Thailand is reducing its visa-free stay from 60 to 30 days: what will change starting September 15

Thailand has finalized new visa-free entry rules, which will take effect on September 15, 2026. The 60-day visa-free period is being abolished, and for citizens of 60 countries and territories, the maximum length of a tourist stay will be 30 days. Here’s who these changes affect and what will happen to tourists who arrive in the country before then

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Starting September 15, 2026, Thailand will reduce the maximum visa-free stay for tourists from a number of countries from 60 to 30 days. The new rules have already been officially approved and will apply, in particular, to citizens of many European countries, the U.S., Canada, Australia, Japan, and Ukraine. Tourists who enter the country before September 15 will be able to stay until the date indicated on their immigration stamp.

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Thailand Reduces Visa-Free Stay to 30 Days

Starting September 15, 2026, an updated visa-free entry system will take effect in Thailand. The Thai government is completely abolishing the 60-day visa exemption scheme, which previously applied to citizens of 93 countries and territories. Instead, a 30-day visa-free stay for tourist travel will apply to citizens of 60 countries and territories.

The decision was finalized following the publication of the relevant regulations in the Royal Gazette on August 31, 2026. Prior to this, the changes were in the approval stage: the Thai government had approved the revision of the visa regulations as early as May 19, but the specific date of their implementation depended on official publication.

Thailand cites several reasons for the revision. These include national security concerns, tourism and economic interests, the principle of reciprocity in visa policy, and the desire to eliminate overlaps between various visa-free entry schemes. The authorities also took into account the development of the Thai e-Visa system, through which foreigners can apply for the appropriate visa for longer-term or non-tourist stays.

Read more about airport tax in Thailand here.

Who is affected by the new visa-free entry rules?

Starting September 15, the 30-day visa-free entry will apply to citizens of 60 countries and territories, who will be able to enter Thailand without first obtaining a tourist visa. The list includes, in particular, most EU countries, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea, Turkey, the UAE, and Ukraine.

At the same time, it is important to consider the actual date of entry. Tourists who cross the border before September 15, 2026, will retain the length of stay indicated on their immigration stamp. In other words, the new 30-day limit will not shorten a period of stay that has already been granted.

For those planning a trip after the changes take effect, the new 30-calendar-day limit under the visa-free regime will serve as the guideline. It’s also worth checking the current list of countries before traveling, as entry rules may vary depending on citizenship and the purpose of the trip.

Shocking new travel rules for Thailand in 2026 — available via the link.

What should you do if you plan to stay in Thailand for more than 30 days?

The new 30-day visa-free stay is intended specifically for short tourist trips.

If your trip will last longer, you should apply in advance for a visa that corresponds to the purpose of your stay. The Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs specifically emphasizes that this update applies only to the visa-free entry and Visa on Arrival programs for tourists; other visa categories remain unchanged for now.

For longer stays, foreign nationals can apply for the appropriate visa through the Thai e-Visa system. Thai authorities note that applications can be submitted online 24 hours a day, but the specific visa category depends on the purpose of the trip: tourism, study, work, business, or other types of stays.

Before booking a long-term stay or a trip lasting several months, it’s worth checking the rules specific to your nationality. After September 15, different countries will have different entry regimes: 30-day or 15-day visa-free entry, Visa on Arrival, bilateral agreements, or the requirement to obtain a visa in advance.

In our previous article, we explained what the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) is, who is eligible to receive it, how much it costs, what documents are required, and what the application process looks like in 2026.

What should you check before traveling to Thailand?

After September 15, it’s especially important for travelers to check entry requirements immediately before their trip. Older information about the 60-day visa-free period may no longer be current, and rules will vary depending on your nationality.

Before your trip, you should:

- Check whether your country is on the list of countries eligible for the 30-day visa-free period

- Pay attention to your entry date if your trip is scheduled during the transition period

- Check your passport’s validity and other standard entry requirements

- Apply for the appropriate visa in advance if you plan to stay longer than 30 days

- Check the current rules on the websites of the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Immigration Bureau before departure

It’s also important to note that 30 days is the maximum duration of a visa-free tourist stay for eligible citizens. If your trip is for work, study, business, or long-term residence, you’ll need a different basis for entry.

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