Thailand’s visa exemption could soon be shortened from 60 days back to 30 days for travellers from 93 countries. The proposal is still under consultation, but people planning longer stays should treat it as a real risk.
Thailand is reviewing a possible change to its visa exemption scheme that could reduce the current 60-day entry stay back to 30 days. The proposal comes from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and would apply to all 93 countries that now benefit from the longer visa-free entry period.
What the proposal would change
If approved, the visa exemption stamp issued on arrival would again allow only 30 days instead of 60. The stated aim is to improve control over tourist flows and to encourage people who plan longer stays to apply for a dedicated visa, such as a DTV or a tourist visa.
This is not yet a final rule. The draft is still in interministerial consultation, and the cabinet decision is expected within the next few weeks. The status is described as “in progress”.
Who needs to pay attention
The potential change would cover the full list of 93 countries that currently receive the extended stay under the visa exemption programme. That matters for visitors who arrive without a visa and hope to remain in Thailand for more than a month.
The timing is especially relevant for people planning a trip after April 2026. The government is reportedly considering implementation just after Songkran so that the peak tourism period is not disrupted.
How to prepare now
Travellers with plans longer than a month should avoid assuming that a 60-day stay will still be available by the time they arrive. If your trip depends on extra time, treat flexibility as part of visa exemption planning.
- Book accommodation with cancellation options rather than locking in two months in advance.
- Make sure your return flight can fit within the original 30-day limit if the rules change suddenly.
- If you need the full 60 days, apply for a tourist e-Visa before departure through the relevant Thai consular channel.
- For remote workers, the DTV remains the most stable long-stay option because it is issued for five years.
Why this matters for trip planning
For anyone planning a Thailand trip, the key issue is uncertainty. The current 60-day entry remains in place for now, but the risk of a quick reduction is described as high. Long-stay travellers should therefore follow updates closely and avoid building non-refundable plans around the present visa exemption length.
If the proposal passes, the practical difference will be immediate: short visits may remain simple, but month-plus itineraries would need a different visa strategy from the start.
