This is NOT an official government website. We are an independent resource providing information and assistance to travelers.

Should I apply for a SETV in advance if the visa exemption period is reduced to 30 days?

Thailand visa exemption SETV Visa rules Immigration Tourist visa 30-day extension Flight rules

Mar 27, 2026

a month ago

GenuineD*********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hello, I’ve booked my flight for May and plan to stay for 55 days under the visa exemption scheme. I was wondering if it would be advisable to apply for a SETV in advance, in case the visa exemption period is reduced to 30 days.

I understand that I’m required to have an onward flight within the permitted stay, so I’m a bit concerned about the possibility of entry rules changing before my departure.

Thank you in advance for your help.

971

views

all likes

replies

users

TLDR : Answer Summary

The user plans to stay in Thailand for 55 days under the visa exemption scheme and is concerned about potential changes to the exemption period, which might be reduced to 30 days. Community comments suggest that while changes are being discussed, travelers can typically apply for a 30-day extension at immigration. It is advised to verify with airlines on return flight policies if the visa exemption period is reduced. Applying for a single entry tourist visa (SETV) in advance is recommended to minimize uncertainties.

Pelle Eriksson★★★★★

Absolutely Bangkok's best service I highly...

recently on Facebook

Luca G.★★★★★

I used this agency for my DTV Visa...

recently on Google

Trusted Thai Visa Agent

OVER 100,000 EXPATS SERVED

#1 VISA AGENT IN THAILAND

Jeffrey *********

However if visa exemption did revert to 30 days he would need to show a return flight within that period. Not so much with immigration perhaps but more so with the airline.So he would need to confirm with the airline whether they would allow boarding knowing he could extend at an immigration office

It's far easier to apply for a single entry tourist visa,removing any doubt

a month ago

Jim *******

Nothing about reducing visa free exeption, only here we can see from idiots that fake info.

a month ago

Ian **********

Jim Davis It has been widely reported in respected media outlets that it is being discussed. bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/

*****

89/mfa-proposes-slashing-visafree-tourist-period-in-half

a month ago

Reply to

Ian **********

Bob **********

If it drops to 30 days you can still extend it for 30 more days

a month ago

James **********

This is typical of the online BS, nothing has changed with regards to the 60 to 30 days, I was mentioned once and then spread as facts the next day. Ignore it all.

a month ago

Ken ********

James Mitchell ...but it will change

a month ago

Reply to

Ken ********

Dave *******

Changes to visa exempt program are being discussed by the government and related agencies to look at changing the visa exempt period back to 30 days. When, and if,that occurs no one can say , however you should be able to get a 30 day extension by going to immigration and paying the appropriate fee., so would get a total of 60 days

a month ago

Jim *******

Dave Allen Nobody in Thai government is discussing to go back from 60 days to 30 days. Fake news spreaders like you do that.

a month ago

Reply to

Jim *******

ConfidentR***********

Don't worry about it you can always get 30 days extension at immigration

a month ago

Peter ********

My understanding even if rules change before you come you can apply for 30 day extension in Thailand

a month ago