Thailand · Visa News

Thailand's 60-Day Visa-Free Entry Is Ending: What to Do Now (2026)

Published May 2026 · Based on Thai Cabinet announcement of May 19, 2026

⚠️ Policy update: Thailand's Cabinet has approved ending the 60-day visa-free scheme that launched in July 2024. Most nationalities will return to 30 days. An exact date has not yet been confirmed — it takes effect 15 days after publication in the Thai Royal Gazette.
TL;DR — Key Points
  • The 60-day visa-free policy (introduced July 2024) is being reversed by Cabinet approval on May 19, 2026.
  • Effective date: TBD — takes effect 15 days after publication in the Thai Royal Gazette. No date confirmed yet.
  • 93 countries are affected — including the US, UK, EU, Australia, and Japan.
  • Most nationalities will return to 30 days visa-free; some may receive only 15 days.
  • If you're already in Thailand, your current permitted stay is not affected.
  • For stays longer than 30 days, a Tourist Visa (TR) or other visa category is your best option.
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What Happened and When

Before July 2024
Most nationalities could stay in Thailand 30 days visa-free on arrival. A 30-day extension was available at immigration offices.
July 2024
Thailand extended visa-free stays to 60 days for citizens of 93 countries, aiming to boost tourism and long-stay visitor spending. The move was broadly welcomed by digital nomads and long-term travellers.
May 19, 2026 — Cabinet vote
The Thai Cabinet approved ending the 60-day exemption. The government described it as "a proactive policy review aimed at striking a balance between attracting spending from foreign tourists and monitoring groups that may enter Thailand under tourist privileges but work illegally." Entry conditions will now be assessed individually per nationality by the Visa Policy Committee.
Coming soon — exact date TBC
Three announcements from the Ministry of Interior are expected before the change is published in the Thai Royal Gazette. It takes effect 15 days after that publication. Watch official channels for the confirmed date.

Which Countries Are Affected?

All 93 nations currently covered by the 60-day exemption will revert to their previous allowance. This includes:

  • 🇺🇸 United States
  • 🇬🇧 United Kingdom
  • 🇪🇺 All EU member states (France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, etc.)
  • 🇦🇺 Australia & New Zealand
  • 🇯🇵 Japan & South Korea
  • 🇨🇦 Canada
  • 🇨🇭 Switzerland, Norway, and other European non-EU countries

Most of these nationalities will return to 30 days visa-free. Some nationalities may receive only 15 days depending on Thailand's assessment of traveller profiles and bilateral relations — the Ministry has signalled it will review each country individually rather than apply a blanket rule.

Your Options for Staying Longer Than 30 Days

If you were relying on the 60-day window, here are the realistic alternatives:

Tourist Visa (TR) — Single Entry 60 days ~$40 USD

Apply at a Thai embassy or consulate before you travel. Grants 60 days per entry, extendable by 30 days at an immigration office — giving you up to 90 days total. The most straightforward option for anyone wanting more than 30 days.

Best for: Travellers who know they want 1–3 months in Thailand and can plan ahead.

Tourist Visa (METV) — Multiple Entry 6 months validity ~$200 USD

Valid for 6 months from issue date, with multiple entries of 60 days each. Good for frequent visitors or those making regional trips. Requires financial proof (~$7,000 USD in bank statements).

Best for: Frequent travellers who go in and out of Thailand throughout the year.

LTR Visa — Work From Thailand 10 years Work permit included

For remote workers employed by a foreign company, the LTR Visa is Thailand's flagship long-term option. Requires $80,000/year income and 5+ years of work experience. Valid 10 years with a streamlined work permit and a 17% flat income tax rate on Thai-sourced income.

Best for: Remote workers planning to base themselves in Thailand long-term.

Thailand Privilege Card (formerly Elite Visa) 5–20 years From 900,000 THB

A paid membership program (not a traditional visa) granting long-stay rights with no income or financial proof requirements beyond the upfront fee. Each entry gives a 1-year stay, renewable for the duration of your membership.

Best for: Retirees or high-net-worth individuals who want zero visa hassle long-term.

Frequently Asked Questions

I'm already in Thailand on a 60-day visa exemption. Am I affected?
No. Travellers already in Thailand under the current scheme retain their full permitted stay. The change only applies to new entries made after the policy takes effect.
When exactly does the 30-day rule come back?
No confirmed date yet. The Thai Cabinet has approved the change, but it requires three Ministry of Interior announcements before being published in the Royal Gazette. It takes effect 15 days after that publication. Check the Thai Immigration Bureau website for official updates.
Can I still extend my stay at an immigration office?
Yes. The 30-day extension on arrival is expected to remain available. That means a total of up to 60 days per entry is still possible without a pre-arranged visa — just with one extra step at immigration.
Can I still do a border run to reset my stay?
Technically yes, but Thailand has historically restricted visa exemption entries by land borders to 2 per calendar year. Air arrivals have no such limit. Border runs are increasingly scrutinised at immigration — officers may question the purpose of repeated short stays.
My nationality might only get 15 days. What do I do?
Apply for a Tourist Visa (TR) at your nearest Thai embassy before travelling. This guarantees 60 days on arrival regardless of visa-exemption changes, and it can be extended by another 30 days in-country.
Will this affect Thailand's tourism numbers?
Possibly. The 60-day policy was popular with digital nomads and long-stay visitors who contribute significantly to local economies. The government's stated priority is quality of tourism over volume — focusing on higher-spending visitors.
Sources

Note: Visa rules are subject to change and the exact implementation date for this policy has not been confirmed at time of publication. Always verify current requirements with the Thai Immigration Bureau or your nearest Thai embassy before making travel plans.