Thailand cuts visa-free stays from 60 to 30 days
Since 15 Sep 2026, Thailand's visa-free stay is 30 days, not 60, for 60 countries including the US, UK and India. What changed and what to do before you fly.
| Visa exemption (60 countries) | Before: 60 days. From 15 Sep 2026: 30 days |
|---|---|
| New 15-day exemption | Before: n/a. From 15 Sep 2026: 15 days for Mauritius and Seychelles |
| Visa on arrival | Before: broader list. From 15 Sep 2026: only Azerbaijan, Belarus and Serbia, 15 days, THB 2,000 |
Short answer
Since 15 September 2026, travelers from the 60 visa-exempt countries get 30 days in Thailand without a visa, down from 60. The list includes the US, UK, India, Australia, Canada, the Philippines, Germany and France. Some older pages, including the US Embassy Bangkok page, still say 60 days. Those pages are out of date.
What changed
The change was published in the Royal Gazette on 31 August 2026 and took effect on 15 September 2026.
The limit of 2 visa-free entries a year
The limit counts entries at land and sea checkpoints only, so arrivals by air don’t count toward it (Royal Thai Embassy Doha, updated 16 September 2026). Travelers from Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia and Singapore are exempt.
What this means for your trip
If your passport is on the list and you’re staying 30 days or less, you can enter without a visa. For a longer stay, check the visa options on Thailand’s official eVisa site before you book, since the old 60 days no longer applies.
If you plan to cross by land or sea more than once, count your entries for the year. The 2-entry limit applies unless you’re from Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia or Singapore.
Whatever your passport, fill in the free Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) within 3 days before arrival, counting arrival day. Our TDAC guide covers it.
Official links
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs announcement (PDF)
- Thailand Digital Arrival Card (free)
- Thai eVisa (official MFA portal)
Scam warning: Thailand’s Tourism Ministry has warned about fake websites that charge for the TDAC. The real TDAC is free and only available at tdac.immigration.go.th. Don’t pay a site that calls itself “official” unless its address ends in .go.th.
Last verified 2026-10-16. Sources: Royal Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs announcement; Royal Gazette, 31 August 2026; Royal Thai Embassy Doha on the 2-entry limit, updated 16 September 2026; TDAC official site.
Frequently asked questions
How long can US citizens stay in Thailand without a visa?
30 days, as of 15 September 2026. The 60-day exemption has been cancelled.
Is the 60-day visa exemption still valid?
No. Thailand cut visa-free stays from 60 to 30 days on 15 September 2026. Pages that still say 60 days, including the US Embassy Bangkok page, are out of date.
Which countries get 15 days?
Mauritius and Seychelles, under the new 15-day scheme.
Who can still get a visa on arrival?
Only nationals of Azerbaijan, Belarus and Serbia. Visa on arrival is 15 days and costs THB 2,000.
Is there a limit on visa-free entries?
Yes, 2 a year, but only at land and sea checkpoints. Travelers from Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia and Singapore are exempt.
Do I still need the TDAC?
Yes. The TDAC is required on every entry, it's free, and you submit it within 3 days before arrival, counting arrival day.