Thailand will shorten the visa-free stay to 30 days starting September 15, 2026

Thailand has now officially published the changes to its entry requirements in the Royal Gazette, thereby establishing a binding timeline. In the August 31, 2026, issue, four regulations from the Ministry of the Interior were announced, fundamentally overhauling the previous system of visa-free entry. The special provision previously in effect, allowing a 60-day visa-free stay, is thus officially repealed.

All four regulations take effect 15 days after their publication. Specifically, this means that the current regulations remain in effect through September 14, 2026, inclusive, and the new regulations will apply starting September 15, 2026. For travelers planning a trip to Thailand, this effective date is of critical importance, as the maximum length of stay without a visa varies significantly depending on the time of travel.

Under the new rules, nationals of 60 countries and territories—including the U.S., the U.K., Canada, and Australia—will in the future be allowed to stay in Thailand visa-free for up to 30 days, instead of the previous 60 days. Citizens of two countries will be eligible for a 15-day visa-free stay. Citizens of three other countries will continue to be eligible for a visa on arrival, which must be applied for separately and is subject to different conditions.

For travelers planning a longer stay in Thailand, such as for extended vacations, multiple entries, or business purposes, the reduction of the visa-free period to 30 days will in many cases mean that a regular visa will be necessary to avoid violating residency regulations. For example, anyone wishing to stay longer as a tourist or enter the country multiple times should check early on which visa category is appropriate for their travel plans. For shorter tourist stays, a tourist visa for Thailand can still be applied for, which offers flexibility beyond the new 30-day limit.

In addition to the traditional method of applying in advance, Thailand is increasingly relying on digital procedures. Travelers who meet the requirements may be able to use an e-visa for Thailand, which simplifies and speeds up the application process. Regardless of the type of visa chosen, the digital entry card—which must be completed prior to arrival—remains mandatory; we assist travelers in applying for the TDAC for Thailand.

In light of the upcoming changes, we recommend that anyone planning a trip to Thailand familiarize themselves early on with the regulations applicable to their nationality and clarify well in advance of departure whether a visa is required. Especially for trips that overlap with the effective date of September 15, 2026, choosing the correct visa type can be crucial to ensuring that the entire planned stay is legally covered. We review individual eligibility requirements and handle the entire application process so that travelers can focus on planning their trip.