Thailand has cut its visa-free stays for tourists from dozens of countries. The cabinet recently approved scrapping the 60-day visa exemption that started in July 2024. Most travellers will now get 30 days instead. Some nationalities may face just 15 days, depending on existing agreements.
The change aims to reduce abuse of the system, like people using tourist stays for illegal work. At the same time, Thailand wants to stay open for genuine visitors. The old 60-day rule helped the country bounce back after the pandemic. But many locals and businesses felt it was being exploited. The new rules should roll out soon, though officials are still finalising exact dates.
Before the cut, 93 countries and territories enjoyed up to 60 days visa-free, often with a chance to extend. Now most drop back to 30 days. A smaller group will see even shorter stays. Extensions remain possible at immigration offices, but officers apply tighter checks.
Here is a clear breakdown of how the rules shift for popular travel markets, plus full details for ASEAN and Asia-Pacific countries as requested.
Major Western and Other Countries
| Country/Region | Before (2024-2026) | After (new policy) |
|---|---|---|
| United States | 60 days | 30 days |
| United Kingdom | 60 days | 30 days |
| Australia | 60 days | 30 days |
| Canada | 60 days | 30 days |
| Germany | 60 days | 30 days |
| France | 60 days | 30 days |
| Japan | 60 days | 30 days |
| South Korea | 60 days | 30 days |
| New Zealand | 60 days | 30 days |
| Israel | 60 days | 30 days |
Most popular long-haul markets now sit at the 30-day mark. This still covers the average two-week beach holiday or city break with room to spare.
ASEAN Countries
ASEAN nations have always had simpler access through bilateral deals. The recent changes mainly affect those added to the 60-day list last year.
| ASEAN Country | Before | After | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brunei | 60 days | 30 days | Part of expanded list |
| Indonesia | 60 days | 30 days | Popular tourist source |
| Malaysia | 30 days | 30 days | Little change |
| Philippines | 60 days | 30 days | Part of expanded list |
| Singapore | 30 days | 30 days | Standard bilateral |
| Cambodia | 14 days | 14 days | Existing agreement |
| Laos | 30 days | 30 days | Bilateral |
| Myanmar | Often 14 days | Likely 14 days | Political factors apply |
| Vietnam | 30 days | 30 days | Bilateral |
Asia-Pacific Highlights
This region saw big growth under the longer exemption. Most now revert.
| Country/Territory | Before | After | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| China | 60 days | 30 or 15 days | Major market, visa-on-arrival options exist |
| India | 60 days | 30 days | Strong growth segment |
| Taiwan | 60 days | 30 days | Solid visitor numbers |
| Hong Kong | 60 days | 30 days | Easy access |
| UAE | 60 days | 30 days | Key Middle East link |
| Saudi Arabia | 60 days | 30 days | Growing arrivals |
| Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait | 60 days | 30 days | Gulf cooperation countries |
For nationalities not listed here, the default often falls to 30 days or switches to visa-on-arrival, which usually gives 15 days for a fee. Some smaller countries that previously enjoyed 60 days may now see shorter stays.
What does this mean for your next trip? If you booked a longer stay, adjust your plans now. Many travellers still extend once at immigration for another 30 days, which brings the total back to 60 days for a fee of about 1,900 baht. But do not rely on repeated extensions without a solid reason. Land border runs face new limits, often just two per year on visa-free entry.
Book your return flight inside the allowed period. If you need more time, look at a proper tourist visa before you travel. Thailand still welcomes visitors warmly. The focus has simply shifted toward quality stays rather than long, low-spend visits.
This adjustment forms part of a broader effort to manage tourism better. The country wants real travellers who follow the rules and support local businesses. For most short holidays — a week on the islands, a Bangkok food crawl, or a northern temple tour — 30 days works perfectly.
Check your nationality’s exact rules closer to your travel date, pack light, and stay within the limits. Thailand remains one of Asia’s most rewarding destinations. The beaches, food, and people have not changed. Just plan a little smarter and you will still enjoy a smooth, memorable trip.
