Thailand Reduces Visa-Free Stay to 30 Days for 60 Nations
Thailand has officially shortened its visa-free entry period for citizens from 60 countries and territories. From September 15, 2026, eligible travellers will receive a 30-day stay, down from the previous 60 days. The Thai Ministry of Interior published these new regulations in the Royal Gazette, impacting major inbound markets.
New Policy Takes Effect September 2026
Thailand’s Ministry of Interior has formally enacted changes to its visa exemption policy. The regulations, published in the Royal Gazette on August 31, 2026, reduce the visa-free stay for nationals of 60 countries and territories. From September 15, 2026, these travellers may enter Thailand for up to 30 days without a visa.
This adjustment halves the previously permitted 60-day visa-free period. Countries affected include the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. The new rules apply to arrivals on or after the effective date. Travellers entering Thailand before September 15, 2026, under the current 60-day scheme, will retain their initially granted period of stay.
Scope of Exemption and Border Entry Rules
The updated 30-day visa exemption specifically applies for tourism purposes. This contrasts with the prior 60-day scheme, which also permitted certain short-term work or business engagements. The Thai authorities’ publication officially repeals the July 15, 2024, measure that introduced the special 60-day exemption for 93 countries.
Additionally, the new 30-day regulation reintroduces a restriction for land border entries. Travellers using the visa exemption will generally be limited to two land border crossings per calendar year. This restriction does not apply to nationals of Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore. The Minister of Interior may also exempt other nationalities from this rule later.
Revised Terms for Other Nationalities
Beyond the 60 countries, Thailand has established new categories for other short-term visitors. Nationals of Mauritius and Seychelles will now receive a 15-day visa exemption. This category also generally includes the two-entry-per-calendar-year limit for land border crossings.
The Thai government previously considered including Maldives in this 15-day group but later moved Maldivian nationals to the more favourable 30-day exemption list. Furthermore, the number of nationalities eligible for a Visa on Arrival (VoA) has been significantly narrowed. Only citizens of Azerbaijan, Belarus, and Serbia will now qualify for a Visa on Arrival upon entering Thailand.
What This Means for Travellers
The reduction to a 30-day visa-free stay requires travellers to adjust their plans for longer visits. However, the Thai government has confirmed that a one-time extension option will remain available. Travellers eligible for the 30-day visa exemption can apply for an additional 30-day extension. This extension is subject to approval by Thai immigration authorities.
This means individuals planning stays longer than one month may still achieve up to 60 days in Thailand. They must apply for the extension after arrival. These changes necessitate careful planning for international visitors to ensure compliance with the new entry regulations.
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