Thailand's New Visa Exemption Rules Take Effect: 30 Days for Most Tourists

What changed

Thailand's revised entry rules took effect on 15 September 2026 and ended the broad 60-day visa-exemption scheme. In its place is a 30-day tourism exemption for ordinary passport holders from 60 countries and territories. Two more have a 15-day exemption and three are eligible for Visa on Arrival.

Eligibility depends on your passport, so do not assume that everyone who used to receive 60 days now receives 30. Bilateral visa-waiver agreements and other visa categories are separate from these tourism arrangements.

Already in Thailand

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs says that travellers who were already in the country, or who arrived before the start date, can stay until the date shown on their immigration stamp. The change does not shorten a stay that was already granted, so check your own admitted-until date instead of counting from the announcement.

Planning a new trip

Check the official scheme summary for your passport and confirm any conditions with the Thai embassy or consulate that serves you. The new exemptions are tourism arrangements. If you plan to work, study, stay longer or enter repeatedly, a visa that matches your purpose is needed before you travel.

Repeat entries need care. Most visa-exempt land-border entries are limited to two per calendar year, with stated exceptions, and some embassies describe the limit in broader terms. Check the wording for your passport and route before you rely on repeated entries.

What it means for Phuket visitors

Most holiday stays fit inside 30 days. Anyone planning a longer winter stay should look at the Destination Thailand Visa, a tourist visa with an extension, or a longer-term route. Our visa hub compares the options.