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Thailand reduces visa-free tourist stay from 60 days to 30 days

The Thailand government announced on 19 May, 2026 that it will be scaling back its visa-exemption policy from 60 days to 30 days in a move aimed at quelling foreign nationals from undertaking illegal work in the country.

The significant change to the visa exemption period, which will potentially affect millions of visitors to the popular holiday destination, has not yet come into force, and it will only be formally enacted after its official publication in the Royal Gazette.

Thailand first expanded its visa-free entry policy to 93 countries in July 2024, allowing tourists from these countries stays of up to 60 days, as the government sought to entice visitors to the country following the Covid outbreak which devastated the country's key tourism sector.

However, in a not unexpected turnaround, the Thai government has now decided to cut the permitted visa-free stay back to 30 days after growing concerns that some foreign nationals were misusing the extended 60-day stay period to illegally work in the country, conduct illegal business activities, and engage in other criminal activities.

The government has stressed that the new policy is intended to strengthen immigration controls, while continuing to welcome genuine tourists to the country.

Key Details & Timeline

• Key Changes: Eligible passport holders (including US, UK, EU, and India nationals) will be subject to a 30-day maximum stay upon entry, instead of the 60-day  stay which has been in place since July 2024.
• Implementation Date: The policy was approved on 19 May, 2026, but exact enforcement of the new law only begins 15 days after its formal publication in the Royal Gazette.
• Current Visitors: Tourists that arrived in Thailand while the 60-day scheme was still active will generally still be entitled to stay in Thailand for the full 60 day stay period. 

Extensions & Alternatives

• Extensions: Tourists arriving in Thailand on the 30-day visa exemption will still likely be able to apply for the standard 30-day extension at a local Thai Immigration Bureau office for a fee of THB 1,900. 
• Longer Stays: For visits that extend beyond 30-60 days, you will need to apply for a specialized tourist visa (e.g., Special Tourist Visa or a Thailand Elite Visa) through your local Royal Thai Embassy before traveling.