Answered2 months ago
What are the changes to Thailand's visa exemption rules from September 2026?
Important announcement: Visa Exempt
It looks very likely the royal gazette will publish the change to visa exempt to 30 days as soon as Monday, August 31st.
This means if you are traveling from the 2nd half of September and are counting on 60 day visa exempt, you'd better apply for a tourist visa immediately so you still receive 60 days.
The new regulations also explicitly add that for land borders, you're only allowed 2 visa exempt entries per calendar year.
Keep an eye out for the news or the Facebook groups to make the final confirmation once it is published.
The order does explicitly state that it comes into effect 15 days after it is published in the Royal Gazette, so the grace period does look to be accurate.
It looks very likely the royal gazette will publish the change to visa exempt to 30 days as soon as Monday, August 31st.
This means if you are traveling from the 2nd half of September and are counting on 60 day visa exempt, you'd better apply for a tourist visa immediately so you still receive 60 days.
The new regulations also explicitly add that for land borders, you're only allowed 2 visa exempt entries per calendar year.
Keep an eye out for the news or the Facebook groups to make the final confirmation once it is published.
The order does explicitly state that it comes into effect 15 days after it is published in the Royal Gazette, so the grace period does look to be accurate.
Answer summary
Thailand is set to change its visa exemption policy, reducing the visa-exempt stay from 60 days to 30 days as soon as it is published in the Royal Gazette, expected by August 31, 2026. The new rules, effective 15 days after publication, allow only 2 visa-exempt entries per calendar year for land borders. Travelers arriving in mid-September should consider applying for a tourist visa immediately to ensure a stay of 60 days. This change is a response to concerns over long-term tourist stays and aims to streamline immigration procedures.
135 repliesnewest first
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Greg ***********
The change from 60 to 30 days has been published in the Royal Gazette today, as of August 31. It will be in effect 15 days later, by September 15.
Keep in mind only 60 countries remain from the former 93 countries whose citizens are elegible for visa-exempt entry.
Keep in mind only 60 countries remain from the former 93 countries whose citizens are elegible for visa-exempt entry.
Mike *******
Thank you Brandon, for keeping track of this process.
Derek ********
if applying for tourist visa they want see flight tickets .Will they except 30 days return tickets?
Michelle **********
I am planning to go for 77 days in January. Would I be best to get a 60 day tourist visa then do the usual 30 extention?
Brandon ************
OP@Michelle *********
That will be your only option if you want to stay 77 days.
Haydn *******
Well everyone knows it's coming. If people are still planning holidays longer than 30 days and not bothering with a tourist visa it will be their own fault if their plans get ruined
David ********
@Brandon ***********
. Thank you for the information. Does 15 days grace period mean that if you arrive, say, 13 September you still get 60 days?Brandon ************
OP@David *******
Most likely
Peter *******
Such a good idea with high season approaching
Darren *******
Peter Hayes the stats they used to back up their decision showed the vast majority of tourists are nowhere near 30 days let alone 60, so it's going to make no noticeable difference at all except to people who want to whinge online about how Thailand is trying to sabotage themselves.
Peter *******
Do the stats show of the 5% who stay longer than 30 days how much they spend so it's not about whinging it more about how to deter quality tourism the very people they are trying to promote who spend their money with Thai businesses and not foreign owned hotels who remit their profits back to their shareholders. Certainly nothing to do with security.
Darren *******
Peter Hayes they spend peanuts in an AirBnB compared to bona fide tourists in hotels and going on tours etc.
Lisa *********
If I've booked 40 days holiday from 18 Dec, when would I need to apply for a 60 day tourist visa?
Brandon ************
OP@Lisa ********
It would make things much easier for you. You would never have to deal with immigration if you have a tourist visa, otherwise you have to waste a day at immigration applying for an extension. And you could also have issues with your airline wanting to see proof of a ticket out of Thailand within 30 days if you don't have a visa.Lisa *********
@Brandon ***********
thank you, had worked out the first available date to apply, so I think I'll do that, cheap as chips so no dramas, cheers!
Kevin *******
Lisa Callard you can apply upto 90 days in advance, so just after 18th Sept would work. O ly takes a day ir two to process.
Lisa *********
Kevin Weiss cheers for that. Will take your advice
Nick *********
Will this effect METV?
Will each entry be reduced from 60 days to 30 days?
Or, are the changes applicable to visa exempt only?
Will each entry be reduced from 60 days to 30 days?
Or, are the changes applicable to visa exempt only?
Brandon ************
OP@Nick ********
This has nothing to do with visas. Visa exempt is people that don't have a visa.
Ian **********
Unless you planned on coming for more than 60 days, there is no need to panic or get a tourist visa, as you can extend the 30-day visa-exempt by another 30 days at the immigration office for 1900 baht.
Brandon ************
OP@Ian *********
I would still get a tourist visa every time if it was over 30 days. Subjecting yourself to potentially hours of traffic and waiting at the immigration office for something you can get with 10 minutes on your computer seems like an obvious choice.
Peter ********
Will there be the option to add 30 day extension? Or will it truly only be 30 days without ability to extend?
Brandon ************
OPIf you want 60 days I'd apply for the tourist visa. Better than wasting a day going to immigration for an extension.
Jasmine ********
@Brandon ***********
NZ Thai embassy is charging $300 for a single tourist visa, is there another way to get a tourist visa if we are from NZ? We have done the extensions quite a few times over the years so will still do that if it’s best … ThanksBrandon ************
OP@Jasmine *******
No one knows. The embassy in NZ made the change and people thought maybe it was a precursor to every Thai embassy doing similar. But now nothing has happened for a couple of years so it's still a big mystery.Jasmine ********
@Brandon ***********
thanks again for the advice. Do you know why our visa prices are so high compared to other countries?Brandon ************
OP@Jasmine *******
Unfortunately NZ people are pretty screwed. Your only other option for the actual visa is to travel to a third country and apply while you're there. Would probably cost more than the visa from NZ to do that. So I'd recommend just getting the extension in Thailand from the visa exempt if 60 days is enough.Brandon ************
OP@Peter *******
Nothing has changed about extensions. The 30 day tourist extension is still available same as always.Peter ********
Thank you Brandon 🙏 while I have visited Thailand 4 times over past 3 years, never stayed long enough to require an extension (usually 13 to 16 days each).
However in may of next year I will be marrying my Thai fiancée in Thailand. Most likely I will be needing an extension for the trip next year, due to required appointments with US embassy and Thai offices for the wedding to be registered.
Still somewhat unsure of if I would need visa for wedding or can just go visa exempt like my previous trips.
However in may of next year I will be marrying my Thai fiancée in Thailand. Most likely I will be needing an extension for the trip next year, due to required appointments with US embassy and Thai offices for the wedding to be registered.
Still somewhat unsure of if I would need visa for wedding or can just go visa exempt like my previous trips.
Andrew ******
Why would they do that just before high season!? This low season has been one of the worse ever?
Brandon ************
OP@Andrew *****
it effects like 2% of tourists. Most come for 2 weeks and go home. Else they can apply for a tourist visa or a 30 day extension.
Brandee ********
I arrive Thursday - so will I get 60 days or 30? Thank you for this info!
Brandon ************
OP@Brandee *******
You will receive 60 days
Baddazz *******
The site is down
Brandon ************
OP@Baddazz ******
It was announced a few days ago that the e-visa site would be down all day on the 30th for maintenance, so they can update the DTV requirements.Baddazz *******
Omg this is crazy they told me to come back to Vietnam and reapply I hope they will not make no changes since I was advised to do so
Baddazz *******
I already applied in July but they noticed I had left the country and said to come back and reapply for other other documents they asked for
Brandon ************
OP@Baddazz ******
if you're applying for a DTV you will not be able to apply from Vietnam unless you have a Vietnamese passport or you're a permanent resident of Vietnam. Plus you'll need a criminal history check from your home country.
Gerar ********
Those are only speculations, nobody knows for sure when it will published in the gazette.
Brandon ************
OP@Gerar *******
While true, we know it was officially submitted to be published. So it's not going to be longGerar ********
It was already submitted many months ago and for some reason never put into the gazette.
Brandon ************
OP@Gerar *******
It was previously approved by the cabinet, it was never signed by the relevant ministers and submitted to the Royal Gazette until now
RadiantC********
Gerar Teuben No. It was just signed on the 26th and will likely be submitted to the Royal Gazette next week (this coming week).
Sonny **********
Looks like not cheap or lazy ones!
Peter *********
No chance
Gregory ******
Ouf arrived on the 2th september
Brandon ************
OP@Gregory *****
You'll be fine then and still receive 60 days
Michael ********
Thailand really doesn't like tourists.
Darren *******
Michael Villin or they don't like people abusing their hospitality by living there on visa exemptions. That's a far more accurate statement, one which I appreciate some people don't like to hear.
Benjamin *******
Hopefully,as faster it happens back to normal 30 days 👍👍👍🤟🤟🙏
Michael ********
Benjamin Kanew lol
Johan_B*******
I hope this is real, not like the ones i read last
*****
& *****
...at least there's some closure to never-ending uncertainty whether to apply for SETV or wait&see.Michael ********
Johan_Budiotso Thailand is always wait and see and after that wait and see again
Jasmine ********
@Brandon ***********
Can you still extend the 30 day visa exempt instead of getting a tourist visa? ThanksBrandon ************
OP@Jasmine *******
yes, if you need 60 days or less total.Jasmine ********
@Brandon ***********
do you need to have onward flight details if planning to do an extension on the 30 day visa exempt? ThanksBrandon ************
OP@Jasmine *******
That's up to your airline. They're the most likely ones to askJasmine ********
@Brandon ***********
ok thank you, that’s great. We will probably do that.Brunski ****
Dammit, I'm arriving on the 14th, but only staying a few days before heading out again, then coming back a week later for as long as I can. Damn!!!
Collywobble **********
it may not happen but if it does just in time for coming high season🥲🥹
Nongnuch ********
the Royal Gazette announcement in detail:
*************************************************************
*****
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Yves ********
"it's look" means nothing utill it's nor publushed and it's not published 😂
Heidi ********
Question...we have booked an 87 day stay in Thailand. Can we apply for 60 day tourist visa before we leave and extend 30 days when there? Will we have to show return flight on the way there?
Brandon ************
OP@Heidi *******
It's possible your airline could require proof of onward travel, but if you have a tourist visa normally you can just show them the visa and they won't ask additional questions.Heidi ********
@Brandon ***********
thanks Brandon
Mike ************
Heidi Milner
How can you book for 87 days without having that figured out first? 🤦🏻♂️
How can you book for 87 days without having that figured out first? 🤦🏻♂️
Heidi ********
Mike Veldhuizen because I booked last year. Nosey!
Heidi ********
Mike Veldhuizen that was the plan!
Mike ************
Heidi Milner Also last year there was no 87 days free entry 🤦🏻♂️ And yes i am aware you can have 60 plus 30 days .
You can still do the same with the tourist visa + 30 days extension.
You can still do the same with the tourist visa + 30 days extension.
Janice *****
@Brandon ***********
thanks for the heads up! Really appreciate it 😘
Louise **********
So I am still one of the lucky ones, will arrive in Bangkok on the 11th of September for 60 day holiday visit
HisD*****
Wheres this information coming from? As a moderator, what you say is trustable but it would be good to get sources.
Ken **********
HisDriver The new Ministry of Interior policy package has already been submitted for publication and is highly expected to be gazetted by the end of August or early September 2026, targeting an official enforcement date of September 15, 2026.
Alastair ********************
HisDriver If you can read Thai all the relevant documents are in this post.
********************************************
Brandon ************
OPHisDriver I have a copy of the signed order, but it has not been publicly released yet. The moderators across multiple Facebook groups have been sharing it between us.
Paul ********
Whether it activates Monday or not it's beyond clear that Thailand is doing everything it can do deter tourists whilst neighbouring countries are doing the opposite
From Monday application for DTV now requires Police certificate to certify no criminal records
Just a matter of time before that extends to METV and SETV
First time after exclusively 35 years in Thailand I'm going Vietnam in November
I'm not the only one
From Monday application for DTV now requires Police certificate to certify no criminal records
Just a matter of time before that extends to METV and SETV
First time after exclusively 35 years in Thailand I'm going Vietnam in November
I'm not the only one
Brunski ****
Paul Thomas yeah, like Viet isn't way, way more difficult with Visa than Thailand. I've never had any issues coming to Thailand, but Vietnam always makes it difficult. It was a pain in the arse last time and I was only going there for 10 days. Fucked around and fiddled around and also had to go in person to their rundown Imigration place in Bangkok, only to waste my time. For Christ sake, no contest man. WTF are you talking about. Just go anyway, who cares. All these idiots talking up Vietnam as if it's any kind of competition.
Randy ********
Brunski BM if you can’t figure out how to properly apply for the Vietnam eVisa, I would say you’re the idiot.
I’ve been traveling to Vietnam, leaving Thailand every other month, I’ve met numerous people who have been leaving Thailand for here.
I’ve been traveling to Vietnam, leaving Thailand every other month, I’ve met numerous people who have been leaving Thailand for here.
Brunski ****
Randy Cooper ...& not that there's anything wrong with Vietnam, it's to each their own.
Brunski ****
Randy Cooper Dickhead, there were so many people reporting these issues when I applied, & it might depend on your nationality, who knows. Actually when I was wasting my time waiting in line at that decrepit Viet Visa Centre, there were others in the queue with the same issues. Like I said, just go, Really! I cheer it, particularly if you're a Yankee, Ruskie or Zionist, the three premier global terrorist and pariah states. More room for us.
Mike ************
Paul Thomas
It’s not like other countries let Thai people come in as easy .
It’s not like other countries let Thai people come in as easy .
Janice *****
Paul Thomas yeah, heard that many folks are now flocking to Vietnam. For a country heavily dependant on tourism, why is it that Thailand seems to be deterring many visitors? What's the rationale behind that?
Paul ********
Janice Kon if I answered that truthfully it wouldn't be a good idea lol
Sam ********
@Brandon ***********
where's this information come from bud?Brandon ************
OP@Sam *******
I've seen the signed order with the 28th as the signature date.Sam ********
@Brandon ***********
Okay, if its printed on the 31st, will that come into effect on the 14th or the 15th?Brandon ************
OP@Sam *******
I'm not actually sure how they would count the days for that
Bonnie *******
That land border rule is really going to mess us up. We don't like to fly and would like to travel a circle thru Asia pretty much all the time.
Leevi ***********
Bonnie Smith this is Thailand.....they can change entry rules anytime.....like that happened last november,suddenly ____without warning. very annoying!
Kevin *******
But is this this fact or scaremongering ?
choose*******
Kevin Dunne why is it even scaremongering? Everyone knows they already passed the law and it is coming.
Kevin *******
chooserich007 not till its posted it isn't otherwise what's known as gossip !
RadiantC********
Kevin Dunne It's about to be posted. Was signed off just the other day.
Brandon ************
OP@Kevin ******
It's a heads up to expect it soon.
Phil ******
It doesn't give enough notice for people arriving after mid Sept. Not everyone can cope with applying for visa online. Some could even get their application rejected on a technicality.
Kevin *******
@Phil *****
they misspelt my name on the 6month tourist visa application obviously I didn't as I've been writing it 65 years ! The London embassy won't answer calls or my numerous emails ! I'm there 6th October ! Visa exempt ! See what happens !
John **********
@Kevin ******
you obviously didn't check the details before submitting the application. The OCR is notoriously inaccurateKevin *******
@John *********
WRONG ! I checked it four times on the Saturday and twice more the next day before submitting ! I believe it's a glitch in their system or maybe they were hacked as I was asked to submit the money twice more as it hadn't gone through but I checked my app and it had ! So before you prattle on about obviously not checking obviously I did !
Alan **********
Kevin Dunne THEY misspelled your name ? You've never made a typo ? Do you think a person sits there and transcribes your name onto a vias ? Or was this 25 years ago when the Thai Embassy actually DID do the visa paperwork ?
And if you have(?) a visa why would you be entering visa-exempt ?
What happens on your 6 October trip depends on how long you plan on staying............... 😉
And if you have(?) a visa why would you be entering visa-exempt ?
What happens on your 6 October trip depends on how long you plan on staying............... 😉
Kevin *******
@John *********
so you say !John **********
@Kevin ******
the site is down today to role out the changes when applying for a DTV which affects every Thai consulate globallyKevin *******
Alan Rothwell tell pray tell me how I spelt my name of 70 years wrong won't you !
Kevin *******
Alan Rothwell never heard of a glitch in the system and why is the site down now ?
Leigh ***********
@Phil *****
I have a flight booked for the 21st September with a return 88 days later, since I needed flight details for my Non-O Retirement Visa application. I'm concerned that a technicality will reject this application and when/if that happens, was going to submit a 60 day Visa exempt Tourist application and extend for 30 days at immigration. Looks like I could be heading for a world of hurt one way or another.John **********
@Leigh **********
you don't submit a visa exempt tourist application, visa exempt is just a stamp you receive on entry. There's no change to the Tourist Visa if that's what you are applying forAlan **********
Leigh Griffiths Why did you need a return flight if you're retiring TO Thailand ?
Chris *******
Leigh Griffiths well you have some things right and some not so right.
The 90 day visa based on being over 50, gets you in.
There is no reason to leave to activate anything.
Once you have your finances sorted out, bank account, transfers, whatever. Then you apply for your 1yr extension of stay.
Once that is granted, you do not have to leave Thailand, as long as you qualify every year.
If you want or need to leave, you purchase a reentry permit (single or multiple) and then that keeps your extension "alive".
It's a reasonably simple process if you just follow the list your local immigration will give you.
The 90 day visa based on being over 50, gets you in.
There is no reason to leave to activate anything.
Once you have your finances sorted out, bank account, transfers, whatever. Then you apply for your 1yr extension of stay.
Once that is granted, you do not have to leave Thailand, as long as you qualify every year.
If you want or need to leave, you purchase a reentry permit (single or multiple) and then that keeps your extension "alive".
It's a reasonably simple process if you just follow the list your local immigration will give you.
Lively*******
Leigh Griffiths
Correct to all 👌
Correct to all 👌
Brandon ************
OP@Leigh **********
You cannot return on your existing permission to stay unless you purchase a re-entry permit before leaving. Without doing that, your permission to stay is invalid as the of the moment you leave Thailand.Leigh ***********
Alan Rothwell my understanding (could be wrong) is that you need a Non-O 90 day retirement visa to be able to set up bank account, transfer required funds (800k), before immigration will extend your visa to 12 months. I also understood (could be wrong again) that you had to leave the country on your Non-O, before you can re-enter on your retirement visa. Also my niece is getting married on 21st December, so I had to return for that.
Brandon ************
OP@Leigh **********
unless you put incorrect passport information in your application, they won't just reject it. They'll give you a chance to fix it.Paul ********
Well either it is or it isn't...saying it's likely effectively means nothing
Doubtless we'll find out next week
Doubtless we'll find out next week
Brandon ************
OP@Paul *******
whatever you want to think. I'm just giving people warning
William *******
I have booked for middle December what have I to do now ??
Andy ******
@William ******
only come for 30 days it's Fine Willie , if you stay longer than that then get a 30 days extension at Chonburi Immigration.RadiantC********
William Young Apply for a tourist visa or extension of stay in country (depending on how long your trip is for).
Gary ********
William Young How long for ?
Mike ************
William Young
Obviously if you want to go more than 30 days you need to get the appropriate visa
Obviously if you want to go more than 30 days you need to get the appropriate visa
Brandon ************
OP@William ******
that depends on how long your trip is for
Don ***********
Why does it "look very likely"?
Brandon ************
OP@Don **********
the PM signed the order and it has been distributed to relevant government agencies.Gary ********
@Brandon ***********
Not the pm you have that wrong 😑
Richard ******
Sorry Brandon you can’t help the ones who don’t want to believe you. I saw it myself this morning. It’s only the people still cheating the system that will be affected and they’re the one complaining.
Brandon ************
OP@Gary *******
So... who do you think Anutin Charnvirakul is? Here's a translated version if you need some help.Gary ********
@Brandon ***********
That’s not the PM
Steve *************
@Brandon ***********
It had to happen one day
Steve******
Pankaj Vijayvargiya nobody said today.
Pankaj **************
Steve McCorriston Yes, it had to happen one day but did it happen TODAY?
Don ***********
@Brandon ***********
Do you have a source for that?Brandon ************
OP@Don **********
not a public source. Just trying to give people a heads up
Stephen *******
@Tony ********
looks like you will need a visa nowActivity
60 joined60
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