Thailand Cuts Visa-Free Stay from 60 to 30 Days: What Changed and What It Means

Thailand has revised its visa exemption policy, reducing the permitted visa-free stay for eligible foreign nationals from 60 days to 30 days. The change, published in the Royal Gazette on 31 August 2026, took effect on 15 September 2026. For frequent visitors, business travellers, and foreign professionals planning time in Thailand, it is worth understanding exactly what has changed and what options remain available.

What the Previous Scheme Allowed

Since July 2024, Thailand had operated an expanded visa exemption scheme allowing nationals of 93 countries and territories to enter without a visa for up to 60 days. Notably, that scheme covered not only tourism but also certain short-term work activities and business engagements.

The New 30-Day Rule

Under the new Interior Ministry notification, nationals of 60 countries and territories may enter Thailand visa-free for up to 30 days, for tourism purposes. The list covers most major Western nationalities including the United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Australia, Canada, Japan, and Singapore, among others.

Two points are worth noting. First, the new exemption is framed specifically for tourism. The reference to short-term work activities and business engagements included in the previous 60-day scheme has been removed. Second, the list has been reduced from 93 to 60 countries, reflecting a revised set of bilateral arrangements based on national security and economic considerations.

Travellers who entered Thailand under the 60-day scheme before 15 September 2026 retain the stay period granted to them upon entry. The reduction does not apply retroactively.

Land Border Entries Capped at Twice Per Year

The new notification introduces a separate restriction for travellers entering Thailand through land border checkpoints. Visa-exempt travellers using land crossings may enter Thailand no more than twice in a calendar year under the exemption scheme.

This restriction does not apply to nationals of Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, and Singapore. It applies only to land border arrivals and does not affect air arrivals.

A 30-Day Extension Remains Available

Reducing the initial stay to 30 days does not mean that anyone wishing to spend more than one month in Thailand must obtain a visa in advance. Under the broader reform approved by the Thai Cabinet, travellers eligible for the 30-day exemption may apply for a one-time extension of up to an additional 30 days, subject to approval by Thai immigration authorities.

What This Means for Business Travellers and Foreign Professionals

The removal of the short-term business language from the new exemption scheme is a meaningful shift. For individuals planning extended stays or those whose work brings them to Thailand regularly, relying on repeated visa-free entries is no longer a sustainable approach. The practical alternatives are:

• A Tourist Visa (TR), for stays beyond the 30-day exemption with a clear tourist purpose

• A Non-Immigrant B Visa, for those with a formal employment or business relationship in Thailand

• A Destination Thailand Visa (DTV), for remote workers employed by a foreign company

• A Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visa, for those meeting the income and employment criteria for a 10-year stay

For a full overview of visa types and requirements: Visa Types in Thailand.

How KLAY Can Help

Thailand's visa landscape has shifted considerably over the past two years, and the September 2026 changes add another layer of complexity for foreign nationals planning their presence in the country.

KLAY supports individuals and companies in assessing the most appropriate visa and work permit structure for their situation. For foreign companies looking to place staff in Thailand without the cost or complexity of a local incorporation, KLAY's Employer of Record service provides a structured and compliant solution: the employee receives a proper work permit and Non-B visa, payroll and social contributions are handled locally, and the foreign employer carries no Thai legal or tax exposure.

Whether you are an individual reviewing your stay options or a company managing employee mobility into Thailand, we are available to discuss your specific circumstances.