Thailand's Visa Exemption Programme Under Review
What You Need to Know Before You Travel.
Thailand’s visa and entry rules have become a topic of growing international interest as the Government reviews its visa exemption policy for tourists from many countries, including the UK, Europe, the United States, Australia and New Zealand. The key measure under discussion is a proposal to shorten the visa exemption period from the current 60 days back to 30 days and to introduce limits on the number of trips tourists can make using visa-free entry in a calendar year.
Since July 2024, Thailand has offered visitors from 93 countries a generous visa exemption that allows a stay of up to 60 days without needing to apply for a visa in advance, with the possibility of a further 30-day extension at an immigration office.
In early 2026 Thai authorities confirmed that this policy is under official review and that reducing the visa-free stay back to 30 days is under serious consideration. No final decision has yet been published in the Royal Gazette, which is the next step before a rule change becomes law.
The review was launched after reports various Government departments that some aspects of the 60 day exemption may be open to abuse, including overstaying, unauthorised work and use of Thailand as a base for activities beyond short-term travel.
The majority of holiday visitors stay fewer than three weeks, and authorities say a shorter visa-free period should not harm mainstream tourism, while helping address concerns about illegal employment and misuse of the system.
In addition, Thailand has tightened other aspects of entry, including the introduction of the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) and measures discouraging repeated short exits and re-entries at land borders without a proper tourist visa. Under new standing rules, multiple visa-free stays may be limited to two per calendar year, and we are receiving increased reports of travellers being refused entry on their third trip.
As a visitor from Europe, the UK, the United States, Australia, New Zealand or other eligible countries, you should be aware of a few important points
• The current 60-day visa exemption still applies until any new rule is officially published. The proposal is under review but not yet in force.
• If the change goes ahead, visa-free entry stays may be reduced to 30 days. This would mean shorter permitted stays without a visa unless you apply for a longer visa in advance.
• Extensions may still be possible at immigration offices, typically for 30 days, but these require additional fees.
• Official limits on the number of visa-free trips may be introduced, especially for travellers entering overland at neighbouring borders. Careful planning will help avoid surprises if you intend multiple trips in a year.
• Frequent border runs solely to reset visa-free stays are being discouraged. Thai immigration officers now look more closely at travel patterns that appear to circumvent visa rules.
Practical Tips Before You Book
• Plan your itinerary with the current rules in mind and watch for official announcements from Thai embassies and immigration authorities.
• Consider applying for a tourist visa in advance if you want to stay longer than the visa-free limit likely to be enforced.
• Check financial and onward ticket requirements carefully as these are routinely enforced at arrival.
• If you plan multiple trips to Thailand in one year, research the latest guidance on limits to visa-free entries, especially for land border crossings.
