Answered2 months ago
What is the current status of the 30-day visa rule in Thailand starting September 15, 2026?
My understanding is the 30 day rule starts September 15. I land on the 14th and “should” get 60 days. I only need 34 days.
I had my Thai girlfriend call immigration to ask. She was told the new rule already started and I will get 30 days.
I think this is wrong and someone-as often happens-is giving their opinion. The inconsistency is amazing.
I had my Thai girlfriend call immigration to ask. She was told the new rule already started and I will get 30 days.
I think this is wrong and someone-as often happens-is giving their opinion. The inconsistency is amazing.
Answer summary
The discussion centers on the confusion regarding the implementation of the new 30-day visa rule in Thailand, which is said to start on September 15, 2026. The original poster plans to arrive on September 14 and believes they will receive 60 days, but information from immigration suggests they might only get 30 days. Community members confirm the start date of the rule as September 15, while others mention inconsistencies in how immigration officials may process the visa duration. There are also tips for obtaining extensions if needed.
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Michael **********
It starts on 15 Sept
Elías ********
Arnold Johnston better use the list issued by the Government, as yours doesn't include the countries with bilateral agreements
Graham ******
Elías Molina Wrong infographic, that is for Thais going to other countries hence USA not listed
BluePassio**********
Graham Seal USA is listed and at the top states 30 day visa exempt for the countries listed
Graeme *******
Goggle the Gazette have a look, think you will get 60.
Dave *******
You will get 60 days
Gregory ********
OPDave Allen yes, confirmed with airport IO.
Phil ******
I arrive 13th September so I should get 60 days
Phil *********
If you arrive and only get 30 days you can get an extension from immigration for another 30.
Luc ************
As from now, just double check the stamp and date the IO puts in your passport.
Mike ******
It is typical Thai confusion; Immigration offices, all over the country, process stuff differently, even within one office. It means people pay agents for something simple.
John *********
Obviously it’s starts from 15 September 🤷🏾♀️
Christopher ********
Probably be ok, but you will find out when you arrive. You can work it out then
Elías ********
Yes, on the 14th you still get 60 days
Erik ******
I got 60 days today
John ******
Erik Buen did they ask return tickets? Proof of stay? 🙏
Gregory ********
OPErik Buen that says something and shows it hasn’t already started. Thanks.
Tony *********
It will start 0.01am 15th September
Philip *********
Tony Cabello no it will strat 1 second after mid night on 14th
Brandon ************
The information your girlfriend received is wrong. But unless she spoke to an officer at the airport, I would not expect correct information.
There is still some debate on the exact start date. The government has yet to officially say what the start date is.
The rule was published on August 31st. By "normal" counting, that means the new rule takes effect on the 15th. But some government agencies count day one as the first day something is initiated. Meaning 14 nights after that date is the 15th day. If they count using this method, it will start on September 14th.
Sorry I don't have a better answer for you.
There is still some debate on the exact start date. The government has yet to officially say what the start date is.
The rule was published on August 31st. By "normal" counting, that means the new rule takes effect on the 15th. But some government agencies count day one as the first day something is initiated. Meaning 14 nights after that date is the 15th day. If they count using this method, it will start on September 14th.
Sorry I don't have a better answer for you.
Gregory ********
OP@Brandon ***********
I had my gf call immigration at Suvarnabhumi and they said new rule starts 00:01am on September 15th.Graham ******
Gregory Hilton best information so far
Richard ******
Brandon, my wife had a copy of the Royal Gazette on her phone and it said that it comes into effect at 12.00am on the 15th which of course means midnight on the 14th.
Gregory ********
OPRichard Moir can you post that copy? I’m assuming in Thai. I want to put that on my phone and thinking the first page would be sufficient.
Brandon ************
@Gregory *******
The Royal Gazette simply states "15 days after publication," it does not have a date that the order comes into effect. So you're back at trying to decide how they are going to count 15 days.Elías ********
@Brandon ***********
this image was shared by several embassies, and it says on red letters that it starts from the 15thGraham ******
Elías Molina That's the wrong infographic, it's what Thais need to enter those countries
Gregory ********
OPElías Molina not sure why it shows USA needing a visa for 30 days.
Mma *******
Gregory Hilton i think there’s a few booboos on that slide.
Elías ********
Gregory Hilton Blue are foreing citizens in Thailand, yellow is Thai citizens in that country
John **********
@Gregory *******
that's privileges in that country for Thai citizensBrandon ************
@Elías *******
I hope it's true, as many people are counting on it, and it makes the most sense. But the Ministry of Foreign Affairs which the embassies fall under have no say. Entry to Thailand is an immigration department matter, which is a completely different government agency.
Gregory ********
OP@Brandon ***********
I know that and you know that, but someone not even on the totem pole likes to think he knows that. 😆 It will be whatever it is. The worst is I pay for an extension.
Les *********
Gregory Hilton .. this is correct attitude to have, be prepared not surprised
Bob **********
Gregory Hilton so why all the whining??
Gregory ********
OPBob D'Andrea no whining, merely an observation. No woe is me. As a Marine, I’m from the school of Adapt, Conquer and Overcome.
Primož *******
Gregory Hilton It might not be that simple. You could be denied boarding the plane even if airline staff has (wrong) info, when it officially starts, especially as they might pay strict attention due to policy change. I would take printout with official info, that it starts Sept 15th for any case....
Gregory ********
OPI had seen one place that the 15 days doesn’t include day of publishing and starts day after full 15 days.
But everything I see claims Sept 15.
But everything I see claims Sept 15.
Brandon ************
@Gregory *******
yes, every news article says the 15th. But if you trusted every announcement from the news concerning immigration, we would've been at 30 days for months alreadyActivity
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