What Thailand’s visa-exempt stay looks like now

Thailand is weighing a cut to its visa-exempt stay from 60 days to 30 days for nationals of 93 countries, but the change is still only a proposal and has no official start date. The current rule, in place since July 15, 2024, still allows eligible travelers to enter visa-free for tourism or short-term business.

The proposed change would keep the option to extend stays by 30 days at immigration offices for 1,900 THB (about $55), bringing the total possible stay back to 60 days. Officials have tied the review to misuse of the visa-free scheme, including unauthorized work, scam activity and repeated border runs.

Who would feel the change most

Short vacationers would barely notice. Most tourists stay under three weeks, according to the ministries backing the review, so the biggest impact would fall on digital nomads, expats and repeat visitors who rely on longer visa-free entries or extensions.

Land-border travelers could see a sharper effect because visa-exempt entries over land don't allow extensions. Repeated patterns can already trigger denials and officials have said the rules are aimed at curbing that kind of use.

What travelers should do next

For now, the 60-day rule still applies, so travelers should check the latest status before booking around a shorter stay. Entry still requires a passport valid for at least 6 months, a return ticket and the Thailand Digital Arrival Card.

Anyone planning to stay longer should expect to apply in person for an extension, with the TM.7 form, a photo and the 1,900 THB fee. Remote workers who need a longer setup should look at the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV), which allows 180 days per stay and can be extended once and keep an eye on visa updates(/) from Thai authorities.

Read our full Thailand guide for the complete picture.