Thailand Visa Changes 2026: Timeline, 60 Days Cut to 30

From 15 September 2026, nationals of 60 listed countries get 30 days visa-free for tourism, replacing the 60-day exemption. Visa on arrival is limited to three countries. Land entries are capped at twice per calendar year. The TDAC has been required since 1 May 2025.

By Vincent Nguyen and team

Thailand’s visa rules changed in steps. The 60-day exemption of 15 July 2024 was repealed by Gazette announcements published on 31 August 2026. The new rule took effect on 15 September 2026.

Timeline: every change with its date and document

This table lists each step with the document behind it. The last two rows are not law yet.

15 September 2026: what changed for whom

The 30-day exemption covers 60 listed countries, from Australia to the United States. It is for tourism and replaces the 60-day special exemption for 93 countries and territories. Each country now gets only one exemption scheme.

Cabinet plan or Gazette: which figures apply

In May the Cabinet note planned a 30-day list of 54 countries, a 15-day list for 3 and visa on arrival for 4. The Gazette fixes the lists in force from 15 September 2026: 60 countries, 2 countries and 3 countries.

What the 30-day rule asks at the counter

Entry through land border checkpoints is allowed no more than twice per calendar year. The 15-day exemption carries the same limit. It does not apply to nationals of Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia and Singapore.

Show cash of THB 20,000 per person or THB 40,000 per family. UK government advice quotes THB 10,000 per person or THB 20,000 per family, so carry the higher figure. Show proof of accommodation and onward travel within 30 days of arrival.

Check the date on your entry stamp before you leave the checkpoint. People who entered before 15 September 2026 under the old rules may stay until their granted period ends.

Extensions after the change

A visa-exempt visitor can request an extension of up to 30 days. The permission is a single grant counted from the day the permission ends. The fee is THB 1,900.

While the office considers the application you may stay on appointment stamps, in total no more than 30 days from the day the permission ended. A refusal means you leave within 7 days. The extension guide has the steps.

e-Visa, TDAC and DTV changes

The e-Visa system became available worldwide from 1 January 2025. Applicants who need a visa apply at thaievisa.go.th, well in advance (14 business days), and wait for approval before travelling. Print the confirmation email for the airline and for immigration.

From 1 May 2025 all non-Thai nationals complete the TDAC online within 3 days before arrival. It is needed for every entry and replaces the paper TM.6 card. It is free of charge, and sites asking for payment are scams. The TDAC guide has the steps.

DTV applications submitted from 00.00 hrs on 31 August 2026 need proof of permanent residence and a certificate of criminal record clearance. Earlier applications continue under the previous document requirements. The DTV is valid for 5 years with up to 180 days per entry. Read the DTV guide.

Rules that apply alongside the new exemption

These rules appear in the current guidance and stand next to the exemption.

• Overstay costs THB 500 a day, up to THB 20,000. See the overstay guide.

• A foreigner permitted to stay temporarily notifies an address every 90 days. A late report is made in person with a THB 2,000 fine.
• The LTR visa is THB 50,000 on the Bureau schedule. See the LTR guide.

The immigration fees table lists every fee. The visa types overview compares all routes. The visa on arrival guide, the reporting guide and the host notification guide cover the rest. The re-entry permit guide and the retirement visa page complete the set, and the marriage visa guide covers Thai family.

Proposals that are not law yet

The proposed tourism fee is a flat THB 450 per person, whether you arrive by air, land or sea. A hearing ran from 24 August to 28 September 2026. The draft still goes to the National Tourism Policy Committee and the Cabinet.

The ministry aims to start collection within the first quarter of 2027. See the tourist entry fee page.

The draft Immigration Act amendment on residence notices is also not law.

LTR dependants rights are to expand without a limit on numbers and to include parents. The change takes effect only after the BOI announcement and the Interior Ministry announcement. The maximum stays 4 dependants until then.

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Not confirmed: Your own passport's status: confirm it on the Gazette list or your embassy page before you book. Ask your immigration office for its current criteria table before you rely on a stay clause. The DTV start is dated by embassy fee lists effective 15 July 2024; no single launch notice was found.

General information checked against the sources listed above, not legal advice for your situation. Rules and office practice change; confirm with the immigration office or a licensed adviser before you act. See how guides are checked.

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