General articles are free for 24 hours after publish.
Thailand Officially Ends 60-Day Visa-Free Stays for 93 Countries; New 30-Day Rule Effective September 15, 2026
Thailand has officially announced the end of its 60-day visa exemption for 93 countries and territories, effective September 15, 2026. A new 30-day visa exemption rule will be implemented, altering the terms for short-term visitors to the kingdom.
Late on the night of August 31st, 2026, the Thai government officially published Ministry of Interior announcements in the Royal Gazette, formally ending the special 60-day visa exemption that had been in place for 93 countries and territories since mid-2024. The new regulations are set to take effect on September 15th, 2026. According to the published Royal Gazette (Volume 143, Special Issue), this policy change pertains to the handling of short-term visitors to Thailand. Countries previously eligible for a 60-day visa-free stay will now transition to a 30-day visa exemption. This adjustment signifies a significant shift in Thailand's tourism and short-stay visitor policy. The Phuket Express will continue to monitor the impact of this measure on Thailand's tourism sector, as well as on expatriates and business travelers visiting the country.
Original source
The Phuket Express