Thailand to reduce visa-free stay from 60 to 30 days

Thailand is implementing a significant change to its visa exemption policy for travelers from 60 countries and territories. Starting September 15, 2026, the current 60-day visa-free stay will be reduced to 30 days.

This new regulation specifically limits visa-exempt entries to tourism purposes. Unlike the previous 60-day policy, which allowed for some business activities, the revised 30-day exemption will not cover work. Travelers intending to engage in business, such as consultants or engineers, will likely require a Non-Immigrant B visa. For remote workers and digital nomads, the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) remains an option, offering stays of up to 180 days.

Authorities have indicated that these changes follow concerns regarding illegal activities and the misuse of the visa-exempt system by certain foreign nationals. Travelers arriving in Thailand on or before September 14, 2026, will still be subject to the existing 60-day rules. Additionally, Japanese nationals entering via land borders will be limited to two visa-exempt entries per calendar year.