Thailand travel advice
A summary of the UK government’s (FCDO) travel advice for Thailand, last updated by the FCDO on 12 October 2026. The full advice on GOV.UK is the authoritative version.
FCDO status
FCDO advises against all but essential travel to parts of the country
Latest FCDO update (12 October 2026): Updated information about visa requirements for travellers entering Thailand by land or air (‘Entry requirements’ page).
FCDO notice
Severe Flooding
Severe flooding is affecting parts of Thailand following heavy rainfall in a number of provinces, including Bangkok, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani and Samut Prakan. All 50 districts of Bangkok have been declared disaster-affected areas. Travel disruption, including road closures and flooding of low-lying areas, is possible.
The Thai government has declared special public holidays on 28 and 29 September in Bangkok, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani and Samut Prakan. Many government offices and services may be closed or operating with reduced capacity. Follow the advice of local authorities if you plan to travel.
Warnings (from the FCDO, word for word)
Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).
Areas where FCDO advises against travel
Thailand-Malaysia border
FCDO advises against all but essential travel to parts of the south, near the Thailand-Malaysia border:
- Pattani Province
- Yala Province
- Narathiwat Province
- The districts of Chana, Thepa, Na Thawi and Saba Yoi in southern Songkhla Province
FCDO also advises against all but essential travel on the Hat Yai to Padang Besar train line that runs through these provinces.
This is due to regular attacks in the provinces by the border with Malaysia. See Safety and security .
Thailand-Cambodia border
FCDO advises against all but essential travel to areas within 20km of the land border with Cambodia.
Fighting occurred along parts of the border in July 2025, and further clashes took place in early December, involving rocket and artillery fire. Land borders and crossings between Thailand and Cambodia remain suspended. Tourist sites close to the border, including the Khao Phra Wihan Preah Vihear temple, the Ta Kwai Ta Krabey temple and the Ta Muen Thom Tamone Thom temple, are closed. There are unexploded landmines in the area. Travel to affected border regions should be avoided.
Find out more about why FCDO advises against travel.
Global travel impacts due to escalation in the Middle East
Escalation in the Middle East has caused widespread travel disruption, including airspace closures, delayed and cancelled flights.
Your travel plans may be affected, even if your destination is not in the Middle East. Before you travel:
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check travel advice for any countries or territories you are transiting through
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check for the latest updates from your airline or tour operator
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review your travel insurance policy for coverage
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monitor local and international media for the latest information and sign up for travel advice email alerts
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If you have been impacted by travel disruption and need to review your Thai Visa, please follow the guidance published by the Thai Immigration Bureau: Immigration Bureau Facebook
It is illegal to carry cannabis out of Thailand
British nationals have been caught carrying cannabis out of Thailand, including while transiting through other countries. Many international airports have excellent technology and security for detecting illegal items, which may be used to scan the baggage of transiting passengers. If caught you will be arrested or fined.
Passport validity
To enter Thailand, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive and have at least 1 blank page.
Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.
You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.
From FCDO: entry requirements. Written for British passport holders.
Recent FCDO updates
- 12 October 2026: Updated information about visa requirements for travellers entering Thailand by land or air (‘Entry requirements’ page).
- 28 September 2026: Information on Severe Flooding ('Warnings and Insurance’ page)
- 18 September 2026: Updated information on visa exemption scheme, business ownership and deportation ('Entry requirements' and ‘Safety and security’ pages)
Plan your trip
This page shows the FCDO’s headline status and quotes its text word for word; we don’t reword safety advice. It refreshes automatically, so it can lag GOV.UK by up to a day. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Source: FCDO foreign travel advice on GOV.UK. FCDO advice is written for British nationals; other nationalities should also check their own government’s advice.