Thailand Visa-Free Stay Cut From 60 to 30 Days From September 15, 2026

Thailand has officially revised its visa exemption and Visa on Arrival rules, reducing the maximum visa-free stay for eligible travellers from 60 days to 30 days from September 15, 2026.

The change replaces the 60-day visa exemption introduced in July 2024 and is part of Thailand's broader effort to simplify its visa system, strengthen immigration screening and prevent misuse of visa-free entry. Thailand's Department of Consular Affairs has confirmed that the revised measures will take effect on September 15, 2026.

What Is Changing in Thailand's Visa-Free Rules?

Under the revised system, 59 countries and territories will receive visa-free entry for tourism for stays of up to 30 days. This replaces the previous 60-day visa exemption that covered 93 countries and territories.

Thailand is also introducing different entry categories for certain nationalities:

• 59 countries and territories: Up to 30 days visa-free for tourism

• Mauritius and Seychelles: Up to 15 days visa-free

• Azerbaijan, Belarus and Serbia: Visa on Arrival at designated checkpoints

• Certain bilateral agreements: Existing arrangements will continue where applicable

The Thai government describes the new approach as "one country, one entitlement," meaning each country or territory will generally be assigned a single applicable visa exemption or Visa on Arrival category.
Also Read : Thailand Keeps Visa-Free Entry for Indians, With 30-Day Stay Under New Rules

What Happens to Travellers Already in Thailand?

Travellers who enter Thailand before the new rules take effect will not lose their existing permitted stay.

According to Thailand's official information, foreign nationals already in Thailand under the previous visa exemption arrangements can remain until their permitted period expires. Travellers entering before the new measures take effect can also receive the stay permitted under the rules applicable at that time.

This means travellers planning to enter Thailand before September 15 should still be able to use the existing rules, subject to the immigration officer's decision and applicable entry requirements.

New Controls on Visa-Free Entry

Thailand is also tightening controls around visa-free entry. The government says the changes are intended to reduce overlapping visa privileges and prevent visa exemptions from being misused for activities outside their intended purpose.

The Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) system is also being enhanced to support traveller screening and verification of foreign nationals' entry and exit records.

Travellers should therefore be particularly careful about repeated entries and ensure that their travel pattern complies with Thai immigration requirements.

What About Bilateral Visa Agreements?

The new visa exemption system does not automatically replace every bilateral visa agreement.

Thailand has confirmed that separate bilateral and related arrangements will continue where applicable. Depending on the nationality and agreement, these can provide different permitted stays, including 90, 30 or 14 days.

Therefore, travellers should not assume that the new 30-day rule applies identically to every passport.

What Travellers Should Do Before Visiting Thailand

If you are planning a trip to Thailand after September 15, 2026, check the rules that apply specifically to your passport before travelling.

It is important to verify:

1. Whether your nationality qualifies for visa-free entry.

2. The maximum permitted stay.

3. Whether you qualify for Visa on Arrival or need a visa.

4. Whether a bilateral agreement provides different conditions.

5. Current Thailand Digital Arrival Card requirements.

6. Any restrictions affecting repeated or land-border entries.

Thailand's Department of Consular Affairs has published the revised 2026 visa exemption and Visa on Arrival measures, effective September 15, 2026.

Thailand Visa Update: Key Takeaway

Thailand is moving away from its previous 60-day visa-free entry system and introducing a more streamlined system based on different categories of visa exemption and Visa on Arrival eligibility.

For many eligible travellers, the key change will be:

60 days → 30 days visa-free

The new rules take effect on September 15, 2026, while travellers already in Thailand can generally remain for their existing permitted period.

Anyone planning a Thailand holiday should check the latest requirements for their nationality before booking flights or entering the country.