Travel to Thailand from Canada

Are you looking to travel to Thailand from Canada? Then, you’ve come to the right place because here we’ve provided all you need to know about journeying to the Land of Smiles, including all the immigration policy changes that Thailand has made during post-COVID. Whether you are just visiting or are planning to stay long-term in Thailand, this page has the information to get you started.

Travel Restrictions on Canadians Entering Thailand

Thailand has officially removed all COVID-19-related travel restrictions. As of 2025, here are the key updates for Canadian visitors:

• No COVID-related proof is required: Canadians do not need to show vaccination certificates, negative COVID tests, or COVID-specific insurance upon arrival 
• No quarantine or hotel requirements: All mandatory quarantine rules have been lifted 
• Thailand Pass and paper TM6 forms are obsolete: They have been replaced by the online Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC)
• Mask-wearing is entirely optional, though masks may still be seen in crowded or enclosed spaces

Airlines and Thai immigration officers may still conduct random checks, such as verifying your TDAC confirmation, passport, return ticket, or travel insurance, so it’s wise to bring hard copies or digital backups of these documents.

Thailand Visa needed to enter Thailand from Canada

Thailand Visa Exemption Scheme

Canadians can now enter and stay in Thailand for 60 days without a visa through the Visa Exemption Scheme, because of an agreement between the two countries. There is no set limit if you’re traveling by air, but there is a limit of twice a year if you’re entering Thailand through the land or sea border.

Thailand Tourist Visa

You can apply for the Thailand Tourist Visa at the Thai Embassy in Ottawa or the Thai Consulate in Vancouver. It allows you to stay in Thailand for 60 days, but it can also be extended for another 30 days at the immigration office in Bangkok, making your entire trip to Thailand 90 days.

Thailand Elite Visa

If you wish to make Thailand easily accessible for many years to come or are perhaps thinking of relocating permanently over there, it is worth having a look at the Thailand Elite Visa. 

The Thailand Elite Visa is available through the Thailand Privilege program and allows you to live uninterrupted in Thailand for up to 5, 10, 15, or even 20+ years. It also has far fewer eligibility criteria than other long-term visas and comes with a host of exclusive benefits, making it the easiest and most rewarding way to stay in Thailand long-term.

Thai Non-Immigrant Visa

You may also apply for a wide range of non-immigrant visas depending on how long you plan on staying and what you plan on doing while in Thailand. Non-immigrant visas available to Canadians include:

• Non-Immigrant B Visa – for conducting business or employment
• Non-Immigrant O Visa – for visiting Thai spouse and family
• Non-Immigrant ED visa – for students of recognized institutions in Thailand
• Non-Immigrant O Retirement Visa – for those who wish to retire in Thailand
• Non-Immigrant OA and OX Visa – for those who wish to obtain a Thailand Retirement Visa for a long stay (these provide longer stays with different requirements from the basic type O visa)

You can start the process of acquiring these visas at your local Thai Embassy or Consulate in Canada. The paperwork can be quite involved, but there are people that can help, like Siam Legal, a reputable law firm in Thailand that employs English-speaking Thai immigration specialists. We’ve been helping Canadians travel to Thailand for over 20 years, and know the laws of both countries inside and out. So, if you would like to streamline your journey to a long-term stay in Thailand, contact us and we’ll ensure your path to the Kingdom is swift and successful.

How to Get to Thailand

Book a Flight

Canadians (and other foreign travellers) can land at any major international airport in Thailand, such as Suvarnabhumi (Bangkok), Don Mueang, Phuket, or Chiang Mai, and travel onward freely. There are no “sealed” flights or pre-boarding COVID-19 screening requirements for domestic travel.

Airlines no longer ask to see vaccination certificates or test results, although standard ID and travel documents may still be requested. For passengers with connecting flights through other countries, it’s wise to check with your airline about any testing or entry requirements in those transit countries, as rules may vary.

Finding Accommodation in Thailand

Accommodations in Thailand are now fully accessible with no quarantine or testing conditions for international travelers. Whether you’re staying at a high-end hotel, a boutique guesthouse, or a private rental, you can book with ease. Using platforms like Agoda remains one of the best ways to compare lodging options, review flexible cancellation policies, and secure your stay in Thailand’s diverse locations.

Arriving in Thailand – Best Practices

So, you’ve booked your hotel and flight, but what should you expect once you finally land in Thailand? Here are a few things that will help you enjoy your trip and show respect to local Thais.

Wearing Masks

Masks are no longer compulsory but are still recommended when in public places. You’ll see that many Thai people (and visitors) wear masks when out and about. You will not get in trouble if you don’t wear a mask, but it is a case of “do as the locals do.” It is about respect and consideration.

Documents to Keep on Hand

Though the Thailand Pass has been removed and travelers do not need to provide proof before entry, it is best to prepare a few documents before arriving, such as:

• Passport with at least six months’ validity
• Thai Visa stamp or Thai visa exemption record (if applicable)
• Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC Thailand) confirmation
• Travel insurance certificate (print or digital)
• Return/Onward Ticket

Keeping these documents handy will speed up your processing time before leaving your country and will prevent delays if you are asked to provide vaccination or testing proof in a random check. These documents can be presented in digital form, but airlines, immigration, and health officers will appreciate the extra effort if you print them and will likely send you on your way quicker.

Royal Thai Embassy, Ottawa

The Royal Thai Embassy in Ottawa, Canada, can be found at 180 Island Park Drive. There is also a consulate in Vancouver. For assistance, do not hesitate to contact the Royal Thai Embassy near your location or just email your questions to [email protected] or contact them at +1 (613) 722-4444.