Thailand halves visa-free stay from 60 to 30 days

Thailand has reportedly halved its visa-free stay from 60 days to 30 days for passport holders from about 60 countries and territories, according to a September 1, 2026 report by The Straits Times. The exact effective date has not been officially published.

What changed

According to the report, visa-exempt travellers who could previously stay up to 60 days without a visa would now stay a maximum of 30 days. ASEAN neighbours remain on bilateral terms (Cambodia and Myanmar 14 days; other ASEAN members 30 days). Some categories may still extend once by 30 days at immigration offices.

Who it affects

Travellers from the affected visa-exempt list — including Singapore, and many European and Gulf nationalities. 30 of our monitored routes are affected: AE-TH, AU-TH, BH-TH, CA-TH, CH-TH, CN-TH, DE-TH, ES-TH and others.

What travellers should do

Plan exits within 30 days of entry, or arrange an extension in advance. Always check the exact effective date and your nationality on the official portal before booking.

Source: The Straits Times, 2026-09-01 · Last verified 2026-09-04.

FAQs

Does this affect e-Visa holders? No — this change concerns visa-exempt entry. e-Visa and visa-on-arrival durations follow their own rules.

Can I still extend my 30-day stay? Tourist extensions have in the past been granted once (+30 days) at immigration offices; confirm current practice with Thai immigration.

Routes we re-verified

Destination guide

Source & verification

Change notes are point-in-time. Always confirm current rules on the official portal before you travel.