Thailand visa exemption 2026: on May 19, 2026, the Thai government approved a return to a shorter visa exemption period for foreign tourists, after the 60-day scheme introduced in July 2024.
This change could affect long-stay travelers, temporary expats, and digital nomads who planned to remain in Thailand without applying for a visa in advance.
What is changing for travelers in Thailand?
Since July 2024, travelers from many eligible countries have been able to enter Thailand visa-free for up to 60 days, with the possibility of requesting an additional extension through Thai immigration.
The Thai government has now approved a return to a shorter exemption period. Once the revised rules are officially published and implemented, affected travelers are expected to return to a shorter visa-free stay, most often around 30 days depending on the rules applicable to their nationality.
| System still displayed as of June 15, 2026 | Announced system after Royal Gazette publication |
|---|---|
| Up to 60 days visa-free for eligible nationalities | Expected return to 30 days visa-free for tourist stays |
| Extension possible at immigration | Additional 30-day extension likely maintained, subject to official confirmation |
| Up to 90 days in total with extension | About 60 days in total if a 30-day extension remains possible |
| The 60-day system may still appear on some official or consular platforms | Application expected 15 days after official publication in the Royal Gazette |
Note: some nationalities may remain subject to different arrangements. According to official Thai communications, separate bilateral agreements may still provide different visa exemption periods depending on the applicable agreement.
Why is Thailand reducing the visa exemption?
According to official announcements and Thai media reports, this decision mainly aims to limit abuses linked to the use of the tourist visa exemption.
- repeated long tourist stays;
- frequent visa runs in Thailand;
- illegal work;
- certain criminal and cybercriminal activities;
- using the tourist exemption as an alternative to a proper long-term visa.
Thai authorities consider that the 60-day system could be misused by some travelers wishing to stay in the country for a long time without applying for a suitable visa.
Which travelers are affected?
The change is expected to affect travelers from countries currently benefiting from Thailand’s visa exemption scheme. The final regulatory list and practical implementation still need to be confirmed through publication in the Royal Gazette and updates from Thai authorities.
It is therefore important to check the rule applicable to your nationality before departure, as country lists and official platforms may be updated gradually.
When will the new rule come into effect?
The Thai government approved the principle of returning to a shorter visa exemption on May 19, 2026. The revised rules are expected to come into effect 15 days after their publication in the Royal Gazette, Thailand’s official journal.
As of June 15, 2026, no official publication in the Royal Gazette has yet been confirmed by the official sources reviewed. The current 60-day system may therefore still remain the reference displayed by some official and consular sources for eligible travelers.
Travelers already in Thailand under the current system should be able to stay until the expiry of the stay period already granted by immigration upon arrival.
The exact date of entry into force therefore depends on this official publication. Until then, a transition period may remain between the government announcement, updates to official platforms, and actual implementation at airports or land border checkpoints.
Can you still stay 60 or 90 days in Thailand?
Yes, several options should still remain possible for travelers wishing to stay longer in Thailand. However, longer stays will probably require more planning than under the 60-day visa exemption.
To compare the options depending on the length of your stay, check the latest visa rules from official Thai immigration or embassy sources before departure. If you are unsure whether to choose visa exemption, a tourist visa, or a long-term visa, verify the latest requirements based on your nationality and travel plans.
For longer stays, travelers should also consider travel insurance for Thailand, especially if they plan to extend their trip or stay several weeks.
1. Extension at immigration
Even with an exemption reduced to around 30 days, it should still be possible to apply for an additional extension at a Thai immigration office. However, this possibility will need to be confirmed according to the rules applicable at the time of travel.
2. Tourist visa
Travelers who wish to stay longer can apply for a tourist visa before departure. This option is more suitable for stays exceeding the duration of a simple visa exemption.
3. Destination Thailand Visa
The Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) remains an interesting alternative for certain remote workers, freelancers, and long-stay travelers who meet the program requirements.
What impact for tourists and digital nomads?
This decision could mainly affect travelers who used the 60-day exemption to stay in Thailand for a long time without applying for a specific visa.
- long-stay travelers;
- digital nomads;
- retirees regularly using the visa exemption;
- people making repeated visa runs;
- travelers who planned to stay two or three months without applying for a visa in advance.
For regular tourists visiting for two or three weeks, however, the change will have little impact. Most short tourist stays will remain compatible with an exemption of around 30 days.
What about repeated entries into Thailand?
Additional restrictions could also affect repeated entries, especially for travelers using the visa exemption as a long-stay solution.
This point should be followed carefully. The exact rules will need to be confirmed in the official texts and by immigration services. Travelers planning several trips, long stays, or visa runs should therefore check the applicable conditions before departure.
If your goal is to stay several months in Thailand, it is better to compare proper visa options rather than relying only on repeated visa-free entries.
Official sources to check before departure
Thailand’s entry rules can change quickly. Before booking a flight, extending a stay, or choosing a visa, always check the latest official sources.
- TAT Newsroom: revision of the 60-day visa exemption scheme
- Government Public Relations Department: revision of Thailand’s visa measures
- UK Foreign Travel Advice: Thailand
- Official Thai E-Visa website
What to remember
- The Thai government approved a return to a shorter visa exemption on May 19, 2026;
- The announced future system provides a return to around 30 days visa-free for many tourist stays;
- As of June 15, 2026, the official sources reviewed do not yet confirm publication in the Royal Gazette;
- The new rules are expected to come into effect 15 days after this official publication;
- The 60-day system may still be displayed by some official or consular sources until implementation;
- An additional extension at immigration should remain possible, subject to confirmation;
- Long-stay travelers should consider a tourist visa, DTV, or another suitable visa;
- The rules may still change with official updates.
Before departure, also remember to check other entry formalities, especially the Thailand Digital Arrival Card, which may apply in addition to visa rules.
FAQ – Thailand visa exemption 2026
Is Thailand permanently removing the 60-day visa-free stay?
The Thai government approved the return to a shorter visa exemption on May 19, 2026, but the 60-day system may still appear on some official or consular platforms until the reform is officially published and implemented. The return to a duration of around 30 days should apply after publication in the Royal Gazette and entry into force of the revised rules.
Can travelers still enter Thailand without a visa?
Travelers from eligible countries should still be able to enter Thailand without a visa. However, the future duration still needs to be officially confirmed and applied, as some official and consular sources may still display 60 days until the reform is published and administrative updates are completed.
When will the new rule be applied?
The revised rules are expected to come into effect 15 days after their publication in the Royal Gazette, Thailand’s official journal. As of June 15, 2026, this publication had not yet been confirmed by the official sources reviewed. The exact date therefore depends on this official step.
Can you extend your stay in Thailand?
An extension at a Thai immigration office should remain possible in many cases, but the exact conditions must be checked at the time of travel. Rules may vary depending on nationality, entry type, and the traveler’s situation.
Should you apply for a tourist visa to stay longer?
For a stay longer than the authorized visa exemption period, a tourist visa or another suitable visa may become preferable. Long-stay travelers should check the available options before departure.
Can the DTV visa help you stay longer in Thailand?
Yes, the Destination Thailand Visa can be a solution for certain remote workers, freelancers, or long-stay travelers who meet the program requirements. It does not replace the tourist visa exemption, but it may be more suitable for an extended stay.
Last updated: June 15, 2026. Thailand’s entry rules can change quickly. Always check official sources before departure.
🔄 Last updated on June 15, 2026
I plan on volunteering with animals for 3 months next Feb 2027 from the UK..
Looking at the Thai website for Tourist Visa’s, it states full accommodation for them 3 months will be looked at… I am not exactly sure where I will be staying as the places working with animals do not offer accommodation just yet.