Since 15 September 2026, citizens of 60 countries and territories can enter Thailand visa-free for up to 30 days instead of 60. Seychelles and Mauritius get 15 days. By land, the 30-day exemption is generally limited to two entries per calendar year. For longer stays you need an extension or a visa.
Thailand published the new exemption rules in the Royal Gazette on 31 August 2026, and they took effect on 15 September. The change affects every short trip, every border run and every plan that counted on 60 days.
Figures in this guide were checked at the time of writing and can change. Always confirm with the official source or in your free pre-check.
What changed on 15 September 2026?
The 60-day visa exemption introduced in 2024 ended on 15 September 2026. The Tourism Authority of Thailand reports that passport holders from 60 countries and territories can now stay up to 30 days for tourism, with Australia, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, the United Kingdom and the United States named as examples. Seychelles and Mauritius get 15 days. Every foreign visitor also needs the free Thailand Digital Arrival Card before arrival.
| Item | Rule |
|---|---|
| Effective date | 15 September 2026 (Royal Gazette notices of 31 August 2026) |
| Standard stay | Up to 30 days for passports from 60 countries and territories |
| Shorter stay | 15 days for Seychelles and Mauritius |
| Entries by land | Generally no more than twice per calendar year; not applied to Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia and Singapore |
| Visa on arrival | List updated; now for Azerbaijan, Belarus and Serbia |
| Bilateral agreements | Existing agreements still give 90, 30 or 14 days to some nationalities |
Is your passport on the 30-day list?
The Royal Gazette list has 60 entries. Besides the countries above, reports add the EU member states, Canada, India, New Zealand and Switzerland. We do not repeat the full list because it can change. Check it on the website of the Royal Thai Embassy or on the e-Visa portal for your own passport before you book.
If you entered before 15 September
Reports say travellers who entered under the 60-day scheme keep the stay stamped at entry. What counts is the "permitted to stay until" date in your passport. See overstaying in Thailand for what happens if you miss it.
Your entry date decides your stay
What counts is the day you enter, not the day you book.
| You enter | Stay you can expect | Where to read it |
|---|---|---|
| On or before 14 September 2026 | The 60 days stamped at entry, under the old scheme | The "permitted to stay until" date in your passport |
| On or after 15 September 2026 | Up to 30 days for most eligible nationalities, 15 for Seychelles and Mauritius | The same stamp |
| A nationality that left the list | No visa-free entry; a visa in advance is needed | The e-Visa portal; see the entry routes compared |
Can you extend a visa-exempt stay?
The Tourism Authority does not state extension rules. In many cases a visa-exempt stay can be extended once for 30 days at an immigration office, and the extension fee is 1,900 THB at the time of writing. Apply before your permitted date ends, never after. See visa extension in Phuket and our guide on extending a tourist stay.
How many visa-exempt entries are allowed? Sources disagree
The Thai Embassy in Switzerland states that visa-exempt visitors may enter through land checkpoints only twice a calendar year, and that airports are not affected. Another guide reports that since November 2025 officers may decline visitors whose passport shows more than two visa-exempt entries in the calendar year, at land borders and airports alike. Until an official notice settles it, plan for the stricter reading and ask us if you travel often.
Can you still do a border run?
A run now restarts only 30 days, and the two-entry limit by land makes repeated land crossings harder. Flying out is not covered by that limit, but officers can still ask for onward travel and a reason for repeated entries. See visa runs: still necessary?
What if you need more than 30 days?
- One extension of the visa-exempt stay, where it is available.
- A tourist visa issued before you travel: about 60 days per entry, single (TR) or multiple (METV). See tourist visa.
- The DTV for remote workers and selected activities: DTV visa.
- A long-stay visa for retirement, family or study.
How we can help
Send us your passport copy and your travel dates. We tell you which entry route fits, whether an extension is realistic and whether a visa in advance is the safer choice.
What the exemption does not cover
It is for tourism. Working in Thailand is not covered, including paid work for a Thai client. Remote workers with clients abroad should look at the DTV, and anyone staying months should compare the options in which type of long-stay visa fits. For what officers may ask at the border, see the entry routes compared.
We check your case first and handle the paperwork, so you avoid wasted trips and fees.
Frequently asked questions
How long can I stay visa-free in Thailand now?
Up to 30 days for citizens of 60 countries and territories since 15 September 2026, and 15 days for Seychelles and Mauritius. Some bilateral agreements give different stays.
Does the 60-day rule still apply?
No, it ended on 15 September 2026. Travellers who entered earlier reportedly keep the stay stamped at entry.
How often can I enter by land?
The 30-day exemption is generally limited to two land entries per calendar year, except for Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia and Singapore.
Can I extend a visa-free stay?
In many cases once, for 30 days, with a fee of 1,900 THB at the time of writing. Apply before the permitted date ends.
Is the visa exemption allowed for work?
No. It is for tourism only. Remote workers with clients abroad should look at the DTV.
Does a flight in and out count towards the two-entry limit?
Sources disagree. One embassy says the limit applies at land checkpoints only, another guide says officers may decline repeat visa-exempt entries at airports too. Plan for the stricter reading.
Which countries get the 30-day visa exemption?
Passports from 60 countries and territories, for example Australia, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, the United Kingdom and the United States. Seychelles and Mauritius get 15 days. Check your own passport on the e-Visa portal before you book.
Official sources
- Tourism Authority of Thailand: visa exemption rules from 15 September 2026
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand
- Thailand e-Visa portal (Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
Last reviewed on . Thai immigration rules and fees change. We confirm the current requirements for your case in your free pre-check.