Thailand visa exemption cut to 30 days: what changed on 15 September 2026

From 15 September 2026, Thailand's 60-day visa exemption ended. Visitors from 60 countries and territories, including the UK, the US, Italy, Germany and Australia, now get 30 days visa-free, for tourism only. Seychelles and Mauritius get 15 days, and Azerbaijan, Belarus and Serbia use Visa on Arrival. Entries on the exemption are limited, for example twice a calendar year over land borders; check the current rule before repeat visits. The new rules took effect on 15 September 2026.

This guide explains what changed and the legal ways to stay longer. It's general, preliminary information, not legal advice.

What changed

Who gets 30 days, 15 days or Visa on Arrival

• 30 days, tourism only: 60 countries and territories, including the UK, the US, Italy, Germany and Australia.
• 15 days: Seychelles and Mauritius.
• Visa on Arrival: Azerbaijan, Belarus and Serbia.
• Other nationalities: bilateral agreements set their own periods.

The official list is published by Thailand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Check it for your nationality before you travel.

Tourism only

The 30-day exemption is for tourism. For any other purpose, apply for the right type of visa: if you plan to work remotely for months, look at the DTV; if you have business in Thailand, a business visa route applies.

Limits on repeat entries

Entries on the visa exemption are limited. The limit is twice per calendar year over land borders (not for nationals of some neighbouring ASEAN countries); some embassies describe it more broadly. Check the current rule before repeat visits. With this limit, repeated "border runs" aren't a workable way to stay longer, and having an exemption or a visa never guarantees entry: the officer at the border decides.

I entered before 15 September: what applies to me?

If you entered before 15 September 2026, you may stay until the end of the period of stay you were granted. Check the date stamped in your passport.

Can I extend?

Extensions are decided by Immigration. Check with your local immigration office before you rely on one.

How to stay longer legally

Pick the line that fits you:

• Working remotely, or taking a Thai course or activity (such as Muay Thai)? Look at the DTV: up to 180 days per entry, applied for at a Thai embassy where you're a national or permanent resident.
• Aged 50 or older? Look at the retirement visas (Non-O, O-A, O-X, LTR Wealthy Pensioner).
• Married to a Thai, or the parent of a Thai child? Look at the family visa (Non-O).
• Already in Thailand on an exemption? You may be able to change your visa type inside Thailand. With only 30 days, apply early: some changes, such as support from a Thai family member, must be filed at least 15 days before your stay ends.
• Just want a longer holiday? A tourist visa from your embassy gives a longer stay than the exemption.

Not sure which one fits? Check my eligibility (free): about 3 minutes, and it shows the visa that appears to let you stay longer. Results are preliminary.

Russian citizens

Russian citizens get 30 days under the Thailand–Russia bilateral agreement and remain visa-exempt. The same tourism purpose applies.

FAQ

Is the 60-day visa exemption gone? Yes. From 15 September 2026 most eligible nationalities get 30 days, for tourism only.

How many days can I stay visa-free now? 30 days for 60 countries and territories, including the UK, the US, Italy, Germany and Australia. Seychelles and Mauritius get 15 days. Other nationalities follow bilateral agreements or Visa on Arrival.

Can I extend the 30 days? Extensions are decided by Immigration. Check with your local immigration office before you rely on one.

How many times can I enter on the exemption? Entries are limited, for example twice a calendar year over land borders (not for nationals of some neighbouring ASEAN countries). Check the current rule before repeat visits.

Can I work or attend business meetings on the exemption? The 30-day exemption is for tourism. For other purposes, apply for the right type of visa: for remote work, look at the DTV; for business in Thailand, a business visa route applies.

I entered before 15 September. What applies to me? You may stay until the end of the period you were granted. Check the date stamped in your passport.

If you've been denied entry at the border, or your stay is almost over, Talk to a lawyer (a 40-minute video call) before you do anything else.

This guide is general, preliminary information, not legal advice. Entry rules can change at short notice, and the immigration officer decides on entry. The Thai authorities decide every application.

Last updated from official sources: 12 October 2026. Written by: Thailand Visa Corp Team · Last reviewed: 12 October 2026.