The Thailand Guides

Thailand's 60-Day Visa-Free Stay May Revert to 30 Days from June 2026

· 2 min read Travel News
Bangkok skyline viewed from above at golden hour, Thailand

Contents

  1. What Is Changing
  2. What Travellers Should Do Right Now
  3. The Bigger Picture

Thailand’s generous 60-day visa-free entry policy — extended to dozens of nationalities in mid-2024 — may be cut back to 30 days as early as June 2026, according to multiple reports citing official Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs documentation.

What Is Changing

In May 2026, visa-exemption documents linked from official Thai government sources began listing a 30-day permitted stay for many nationalities, including travellers from the United Kingdom, most EU countries, Australia, Canada, and the United States. As of the time of writing, the 60-day period remains in effect, but the Thai government is actively reviewing the policy and the rollback could happen with little warning.

The move is driven by abuse of the extended window: authorities report that the 60-day limit has been exploited for illegal employment, involvement in cybercrime and scam operations, and tax avoidance. Thai immigration is prioritising quality of visitor over volume.

What Travellers Should Do Right Now

If you are planning a trip of more than 30 days, we recommend acting before any official announcement:

  • Apply for a Tourist Visa (TR) — a 60-day single-entry visa available at Thai embassies and consulates worldwide, extendable by 30 days at a local immigration office.
  • Consider the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) — designed for remote workers and long-stay visitors, it allows unlimited entries over five years with stays of up to 180 days per visit.
  • Fill out the TDAC — all travellers must complete Thailand’s Digital Arrival Card online within 72 hours before departure. It is free and takes under 10 minutes.

The Bigger Picture

The potential reversion is part of a broader tightening of Thailand’s entry rules in 2026. The government has introduced a zero-tolerance conduct policy for foreign visitors, mandatory environmental fees at major tourist sites, and expanded digital surveillance at border entry points. The intent is to shift Thailand’s tourism model from high volume to high value.

For anyone planning a longer stay, we strongly advise confirming the current rules with your nearest Thai embassy no more than a few weeks before you travel. Policies have been changing quickly, and airline staff at check-in will enforce whatever the Immigration Bureau states at the time of travel.

Check our practical travel guide and best time to visit Thailand to plan your trip around these shifting requirements. For island-focused stays, our Phuket guide and Koh Samui guide cover what to expect once you arrive.