Starting on September 15, Thailand will reduce its 60-day visa-free stay to 30 days for passport holders under the Visa Exemption Scheme, with the change also affecting which countries and territories qualify, as well as the Visa on Arrival program.

Why Thailand Revised Its Visa-Free Stay Policy

Since July 2024, citizens of 93 countries have been able to enter and stay in Thailand visa-free for up to 60 days. The policy was introduced to support tourism and the economy after the COVID-19 pandemic, but it has been revised in 2026.

According to the government, the revision was based on several considerations, including national security, reciprocity, and tourism and economic interests. The change was also aimed at reducing overlapping visa exemption arrangements that could confuse visitors, while accounting for the convenience of Thailand’s electronic visa system.

For those who entered Thailand before the new measures took effect, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that they would keep the length of stay granted upon arrival.

However, under the recent revision, new visitors need to follow the entry arrangement that applies to their nationality, whether that be a visa exemption, a bilateral agreement, or a visa application.

Visa Exemption Scheme and Visa on Arrival

Thailand’s Visa Exemption Scheme will grant a visa-free stay of up to 30 days. The list of eligible countries and territories has been reduced from 93 to 60 and now includes:

Africa: South Africa
Americas: Canada, United States
Asia and Oceania: Australia, Bhutan, Brunei, Fiji, Georgia, India, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, Kyrgyzstan, Malaysia, Maldives, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Turkey
Europe: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, United Kingdom
Middle East: Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates

Note that visitors entering Thailand through a land border checkpoint are limited to two entries per calendar year. This measure is intended to curb “visa runs.” That said, exceptions include citizens of Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia, and Singapore.

Thailand has also introduced a shorter Visa Exemption Scheme that grants a visa-free stay of up to 15 days for citizens of Seychelles and Mauritius.

Regarding the Visa on Arrival program, the list has been reduced from 31 to 3: Azerbaijan, Belarus, and Serbia.

Entering and Staying in Thailand Without the Visa Exemption Scheme

While the Visa Exemption Scheme and Visa on Arrival rules have changed, Thailand offers other entry and stay options for individuals who now require visas to enter the country or want to stay longer than these arrangements allow.

Bilateral Agreements

Thailand’s bilateral agreements still provide visa-free entry for individuals from selected countries and territories, with the length of stay depending on nationality:

14 Days: Cambodia and Myanmar (international airport arrivals only)
30 Days: China, Hong Kong, Kazakhstan, Laos, Macau, Mongolia, Russia, Timor-Leste, and Vietnam
90 Days: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Peru, and South Korea

These agreements are worth noting because some nationalities no longer fall under the Visa Exemption Scheme but still qualify for visa-free entry through a bilateral agreement with Thailand.

Thailand Tourist Visa and Long-Term Alternatives

For longer stays, several visa categories are available, covering purposes ranging from tourism and remote work to long-term residency. Some of the more common options are:

Thailand Tourist Visa: A tourist visa issued as a single-entry visa for stays of up to 60 days or as a multiple-entry visa valid for 6 months, with each stay not exceeding 60 days.
Thailand Elite Visa: A premium membership-based visa that allows stays in Thailand for 5 to 20 years, depending on the selected package. It also comes with a long and diverse list of free perks and benefits, including expedited immigration processing, spa treatments, health check-ups, and discounts on luxury services.
Destination Thailand Visa (DTV): A 5-year visa for remote workers, freelancers, and individuals participating in Thai cultural activities or programs, with stays of up to 180 days per entry.
Thailand Long-Term Resident Visa (LTR Visa): A 10-year visa with a renewable 5-year entry permit for eligible retirees, investors, remote workers, and skilled professionals. It comes with fast-track airport processing, annual immigration reporting instead of the standard 90-day reporting, and reduced tax rates for certain categories.
Thailand Retirement Visa: A long-stay visa for individuals aged 50 or older who want to live in Thailand during retirement. The standard Retirement Visa is valid for 1 year and renewable annually, while eligible nationalities may qualify for a 5-year option that can be renewed once for a total stay of 10 years.
Thailand THB 3 Million Property Investment Visa: A long-stay visa for individuals who invest at least THB 3 million in qualifying property in Thailand. It initially grants a 90-day stay, which can be extended to 1 year and then renewed annually.

Clients who purchase qualifying property through Sunway Estates receive complimentary support for the Thailand THB 3 Million Property Investment Visa from our specialized partners.

Planning a Longer Stay in Thailand

Thailand’s revised entry framework may affect how some people plan their stays, especially those considering more than a short visit. For expats, retirees, and investors, planning for life in Thailand often involves more than visas—like choosing the right location and property to fit their lifestyle.

At Sunway Estates, we understand that moving to Thailand is not only about securing a home but also about building a life that feels practical, comfortable, and well-supported. Because of this, we support clients before, during, and even after the property transaction, including when questions arise about relocating to Thailand long-term and settling into daily life with more confidence.

To explore property options in Thailand for a longer stay, contact Sunway Estates!

Thailand 60-Day Visa-Free Stay Reduced to 30 Days