Thailand plans to cut visa-free stays from 60 to 30 days. What was decided in May 2026, who is affected and what to check before you travel to Thailand.
Please note: Rules can change – check the official source before you travel. This article describes the decision as reported on 26 May 2026; check whether and when the new rules have taken effect.
What has Thailand decided about visa-free stays?
Thailand is shortening visa-free stays for tourists. As stated when this article was published on 26 May 2026, the Thai cabinet approved a revision of the visa exemption and visa on arrival rules on 19 May 2026. The 60-day visa exemption for 93 countries and territories is to be abolished, and many travellers will only be allowed to stay 30 days without a visa.
At the same time, the 30-day rule is being adjusted. According to official Thai government information, the number of eligible countries is to be reduced from 57 to 54. The Swiss broadcaster SRF also reported that visitors from 54 countries will in future be allowed to stay visa-free for only 30 days, and travellers from Switzerland are affected too.
When do the new rules take effect?
According to the Tourism Authority of Thailand, the new rules only take effect 15 days after publication in the Royal Gazette, and the current conditions remain in place until then. Anyone who is already in Thailand, or enters before the new regulation applies, should generally be allowed to stay until the end of the period already granted. Check the current status before you travel.
Why is Thailand changing the rules?
The 60-day rule, introduced in July 2024, was meant to boost tourism after the coronavirus pandemic. According to Thai authorities, it also had unwanted effects: some people used tourist entry to stay longer, work illegally or run businesses without the required permits. So-called visa runs, leaving shortly before the permitted stay ends and re-entering for a new period, also played a role.
With the new regulation, Thailand wants to curb this kind of misuse and make clear that tourist entry is meant for tourism. The change also fits the country's longer-standing aim of focusing on quality tourism, with visitors who travel responsibly, contribute to the economy and respect the rules.
Who is affected by the shorter visa-free stay?
For most holidaymakers, little changes: a two- or three-week trip stays well below the 30-day limit, so a beach holiday, round trip or family visit remains uncomplicated. The change matters for anyone who used to stay six to eight weeks or enters Thailand several times a year. For stays of more than 30 days, a suitable visa may become important again.
Depending on the purpose of travel, different types of visa may be available. If you want to stay longer, check with the official authorities early. Those particularly affected include:
- long-term travellers
- digital nomads
- people with family or a partner in Thailand
- retirees planning longer stays
- travellers who enter Thailand several times a year
- people who have relied on visa runs
Do you still need the TDAC?
Yes. Regardless of the visa question, foreign travellers must complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC). As stated when this article was published, it has been mandatory for non-Thai nationals since 1 May 2025 and must be submitted online before arrival, usually within three days before entering the country. It applies to arrivals by air, land and sea.
The official TDAC is free of charge. Use only the official platform of Thai immigration.
What should you check before travelling to Thailand?
A quick check before departure avoids surprises, especially during a transition period when information can change at short notice. Plan your length of stay, check your passport, have a return or onward ticket ready and complete the TDAC online before arrival. If you want to stay longer than the visa-free period, choose a proper visa instead of relying on visa runs.
- Check the latest entry rules.
- Plan your length of stay: under 30 days you are unlikely to be affected; for longer stays, check whether you need a visa.
- Check your passport: as stated when this article was published, it should be valid for at least six months beyond the date of entry.
- Have a return or onward ticket ready; it may be required at immigration or even at check-in.
- Complete the TDAC online before arrival.
- Do not rely on visa runs.
