Canadian citizens enter Thailand visa-free: since 15 September 2026 they receive 30 days on arrival (previously 60), extendable once by 30 days for 1,900 THB. Unlike the US and UK, the Canadian Embassy still issues income letters, giving Canadian retirees an easier route to the Non-O retirement visa's 65,000 THB/month income option.
Entry with a Canadian passport
Canada is on the visa-exemption list: 30 days on arrival by air, land entries capped at 2 per year, TDAC digital arrival card required before travel, passport valid 6 months. One in-country extension (1,900 THB) brings the stay to 60 days; the 60-day Tourist Visa obtained online before departure brings it to 90.
The Canadian advantage for retirement
For the retirement Non-O, applicants must show 800,000 THB in a Thai bank or 65,000 THB monthly income. The US, UK and Australian embassies stopped certifying income years ago — but the Canadian Embassy still issues statutory declarations of income. For Canadian retirees with solid pensions, this avoids locking 800,000 THB in a Thai account, a meaningful difference at today's exchange rates.
The rest of the path is identical: 90-day Non-O first, then yearly extensions at your local office — for the islands, Samui Immigration in Maenam — with 90-day reports and re-entry permits as ongoing obligations.
Long-stay routes compared for Canadians
- Remote workers: DTV — 5 years, 180 days/entry, 500,000 THB (~C$19,500) proof of funds
- Age 50+: retirement Non-O — income letter route still available to Canadians
- Married to a Thai: marriage Non-O (400,000 THB or 40,000 THB/month)
- Studying Thai: education Non-ED via an accredited school
Frequently asked questions
Do Canadians need a visa for Thailand?
Not for visits up to 30 days — Canadians receive a 30-day visa-exempt entry (since 15 September 2026), extendable once by 30 days at immigration. Longer stays require a Tourist Visa or long-stay visa.
Can Canadians use pension income for the Thai retirement visa?
Yes — and more easily than Americans or Brits: the Canadian Embassy still issues income declarations accepted by Thai immigration for the 65,000 THB/month requirement.
How long can a Canadian stay in Thailand per year?
On tourist entries, realistically 60-90 days per trip. For more, the DTV allows 180 days per entry across 5 years, and the retirement route allows year-round residence from age 50.
Talk to us on WhatsApp
WhatsApp +66 82 819 4733