Thailand to revert to 30-day visa-free entry after 60-day extension
Thailand confirmed it will return to 30-day visa-free stays for 93 eligible nationalities, reversing its 60-day exemption introduced in July 2024.
Thailand is once again adjusting its migration policy. Following the expansion of its 60-day visa exemption program to 93 nationalities in July 2024, the Thai government has now confirmed the imminent return to a standard 30-day allowance.
A press conference held on 19 May 2026 by Thai immigration officials outlined the upcoming changes.
Thailand’s Bangkok Post announced the policy shift: Bangkok Post
End of 60-day visa-free stays: what’s changing
Since summer 2024, passport holders from 93 countries—covering most of Europe, the Americas, and many African and Asian nations—enjoyed an unprecedented 60-day visa-free stay on arrival. However, the Thai Ministry of Tourism and Sports has now confirmed an end to this special dispensation, with eligible stays cut back to the historic 30-day norm. Although the exact implementation date has not been announced, the adjustment has been formally ratified by the relevant authorities.
💡 Our agency’s advice: With the transition still in progress, we recommend that anyone planning a trip of more than 30 days secure entry in advance by applying for a standard tourist e-Visa to avoid potential boarding complications or issues with immigration clearance.
Before vs after: a practical summary
Key point | July 2024 – present | Upcoming regulation |
Visa-free duration | 60 days | 30 days ⚠️ |
Eligible nationalities | 93 countries | 93 countries (unchanged list) |
Onward extension | +30 days (local Immigration) | +30 days (local Immigration) |
Maximum stay (no visa) | 90 days in total | 60 days in total (initial 30 + extension) |
Why is Thailand reversing a policy that was designed to boost its appeal? Two structural drivers underpin the change:
Crackdown on the shadow economy and illegal work: The 60-day window was widely exploited by foreign operators who set up nominee companies to conduct business without proper licenses or tax compliance, undermining local enterprises and tax receipts.
Misalignment with real visitor patterns: Official data show most long-haul tourists spend 14–21 days in Thailand, with regional visitors averaging about one week. Maintaining a blanket 60-day exemption no longer reflected actual travel behaviour.
Since the start of 2026, Thai authorities have been signalling the end of the 60-day visa-free scheme; final confirmation was delivered in May 2026.
Your options now
Our agency serves travellers from every corner of the globe daily. If your nationality is among the 93 visa-exempt countries and your plans exceed 30 days, you have two clear routes forward.
Option 1: Onward extension (up to 60 days total)
Arrive on a visa-free 30-day exemption, then visit a Thai Immigration office to secure a single 30-day extension (fee: 1,900 THB ≈ €50). Downside: the process requires assembling a physical dossier on arrival.Option 2: Electronic visa (e-Visa)
The solution we recommend. A classic single- or multiple-entry tourist e-Visa grants 60 consecutive days immediately and can be extended by a further 30 days on the ground, for a maximum 90-day stay.
Our value-add: We handle full document compliance checks and submit your dossier on your behalf, ensuring prompt review by Thai authorities. Processing with Thai embassies typically takes three weeks once all paperwork is in order.
Ready to apply?
Immigration rules in Thailand shift quickly. Work with our experts to confirm your eligibility and choose the visa best suited to your travel plans.
👉 Submit your Thailand visa application with our team
En tant que chargée de relation client, mes missions sont la gestion et le suivi des demandes de visas. Je reste informée des actualités concernant les nouvelles formalités de voyage ainsi que les spécificités des nouveaux visas.
