Travelers planning extended stays in Thailand this winter will need to rethink their itineraries after the country cut its visa-free stay from 60 days to 30 days for eligible visitors.
The revised rules took effect September 15, following their publication in Thailand’s Royal Gazette on August 31. The new 30-day visa-exemption program covers citizens of 60 countries and territories, including the United Kingdom, United States and Australia.
The change could affect backpackers, gap-year travelers and tourists planning longer Southeast Asia trips. Thailand has become a popular stop for travelers spending several weeks exploring the country, but those planning five-, six- or eight-week stays will now need to consider additional visa or extension requirements.
Under the new rules, eligible travelers can enter Thailand without a visa for up to 30 days. The stay may potentially be extended for another 30 days, according to the Royal Thai Embassy, although extensions are subject to approval by Thai immigration officials.
Travelers who intend to remain longer should research the appropriate Thai visa based on the purpose and length of their visit. Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs also operates an e-Visa system for eligible applications.
Jurgen Himmelmann, co-founder and CEO of Global Work & Travel, said travelers should avoid assuming that the rules in place when they booked their trips will still apply when they arrive.
“If you’re planning to be in Thailand for longer than 30 days, check which visa or extension option is appropriate for your trip before you leave rather than assuming you’ll be able to sort everything out once you’re there,” Himmelmann said.
There is also an important distinction for people who entered Thailand before September 15. Travelers who arrived under the previous exemption can remain through the period granted at entry, as indicated by their immigration stamp.
For anyone arriving after the change, however, the new 30-day limit should be factored into travel plans before departure. That includes accommodation bookings, domestic flights and other arrangements that may extend beyond the permitted stay.
Travelers are also being advised not to assume that briefly leaving Thailand and immediately returning will automatically reset their permitted stay. Immigration decisions and entry requirements can vary, and travelers should follow the rules applicable to their nationality and circumstances.
The new policy reverses the 60-day visa exemption introduced in July 2024, when Thailand expanded visa-free access to nationals of 93 countries and territories.
Thailand said its latest review considered national security, tourism and economic interests, reciprocity, the simplification of overlapping visa exemptions and the availability of its e-Visa system.
Anyone planning a longer trip should check Thailand’s official immigration and visa guidance before departure, as requirements can vary depending on nationality, passport type, travel purpose and intended length of stay.