Thailand: Reduction of the visa-free stay from 60 to 30 days Still Up in the Air

Thailand has repeatedly announced plans to reduce the duration of visa-free stays from the current 60 days to 30 days in the future. However, despite several announcements since spring 2026 and further clarifications in July, this change had not yet taken effect as of August 11, 2026. For travelers planning a trip to Thailand, this means that the previous regulations remain in effect.

Currently, nationals of 93 eligible countries and territories continue to benefit from the regulation introduced in July 2024, which allows for a visa-free stay of up to 60 days. This period can currently be extended by up to an additional 30 days, though the decision is at the discretion of the Thai immigration authorities. Therefore, anyone booking a trip now can still rely on the more generous 60-day rule.

Under the planned new regulations, the initial visa-free stay for many of the affected nationalities will be limited to 30 days in the future. However, before the new rules can actually be implemented, they must first be officially published in the Thai Official Gazette. Only upon this publication would a specific effective date be determined—until then, the reduction remains an announced but not yet implemented measure.

For individuals eligible to enter visa-free, regardless of the outcome of this debate, the basic requirement to complete the digital entry card prior to entry remains unchanged. Relevant travel data must be submitted electronically in advance via the TDAC Thailand: Digital Entry Card. Thailand is also continuing to advance the digital modernization of its entry procedures, including through the upcoming THIM app, which is intended to further digitize entry processes.

Anyone who is not a citizen of one of the 93 visa-exempt nationalities or who is planning a longer stay or a stay for a different purpose—such as business travel, study, or retirement—will need a regular visa in any case. In such cases, various options are available depending on the purpose of the trip, such as the Thailand tourist visa for extended vacations or the Thailand e-visa as a digital alternative to the traditional application. Especially given the constantly changing entry requirements, it is advisable to clarify well in advance which visa is actually required for the planned trip.

Since the situation regarding the visa-free stay period remains in flux, travelers should not base their travel plans solely on previous announcements. Until the new regulations are officially published, the 60-day rule with an optional extension remains in effect. We are monitoring developments closely and are here to help travelers find the visa solution for Thailand that is right for them and currently valid.