Thailand still grants 60 days visa free as new 30 day limit awaits publication

Headline: Thailand’s 30-day visa-free limit isn’t in force for tourists yet

Thailand approved cutting visa-free stays from 60 days to 30 days, but the tighter limit won’t take effect until 15 days after publication in the Royal Gazette, which hasn’t occurred.

The 60-day rule still applies

The Cabinet approved the policy revision May 19, ending the 60-day exemption introduced in July 2024. Until the Interior Ministry’s notice is published and the 15-day grace period expires, eligible travelers should continue receiving 60-day visa-free entries.

The effective date remains unknown. The Cabinet vote alone didn’t change the rules applied at Thailand’s borders, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and government public relations notices.

Most eligible tourists will get 30 days

Latest government briefings put 59 countries and territories in the 30-day group, including all 27 European Union countries, the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and India. Mauritius and Seychelles are expected to receive 15-day visa-free stays, while Azerbaijan, Belarus and Serbia will retain Visa on Arrival access.

The exemptions will cover tourism only. Existing nonimmigrant visas, work permits, retirement visas and long-term residence permissions aren’t directly affected, though nomads relying on repeated visa-free entries will have less time per trip.

Travelers planning to enter after the eventual effective date and remain longer than 30 days will need to arrange a formal visa instead of relying on the current 60-day allowance. Options and longer-term requirements are covered in the guide to Thailand’s residency rules.

TDAC remains mandatory

Foreign nationals entering Thailand by air, land or sea must complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card, regardless of nationality or travel purpose. The online form must be submitted within 72 hours before arrival and replaces the former paper arrival card.

The digital card doesn’t extend or replace immigration permission. A traveler’s permitted stay will still depend on the visa or exemption stamped at entry, including the current 60-day allowance until the Gazette notice takes legal effect.