If you’re planning a trip to Thailand, there’s a major change you should know about.
On May 19, 2026, the Thai Cabinet officially approved scrapping the 60-day visa-free stay for tourists from 93 countries.
In its place, Thailand is returning to a shorter, tiered entry system.
Here’s what we know so far, based on official Thai government sources.
1. What Thailand’s Cabinet Approved
On May 19, 2026, the Thai Cabinet approved a complete overhaul of Thailand’s visa exemption system.
The announcement came from Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Tourism and Sports.
Here’s what the Cabinet approved:
- The 60-day visa-free scheme (known as “Por. 60”) is being revoked for all 93 countries it previously covered
- A 30-day visa exemption will apply to 54 countries and territories (reduced from 57 under the old 30-day system)
- A new 15-day visa exemption will apply to three countries
- The Visa on Arrival (VOA) program will be reduced from 31 eligible countries to just four
- Each country will be assigned to one visa category only, following a “one country, one visa exemption” principle
This is not a proposal anymore. The Cabinet has given its approval.
2. Current Rules Still Apply (For Now)
Here’s the important part for anyone traveling soon. Nothing has changed at the border yet.
As of now, the 60-day visa-free entry is still the active rule. You will still receive a 60-day stamp on arrival.
What’s still in place right now:
- 60-day stamp on arrival at all international airports and land borders
- 30-day extension available at local immigration offices (for a total of up to 90 days)
- Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) required before arrival
- Airlines are still boarding passengers based on the 60-day rule
If you arrive in Thailand before the new rules take effect, your 60-day stamp remains valid. The new rules are not retroactive. You can stay until the date stamped in your passport.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) confirmed on May 21, 2026 that current entry conditions remain in place until the revised measures are officially published in the Royal Gazette.
3. What Will Change Under the New Rules
Once the new rules take effect, Thailand’s visa-free system will move to a tiered structure based on nationality. Here’s how it breaks down.
a. 30-Day Visa Exemption (54 countries)
Most major tourism markets will receive a 30-day visa-free stay for tourism.
According to the summary presented by Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on May 19, 2026, the 54 countries include:
Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Bhutan, Brunei, Canada, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Fiji, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Turkey, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States.
b. 15-Day Visa Exemption (3 countries)
A shorter 15-day visa-free entry will apply to: Maldives, Mauritius, Seychelles
c. Visa on Arrival (4 countries only)
The VOA program will be dramatically reduced to just four countries: Azerbaijan, Belarus, India, Serbia
d. Bilateral Agreements (separate from the above)
Some countries have separate bilateral visa exemption agreements with Thailand. These remain in effect and are not affected by the changes above. Examples include:
- 90-day exemption: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Peru, South Korea
- 30-day bilateral exemption: China, Hong Kong, Kazakhstan, Laos, Macao, Mongolia, Russia, Timor-Leste, Vietnam
- 14-day bilateral exemption (airports only): Cambodia, Myanmar
Important: If your country is not on any of the lists above, you will likely need to apply for a visa before traveling. Check with the nearest Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate for your specific entry requirements.
4. Why Thailand Is Making This Change
The Thai government has given several reasons for rolling back the 60-day policy.
a. Security Concerns
Since the 60-day window took effect in July 2024, authorities reported a rise in foreigners misusing the system.
This includes illegal work, unauthorized businesses, and using Thailand as a transit point for cross-border crime.
b. Protecting the Local Job Market
Tourism industry groups raised concerns about foreigners working illegally as tour guides (a profession reserved for Thai nationals), setting up nominee businesses, and running unlicensed short-term rental operations.
c. Most Tourists Don’t Need 60 Days Anyway
Government data shows foreign tourists stay an average of about nine days.
Even long-haul visitors typically stay well under 30 days. The government views the shorter stay as matching actual travel patterns.
d. Reducing Confusion
Under the old system, some countries had overlapping visa exemptions under different programs. The new “one country, one privilege” approach aims to simplify things.
e. Expanding the e-Visa System
Thailand is encouraging longer-stay travelers to apply through its electronic visa system (thaievisa.go.th) rather than relying on visa-free entry.
5. Who Will Be Most Affected
a. Typical Vacationers (Under 21 Days)
Very little impact. Most holiday trips fall well within the 30-day window, and well within 15 days for countries in that tier.
b. Digital Nomads Working Informally
Significant impact. If you need more than 30 days, you should look into the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV), which allows stays of up to 180 days.
c. “Visa Runners” Doing Repeat Entries
Significant impact. Shorter stay periods mean immigration officers will scrutinize frequent re-entries more closely.
d. Travelers Planning 31 to 60 Day Trips
Moderate impact. You can still reach 60 days by extending at a local immigration office. But you’ll need to apply in person after your initial 30 days. See the next section for details.
e. Retirees Exploring Long Stays
Indirect impact. Long-stay and retirement visa options are managed separately, but the overall tightening signals more scrutiny across all visa categories.
6. Can You Extend the 30 Days
Yes. Thai authorities have confirmed that travelers in the 30-day visa exemption category can still extend their stay by another 30 days, for a total of up to 60 days.
Here’s how it works:
- Extension duration: 30 days
- Total possible stay: 60 days (30 initial + 30 extension)
- Fee: 1,900 THB (approximately $58 USD)
- Process: Apply in person at a local Thai immigration office with a TM.7 form and proof of accommodation
The key difference from before is timing. Under the old rule, you didn’t need to visit immigration unless you wanted to stay past 60 days. Under the new rule, you’ll need to visit after 30 days if you want to stay longer.
Note: Whether the 30-day extension will apply to the 15-day visa exemption category has not been confirmed yet.
7. What You Should Do Now
If your trip is under 30 days. No changes needed. Plan your trip as usual. You will not be affected whether the old or new rules are in place.
If your trip is between 30 and 60 days. Be prepared to apply for a 30-day extension at a Thai immigration office during your stay. Or consider applying for a tourist visa (TR) or e-Visa before you travel.
If you need more than 60 days. Look into the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) or other long-stay visa options through Thailand’s e-Visa system at thaievisa.go.th.
For all travelers, carry these documents at immigration:
- Valid passport (at least six months validity remaining)
- Proof of onward or return travel
- Proof of accommodation
- Evidence of sufficient funds (20,000 THB in cash or equivalent)
- Completed Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC), submitted online before travel
Immigration officers may ask for these documents, and random checks are becoming more common.
Check your country’s specific rules. Entry conditions now vary by nationality. Before you book flights, check the latest requirements with the Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate in your country, or visit the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.
