Visa run chats swing between “border runs are banned” and “nothing has changed”. Neither is right. Here is what the official texts say as of 17 October 2026, and what is still unclear.
Where “two entries a year” came from
On 15 September 2026 Thailand ended the 60-day visa exemption and introduced new schemes: 30 days for tourists from 60 countries and territories, and 15 days for Seychelles and Mauritius. The Interior Ministry announcements were published in the Royal Gazette on 31 August 2026. In TAT’s wording, travellers on the 30-day exemption may generally enter through land border checkpoints no more than twice per calendar year, and the same applies to the 15-day exemption.
Retold online, this became “two entries a year by any means for everyone”, which is stronger than the source.
What applies in October 2026
| Situation | What official sources say |
|---|---|
| 30- or 15-day exemption, land border | no more than 2 entries per calendar year (TAT) |
| Nationals of Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia, Singapore and others the Minister designates | land limit does not apply (TAT) |
| 30-day exemption, by air | TAT is silent; London embassy says twice per calendar year without splitting land and air |
| Bilateral visa exemption agreements | TAT ties the limit only to the 30- and 15-day schemes |
| Entry on a visa (tourist, DTV, others) | visa exemption limit does not apply; the visa’s own terms do |
The London embassy adds that anyone planning to visit more than twice a year, or for purposes other than tourism, should apply for an appropriate visa.
What we could not confirm
- Whether the limit covers air entries. TAT mentions only land borders, the London embassy words it more broadly
- The full text of the Interior Ministry announcements. The Royal Gazette site sits behind bot protection, so we rely on TAT and embassy summaries
What to do instead of border runs
- Count your days. Up to 30 days the visa exemption is enough, see how long you can stay visa-free
- Need a bit longer? Ask about an extension at immigration rather than leaving
- Staying for months? Apply on thaievisa.go.th in advance: a tourist visa or the DTV for remote work
- Crossing anyway? Carry proof of onward travel and accommodation, see what the border asks for
This page is reviewed every 30 days.
FAQ
Does the twice-a-year limit apply to flights too?
TAT describes the limit only for land border checkpoints. The Royal Thai Embassy in London says the visa exemption can be used only twice within a calendar year and does not separate land and air. Until the full Interior Ministry text is easy to check, assume frequent air entries also get attention at immigration.
Can I live in Thailand on border runs?
The new 30-day exemption is explicitly for tourism. For stays of several months, the legal route is a visa: a tourist visa, the DTV for remote workers, a retirement visa or another category, applied for on thaievisa.go.th. That way you do not depend on an officer's decision at every entry.
I had three border runs and an overstay last year. Will I have problems?
There is no guarantee either way. The officer sees your entry and overstay history and decides whether to admit you and for how long. Short gaps between visa-exempt entries, past overstays and no onward ticket all raise the chance of questions or refusal.
What counts as a visa run?
A visa run means leaving Thailand for a neighbouring country and coming straight back to get a new stamp. When the crossing is overland, people call it a border run. Leaving is never the problem; the question is whether you are let back in and for how long.
Sources
- TAT Newsroom. Thailand introduces new 30-day and 15-day visa exemption rules from 15 September (01.09.2026)
- Royal Thai Embassy London. Visa exemption scheme (from 15.09.2026)
- Royal Thai Embassy London. Revision of Thailand’s visa exemption (08.09.2026)
- Department of Consular Affairs, MFA Thailand. Review of visa exemption measures (Cabinet 19.05.2026)
Found an error or outdated fact? Tell the editors, we will fix it and update the check date.