If you heard you can stay in Thailand for 60 days without a visa, you heard right, for a while. That rule ran for more than two years and ended on 15 September 2026. Here is what applies as of 17 October 2026, based on official sources.
Where the 60 days came from
In July 2024 Thailand extended visa-free stays to 60 days for 93 countries and territories (the Royal Thai Embassy in Moscow posted the news on 17 July 2024). Advice like “fly in visa-free for two months” was correct when it was written.
On 19 May 2026 Thailand’s Cabinet approved a review of these measures (Department of Consular Affairs). The Interior Ministry announcements were published in the Royal Gazette on 31 August 2026 and took effect on 15 September 2026.
What applies in October 2026
| Who | Visa-free stay | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| 60 countries and territories on the TAT list (UK, US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Germany, France, Japan, Singapore and others) | up to 30 days, tourism only | Interior Ministry announcement, from 15.09.2026 |
| Seychelles, Mauritius | up to 15 days | Interior Ministry announcement |
| Azerbaijan, Belarus, Serbia | visa on arrival, up to 15 days | Interior Ministry announcement; Royal Thai Embassy Moscow |
| Countries with bilateral agreements | 90, 30 or 14 days, per agreement | bilateral agreements |
| Anyone who entered before 15.09.2026 | until the stamped date | Department of Consular Affairs |
For travellers on the 30-day scheme, the Royal Thai Embassy in London lists the conditions: tourism only, proof of onward travel within 30 days, possible proof of funds of 20,000 THB per person (TAT cites 10,000 THB for certain visa-exempt cases), and use of the scheme only twice per calendar year. TAT describes that twice-a-year limit as applying to land border entries. We cover the details in the visa run guide.
The immigration officer at the border decides whether to admit you and for how long.
What to do instead of “60 days visa-free”
- Up to 30 days: no visa, but fill in the free TDAC arrival card
- Slightly longer: ask about a 30-day extension at immigration
- Months: apply in advance on thaievisa.go.th for a tourist visa, or the DTV if you work remotely
- Flying in: keep proof of onward travel ready, see return ticket rules
This page is reviewed every 30 days: Thailand’s visa rules changed several times in 2026.
Related: entry rules: documents, TDAC and questions at the border.
FAQ
Is the 60-day visa exemption still available?
No. From 15 September 2026 the 60-day scheme ended for every country that had it. Travellers from the 60 countries and territories on the new list get up to 30 days for tourism purposes. If you read about 60 days in an older post, that was the rule from July 2024 until 15 September 2026.
I entered before 15 September with a 60-day stamp. Will it be cut?
No. Thailand's Department of Consular Affairs says foreigners already in Thailand can stay until the period granted to them expires. Go by the date in your passport stamp.
Can I extend the 30-day visa exemption?
The Royal Thai Embassy in London says visa-exempt travellers may request an extension of stay of up to 30 days at an immigration office. Approval is at the officer's discretion. For anything longer, apply for a visa in advance on thaievisa.go.th.
Do I need a return ticket for Thailand visa-free entry?
Under the new scheme the London embassy lists proof of onward travel within 30 days of arrival, and officers may ask for proof of funds of 20,000 THB per person; TAT lists 10,000 THB per person (20,000 per family) for certain visa-exempt cases, and children under 12 are not counted. Airlines may also check onward travel before boarding.
Which countries get 15 days or visa on arrival now?
According to TAT, Seychelles and Mauritius get a 15-day visa exemption, and Azerbaijan, Belarus and Serbia can get a visa on arrival for up to 15 days (Royal Thai Embassy Moscow). Some countries have bilateral agreements with Thailand that give 90, 30 or 14 days.
Sources
- TAT Newsroom. Thailand introduces new 30-day and 15-day visa exemption rules from 15 September (01.09.2026)
- TAT Newsroom. Thailand entry reminder on proof of funds for foreign visitors (06.07.2026)
- Department of Consular Affairs, MFA Thailand. Review of visa exemption and visa on arrival measures (Cabinet 19.05.2026)
- Royal Thai Embassy London. Visa exemption scheme (from 15.09.2026)
- Royal Thai Embassy Moscow. Revision of Thailand’s visa exemption and visa on arrival schemes
- Royal Thai Embassy Moscow. New visa exemption (60 days) and visa on arrival (17.07.2024)
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