Thailand plans to reduce the visa-free stay for tourists from the current 60 days to 30 days, with the change not yet effective as of August 11, 2026. Nationals of 93 countries still benefit from the 60-day visa exemption established in July 2024, which can be extended by up to 30 days at the discretion of Thai immigration officials.
Countries Included in the Revised 30-Day Visa Exemption
The new visa exemption policy, formally approved by the Thai Cabinet on July 14, 2026, will apply a 30-day visa-free stay to 59 countries and territories. This updated list includes the addition of India, Croatia, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Malta, and the Maldives.
All 27 European Union member states will now be covered under this uniform 30-day regime. In total, 65 countries and territories are expected to be covered by either the visa exemption or related arrangements following the changes.
Government Decisions and Policy Timeline
In February 2026, the Thai government began reviewing the 60-day visa exemption scheme due to concerns over misuse and excessive repeat entries. On March 20, 2026, Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow announced a proposal to reduce the visa-free stay to 30 days while retaining the option for extensions. The Cabinet approved revisions to visa exemption and visa-on-arrival arrangements on May 19, 2026, with
a later revision credited to the July 14, 2026 Cabinet meeting. These reforms will only take effect 15 days after their publication in the Royal Gazette, which had not yet occurred by August 11, 2026.
Current Visa Lengths and Extension Options
Presently, the visa-free stay for eligible tourists is up to 60 days, with the option to extend for an additional 30 days under discretion. After the new rules take effect, the standard visa exemption period will be capped at 30 days for most travelers, though extensions will remain available. Travelers entering Thailand before the new policy’s enactment will retain the originally authorized length of stay
at entry, including stays of up to 60 days.
Digital Immigration Modernization Efforts
Since May 1, 2025, all foreign travelers to Thailand must complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) before arrival. The government is also developing an immigration mobile application called THIM (Thailand Immigration Management) to modernize entry procedures. Available on a pilot basis and optional as of August 2026, THIM enables travelers to scan passports and enter trip details, with group registration for up to 10 people. The Tourism Authority of Thailand expects the official app launch in August 2026, though no specific date has been disclosed. Future updates may allow digital
document submissions, scheduling appointments, and remote immigration procedures.
Traveler Impact During Transition Period
The current 60-day visa exemption remains in effect until 15 days after the Royal Gazette publishes the new rules. Travelers entering Thailand before that effective date will keep the original visa duration granted. The THIM app is not mandatory and does not replace the TDAC at this time. These changes affect tourists planning longer visits by reducing the initial visa-free period but still allowing extensions through existing mechanisms.
