It is official. After numerous discussions over the past few weeks, the Thai Cabinet approved this Tuesday, May 19, 2026, the suppression of the temporary measure that allowed nationals of 93 countries (including France, Belgium, Switzerland, and Canada) to enter Thailand visa-free for a duration of 60 days.
The visa-free stay authorization for tourism purposes returns to a maximum of 30 days.
For expatriates, digital nomads, and long-term travelers, this change of course significantly alters the management of stays. Siam Visa Pro provides a complete overview of what this reform entails, its motivations, and the legal alternatives to remain in Thailand lawfully.
Why this step back?
Introduced in July 2024 to boost a sluggish post-pandemic economy, the 60-day exemption aimed to attract longer and higher-spending stays. However, immigration and national security authorities identified major abuses that prompted this sudden revision:
- Combating clandestine work and "grey businesses": Prolonged visa-free access was heavily diverted by foreigners opening illegal businesses under nominee names (nominee companies), working without permits, or operating call center networks and online scams.
- Targeting quality over quantity: Statistics from the Ministry of Tourism reveal that the average stay of a classic tourist is only 9 days. Reducing the duration therefore does not impact legitimate mass tourism, but tightens the net around those who daisy-chain "border runs" (visa runs).
- Harmonization and security: The government wants to direct flow management towards its centralized e-Visa system to better verify the identity and financial profiles of entrants.
[!IMPORTANT] The authorities remind everyone that visa-free entry is strictly reserved for short-term tourism purposes. The accumulation of successive exemptions now exposes travelers to systematic entry denials at the borders.
Timeline: When does the measure take effect?
The decision has been formally approved by the Cabinet. To be fully applicable, the text must now be published in the official gazette, the Royal Gazette (usually within a 2-week period).
The law will officially enter into force 15 days after its publication. We anticipate strict enforcement on the ground by early June 2026.
- If you enter the territory before the transition date: you will logically benefit from the 60 days stamped upon arrival.
- For any subsequent entry: you will be subject to the new 30-day regime.
Immigration rules for 30-day stays
With the return to the 30-day rule, random checks at airports (especially Suvarnabhumi and Phuket) will intensify. To avoid being turned away, each traveler must present:
- A passport valid for at least 6 months.
- The QR Code of the TDAC (Thailand Digital Arrival Card) duly completed.
- Proof of exit from the territory (return ticket or to another destination) before the 30th day.
- Sufficient funds (generally the equivalent of 10,000 THB per person or 20,000 THB per family in cash).
What are the alternatives to extend your stay?
If 30 days are not enough for your professional or personal projects in Thailand, do not risk an overstay (fine of 500 THB/day, detention, and deportation/blacklisting). Legal and suitable solutions exist:
1. In-country Extension (Immigration)
It will normally still be possible to request a single extension of 30 additional days at a local immigration office (such as in Phuket or Bangkok) for a cost of 1,900 THB, subject to approval by the officer.
2. TR Tourist Visa (60 days)
To be requested in advance via the embassy or consulate of your country of origin (through the e-Visa system). It immediately grants you 60 days of stay, extendable by 30 days in Thailand, offering clear visibility of 90 days.
3. DTV (Destination Thailand Visa) or Long-Term Visas
For profiles such as Digital Nomads, freelancers, or participants in cultural activities (Muay Thai, cooking classes), the visas in the DTV category or Non-Immigrant visas remain the gold standard for settling down without the precariousness of visa exemptions.
Need assistance securing your stay or preparing your visa? Discover our personalized assistance or contact our experts.