Very dry and sunny – ideal for safaris, diving, and beaches. Little rain, excellent underwater visibility. |
| March | 31–34 / 24–27 | 50–100 / 6–10 | 8–9 | 29–30 | ★★★★ | Hot and humid, but mostly dry. Good diving conditions, Songkran preparation (April). |
| April | 32–35 / 25–28 | 100–200 / 10–15 | 7–9 | 30 | ★★★ | Hottest time + transition to the rainy season. Songkran (waterproof) is great! First showers possible – flexible plans. |
| May–June | 31–34 / 25–27 | 150–300 / 12–18 | 6–8 | 29–30 | ★★ | Rainy season begins: Short, heavy showers (often in the afternoon), rough seas. Cheaper, green & quiet – good for budget travelers & nature lovers. |
| July–August | 30–33 / 24–27 | 200–350 / 15–20 | 5–7 | 29 | ★★ | Monsoon season: Daily rain, stormy seas – boat trips and island hopping are often cancelled. Surfers love the waves! |
| September | 29–32 / 24–27 | 300–400 / 18–22 | 4–6 | 28–29 | ★ | Wettest month: heavy rain, high waves – beaches unsafe (Riptides!). Cheapest prices, few tourists. |
| October | 29–32 / 24–27 | 250–350 / 15–20 | 5–7 | 28–29 | ★★ | End of the rainy season: Still wet, but drier from mid-season onwards. Transition period – prices rise, weather improves. |
| November | 29–31 / 23–26 | 150–300 / 12–18 | 6–8 | 28–29 | ★★★ | Transition: Often showers at the beginning, dry towards the end. Good prices, less crowded – Loy Krathong Festival! |
| December | 29–31 / 23–26 | 50–150 / 8–12 | 8–9 | 28 | ★★★★ | Excellent! Dry from mid-May onwards, popular Christmas/New Year’s – book early! |
Recommendations & Practical Advice:
December to March (especially January–February) – sunny, dry, calm seas → ideal for beaches, snorkeling, diving, island hopping (Phi Phi, Similan), elephant safaris & jungle tours in Khao Sok.
Hotels and tours are 30–60% cheaper, there are fewer tourists, and the landscape is lush and green – perfect for budget travelers, photographers, or anyone who doesn’t mind short showers. Showers usually last 1–2 hours, followed often by sunshine.
Always high (UV index 10–12!) → drink plenty of fluids, use sunscreen SPF 50+, wear light cotton clothing, and use shade and air conditioning. Use mosquito repellent during the day and in the evening (dengue risk).
Apps like AccuWeather, Windy or Thai Met Department (tmd.go.th) – heed wave warnings (Riptides & jellyfish in the rainy season!).
September–October for boat trips & beaches – highest rainfall & roughest seas.
Phuket is warm and suitable for swimming all year round – always pack swimwear and light rain gear! Prioritize sun protection during the dry season, and have flexible daily plans during the rainy season (showers often come and go quickly).
No – for tourists from Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, the visa exemption applies: up to 60 days visa-free (by plane or land). An extension of another 30 days can be obtained locally at immigration (approx. 1,900 THB). The passport must be valid for at least 6 months .
Yes, since May 2025 it has been mandatory for all foreign travelers (even visa-free). The Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) replaces the old paper TM6. Fill it out online for free: https://tdac.immigration.go.th/ – no earlier than 3 days (72 hours) before arrival. Show the QR code (digital or printed) upon entry.
Often a maximum of two entries per calendar year by plane (visa exemption). Multiple short stays/border runs may result in denied entry or questioning. For longer/multiple stays → apply for an e-visa or tourist visa in advance.
December to March (high season): Dry, sunny, 29–33 °C, little rain, calm seas – ideal for beaches, snorkeling, boat trips, and safaris. January/February are particularly recommended (low humidity). Rainy season May–October: Cheaper, green, but daily showers and rough seas – boat trips are risky.
Tropical heat (25–35 °C), high humidity (70–90%). Dry season Nov–Apr: Sunny, pleasant. Rainy season May–Oct: Short, heavy showers (often in the afternoon), highest rainfall Sep/Oct. Sea temperature always 28–30 °C – suitable for swimming year-round!
Yes – Phuket is one of the safest tourist destinations in southern Thailand. Normal precautions: beware of pickpocketing, jet ski/taxi scams, and overpriced tours. In bars/clubs: do not leave your drinks unattended (spiking incidents). Tourist police: 1155 (multilingual, app with SOS button).
Urgent warning (German Federal Foreign Office, Austrian Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs, Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs): Avoid the provinces of Narathiwat, Yala, Pattani and parts of Songkhla (separatist conflict, attacks). Phuket, Krabi, Phi Phi, etc. are not affected – normal tourist areas are safe.
Best choice: Grab app (400–800 THB to Patong/Kata, transparent). Alternatives: Official taxi (500–1,200 THB + fare), Phuket Smart Bus (100–200 THB), shared minivan (200–400 THB). Avoid: Unlicensed taxis.
Grab/Bolt/inDrive for everything (cheap & safe). Rent a scooter (150–300 THB/day) only with a helmet, experience & international driver’s license (accidents are frequent!). Songthaew (15–50 THB) for local routes, Phuket Smart Bus for beaches.
Depending on your preference: Patong (lively), Kata/Karon (quiet beach), Chalong/Rawai (relaxed & close to tour starting points). We are happy to help with the selection and booking – often through our partners.
Bangkok Hospital Phuket (JCI-accredited, international standards, German-speaking coordinator available, 24-hour emergency service). Phuket International Hospital (also excellent). Prepayment often required – good travel health insurance is essential!
Not mandatory (COVID insurance has not been required since 2022), but highly recommended ! Private clinics require upfront payment (thousands of euros in case of accidents/scooter injuries/dengue fever). At least comprehensive international health insurance including repatriation is essential.
No – for ethical reasons and at the request of our partners (such as TUI), we no longer offer elephant riding, bathing, or interaction tours . Instead, we recommend highly professional, authentic sanctuaries like Phuket Elephant Sanctuary or Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Phuket . There, the elephants live freely (no chains, no shows), and visitors can respectfully observe, feed, or experience them from a distance. We are happy to assist with booking or combining these tours with our jeep/canoe/trekking tours!
Elephant Sanctuary Phuket
Prioritize ethics (no horseback riding, no tiger selfies). Use mosquito repellent (dengue/chikungunya), high-UV sunscreen, and hydration. For boat trips: check the weather (rainy season waves!). Download the tourist police app.
No – completely lifted since 2022/23: No test, proof of vaccination, quarantine or Thailand passport required. Standard recommendations: Standard vaccinations + Hepatitis A, mosquito protection in southern Thailand.
Always check official sources:
Always check official sources:
Any further questions about your individual Phuket tour? Write to us – we’ll gladly tailor everything to your wishes!