Thailand is preparing to change its visa and entry rules and requirements.
On 19 May 2026, the cabinet, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, announced a proposed plan that could end the current 60-day visa-free stay for travelers from 93 countries.
More details and the effective date, however, are still to be decided.
To help navigate the uncertainty, below is a simple FAQ to help tourists understand the possible changes.
FAQ
Is Thailand ending the 60-day visa-free stay?
Thailand has announced proposed changes that could end the current 60-day visa-free stay for travelers from 93 countries and territories.
However, the rules are not in effect yet.
When will the new rules start?
The new rules will take effect only after they are officially published in Thailand’s Royal Gazette and other official channels. They will then become effective 15 days after publication.
What is expected to replace the 60-day visa-free stay?
Thailand’s proposed plan would introduce a 30-day visa-free stay for 54 countries and territories.
This means many tourists can still enter Thailand without a visa, but for a 30-day stay instead of 60 days.
Which countries could receive the new 30-day visa-free stay?
The proposed list of 54 countries includes:
Europe: Austria, Belgium, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, United Kingdom.
Asia: Bhutan, Brunei, Georgia, Indonesia, Japan, Kyrgyzstan, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan.
Middle East: Bahrain, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, United Arab Emirates.
Oceania: Australia, Fiji, New Zealand.
North America: Canada, United States.
Africa: South Africa.
Are there any exemptions?
Yes. Thailand plans to have different stay periods depending on the country and bilateral agreements.
14 days: Cambodia and Myanmar.
15 days: Maldives, Mauritius, and Seychelles.
30 days: China, Hong Kong, Macau, Laos, Mongolia, Russia, Kazakhstan, Timor Leste, and Vietnam.
90 days: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Peru, and South Korea.
What about Visa on Arrival (VoA)?
Thailand will revise the Visa on Arrival (VoA) program to be available for four countries: Azerbaijan, Belarus, Serbia, and India.
What if I am already in Thailand?
According to the announcement, these changes would not affect travelers already in Thailand.
Why is Thailand making these changes?
Thai authorities said the changes are for:
- National security
- Tourism and the economy
- Better visa management
- Reducing overlap between visa programs
- Supporting Thailand’s e-Visa system
How do I stay updated about this information?
It is important to check with your local Thai embassy or official Thai news announcements for updated rules and regulations before making any travel plans.
You can also bookmark this article or follow us on Facebook for updates on this post. We will be updating information as we know more.
Staying long-term in Thailand
While this visa affects holidaying tourists, if you are thinking about staying long-term, it is important to think about what visa options you might have, along with acquiring a work permit if you plan to work in Thailand as well.
Related article: visiting vs living in Thailand
Sponsored Work Permit can help assist you with acquiring the proper visas and work permit if you plan to stay longer than 30 days.
—————————————————————————————————————————–This article has been prepared based on information released and reported by the Bangkok Post and VisasNews. Final details remain subject to official government announcements.