The essentials in one table
| Topic | What to know (October 2026) |
|---|---|
| Entry | Free digital arrival card (TDAC), filled in online before arrival (within 72 hours according to guides) |
| Visa-free stay | For many nationalities, 30 days since 15 September 2026 (60 days before); some nationalities need a visa |
| Vaping | Banned: confiscation and a fine, possibly prosecution |
| Alcohol | Generally sold 11:00 to midnight; banned in temples, parks, petrol stations, public transport; legal age 20 |
| Cannabis | Controlled herb since June 2025: Thai prescription required; no smoking in public |
| Temples | Shoulders and knees covered, shoes off |
| Monarchy | No mockery or criticism: a serious criminal offence (lèse-majesté) |
| Emergencies | Tourist police 1155, rescue 1669 |
Entry rules
Most guides say your passport should be valid for more than six months on arrival. Every foreign traveller must fill in the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) online before arrival. It is free; beware of paid websites posing as the official service.
The point to check: the visa-exemption rules have changed. According to a specialist news site citing orders published in the Thai Royal Gazette on 31 August 2026, the visa-free stay for tourism fell from 60 to 30 days for about 60 countries on 15 September 2026, with a possible 30-day extension in Thailand subject to immigration approval. Travellers who entered before that date keep the stay they were granted. Land-border entries are limited to two a year under this scheme. Depending on your nationality, you may need a visa before departure. Some guides mention proof of funds (20,000 baht per person): we found no official source, so confirm it. Check your embassy's page, not a blog.
What if you fall ill or have an accident? The main risks in Phuket are the road and the sea; without insurance, treatment is billed to you. Every foreign visitor pays for care in full there, and the European Health Insurance Card does not apply. A health and repatriation insurance (SafetyWing, bought online, for the length of your trip) covers treatment and the trip home. See our travel insurance guide.
Vaping: the ban is real
Importing, selling or using an e-cigarette is illegal in Thailand. Figures differ from guide to guide; in practice tourists report confiscation and an on-the-spot fine, but the legal penalties are far heavier (prison is possible for importing or selling). The safest option is to leave the device at home.
Alcohol
According to TAT, alcohol may generally be sold from 11:00 to midnight since 29 May 2026, with exceptions (international airports, hotels, licensed entertainment venues). Drinking is banned in temples, government offices, petrol stations, public parks and public transport. The legal age is 20. For nightlife, see also scams in Phuket.
Cannabis
Cannabis flower has been a controlled herb since June 2025: a tourist may buy or possess it only with a prescription issued in Thailand by a licensed practitioner. Many shops have closed, and those serving walk-in customers may be operating illegally. Smoking in public is punished (the penalties quoted vary). Products with less than 0.2% THC remain legal. Do not take any home.
Temples and respect for the monarchy
To enter a temple such as Wat Chalong, cover your shoulders and knees and take your shoes off. Do not point your feet at Buddha statues or climb on them. One more crucial rule: the lèse-majesté law (section 112 of the criminal code) punishes offensive remarks about the royal family, online too. Avoid any comment or joke on the subject.
Safety on the ground
The main risks are the road, the sea and scams. For two-wheelers, see getting around Phuket: driving on the left, helmet, international licence advised, insurance that covers scooters. For swimming, obey red flags, especially at Patong Beach from May to October. Travel insurance with repatriation is strongly advised. For boat trips, check lifejackets and the operator's insurance; see Phi Phi from Phuket.
Money
Keep cash for small purchases; see money and tipping in Phuket and the travel budget. For jet-ski, tuk-tuk and touting traps, read scams and safety.
Going further
When to visit Phuket, from the airport to the beaches, Phuket in 3 days.
FAQ
Do I need a visa for Phuket?
It depends on your nationality. Many countries get a 30-day exemption (60 days before 15 September 2026). Check with your embassy.
Is the TDAC compulsory?
Yes according to guides: it is a free online arrival card to fill in before arrival. It is not a visa.
Can I vape in Phuket?
No: vaping is banned. Leave your device at home.
Is cannabis legal?
Much less freely: the flower requires a Thai prescription. Better to abstain.
Whom do I call in an emergency?
Tourist police on 1155, rescue on 1669, and your embassy.
The Phuket Authority editorial team, 19 October 2026.
