Thailand visa exemption 30 days: 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 could 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. Travelers affected by the reform are expected to go back to a shorter visa-free stay, most often around 30 days depending on the rules applicable to their nationality.
| System applicable as of May 21, 2026 | Announced system after official publication |
|---|---|
| Up to 60 days visa-free | 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 |
| 60-day system still displayed | Announced limit: use of the exemption twice per calendar year, subject to official confirmation |
Note: some nationalities may remain subject to different arrangements. According to the Tourism Authority of Thailand, separate bilateral agreements may still provide visa exemptions of 14, 30, or 90 days depending on the applicable agreement.
Why is Thailand reducing the visa exemption?
According to announcements reported by several Thai and international media outlets, this decision mainly aims to limit abuses linked to the use of the tourist 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 list of eligible countries and territories still needs to be officially confirmed when the new rules are published in the Royal Gazette.
It is therefore important to check the rule applicable to your nationality before departure, as Thai authorities may adjust 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 new rules are expected to come into effect 15 days after their publication in the Royal Gazette, Thailand’s official journal.
As of May 21, 2026, no official publication has yet been reported in the Royal Gazette, and the current 60-day system therefore remains the reference displayed by some official and consular sources. Travelers already in Thailand under the current system should be able to stay until the expiry of the stay period already granted.
The exact date of entry into force therefore depends on this official publication. Until then, a transition period may remain between the government announcement, the updating of 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, you should check the latest visa rules from official Thai immigration or embassy sources before your departure. If you are unsure whether to choose visa exemption, a tourist visa, or a long-term visa, it is best to 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.
A measure that sparks debate
The move to 60 days had been welcomed by part of Thailand’s tourism sector, especially after the post-pandemic recovery. Some tourism professionals may therefore fear that this reduction could slow down long-stay tourism and the spending associated with it.
This decision also comes at a time when Thailand is closely watching tourist arrivals in 2026, making the balance between tourism growth and immigration control especially important.
Others, on the contrary, believe that this measure will make it possible to better control immigration, limit abuses, and encourage long-stay travelers to use visas more suited to their situation.
Thailand is now seeking a balance between tourist attractiveness, internal security, and better control of long-term stays.
What to remember
- The Thai government approved a return to a shorter visa exemption on May 19, 2026;
- The announced future system provides 30 days visa-free for tourist stays, for the countries and territories concerned;
- As of May 21, 2026, the current 60-day system remains applicable until the reform is published in the Royal Gazette;
- The new rules are expected to come into effect 15 days after this official publication;
- An additional 30-day extension should remain possible;
- The use of the exemption could be limited to twice per calendar year;
- 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 30 days
Is Thailand permanently removing the 60-day visa-free stay?
The Thai government approved the return to a shorter exemption on May 19, 2026, but the 60-day system remains applicable until the reform is published in the Royal Gazette. The return to a duration of around 30 days should apply after this official publication.
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, as some official and consular sources may still display 60 days until the reform is published and administrative updates are completed.
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.
When will the new rule be applied?
The new rules are expected to come into effect 15 days after their publication in the Royal Gazette, Thailand’s official journal. As of May 21, 2026, this publication had not yet been reported in the sources consulted. The exact date therefore depends on this official step.
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.
