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Answered5 months ago

What should tourists do about the new 30-day visa exemption in Thailand with an unknown start date?

Thailand Visa Rules Visa Exemption Tourist Visa Thailand Immigration eVisa System Travel Planning

Chris *********************

Chris *********************

OP

asked May 24, 2026

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So the thai government has passed the 30 day visa exempt, but they don't know when it will come into affect, people who have booked holidays don't know what to do get a visa or not.the evisa system will crash ,and people will be in the shit,why don't they put a start date ,so tourists can get organized,

Answer summary

The Thai government has approved a new 30-day visa exemption but has not yet announced when it will take effect. This uncertainty is causing concern among tourists who are unsure whether to obtain a visa beforehand. Comments reflect a range of opinions, from those advocating for tourists to secure a visa now as a precaution, to others criticizing the delay in announcement as typical for Thailand. Some users share their experiences with obtaining visas, noting that the process is often smoother than expected, while others express frustration with the bureaucratic delays and potential backlogs in the eVisa system once the new regulation takes effect.

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Steve ********

Steve ********

Because this is Thailand. Get used to it.

0

Nicknam*******

Nicknam*******

Hello, Mr. Negativity 😊✌️

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Andrew ********

Andrew ********

It's not going to be retroactive so no need to panic. 👍🏻😎🌞

0

Gregory *********

Gregory *********

I remember how long it took them to introduce the 60 day visa exempt on july 15 2024. They talked about it for months. AI says it took 48 days. So i predict july 1 as start date......The Thai government initially announced the 60-day visa exemption proposal 48 days before it actually took effect.The timeline of the announcement and roll-out followed this path:Initial Approval (May 28, 2024): The Thai Cabinet first approved the package of new visa measures. At that time, officials targeted a tentative launch date of June 1, 2024.Delays & Finalization (June – Early July 2024): Implementation was delayed because the policy required complex coordination between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and immigration authorities, alongside formal publication in the Royal Gazette.Official Launch (July 15, 2024): The official regulations were finalized and officially enacted just a day or two after the final administrative paperwork cleared

0

Jim *********

Jim *********

Because it's Thailand of course

0

Petr *********************

Petr *********************

Thai government should focus on their citizens to collect taxes instead of harassing tourists with visa fees !!!!

0

MNathalie *********

MNathalie *********

It's says the gazette will announce it early June. So will take effect 15 days after.

0

Aloh****

Aloh****

I arrive on June 10, so I am not likely to need it. But the risk of screwing up my vacation to save $40 would be stupid.

I applied for the e-visa and I have no regrets.

Everyone going for more than 30 days would be an idiot if they don't apply for the e-visa now

0

Andrew *********

Andrew *********

AlohaTex I’m going for 87 days from mid June and applied for the 3 month tourist visa in mid April. It’s still pending approval (assured that all documents are ok)on the website and after calling the Canberra Thai Embassy I was told it’s normally issued a few days before travel. 🙏

0

Thaimer ******

Thaimer ******

At least majority of you will still have 30 days.

Croatia went from 60 days exemption to no exemption at all

0

Chris *******

Chris *******

Croatia is part of Schengen. Most people can visit for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa.

0

Thaimer ******

Thaimer ******

Chris Blunt how is that relevant to anything? Croatian citizens currently can enter Thailand without visa up to 60 days.

With this upcoming change they’ll totally remove visa exemption and only way to enter Thailand would be with visa in advance

0

Ant *******

Ant *******

Yep. TiT.

0

Lawrie *******

Lawrie *******

It's been passed. It needs to be gazette. Most of these changes come into effect on the First of the month.

Regardless.. If you want to guarantee your 90 days then get the relevant Visa.

0

Roger *********

Roger *********

That's the last thing on their mind !

0

Daniel ******

Daniel ******

I think most of countries is still visa-free but only 30 days.

0

Muri *****

Muri *****

Because this is Thailand 🥱 30yrrs Same Same.. today like this tomorrow like this

0

Wayne ********

Wayne ********

If you don't like this country find another one to visit.

0

John *******

John *******

Wayne Bastin Seems a bit combative.

0

Chris *********************

Chris *********************

OP

All well and good saying its cheap, don't take long to fill in online, what i was saying is when they announce the date there is going to be a rush for 60 day tourist visa or evisa as they call it ,they will be a very big rush causing a back up and delay,

2

Brandon ************

Brandon ************

@Chris ********************

they've been talking about it for months. The e-visa system didn't crash 2 years ago when visa exempt was 30 days. Anyone that gets caught by this only has themselves to blame at this point.

1

Chris *********************

Chris *********************

OP

@Brandon ***********

so you don't think there will be a backlog??

1

Brandon ************

Brandon ************

Then you can happily risk your multi-thousand dollar vacation because you don't want to spend $40 to guarantee it goes okay.

1

Max ********

Max ********

@Brandon ***********

some people don’t like just throwing their money away.

0

Brandon ************

Brandon ************

yes, I'm saying exactly that. Why risk it? You can guarantee yourself 60 days right now.

0

Max ********

Max ********

@Brandon ***********

why do you say that, do you know when it is going to be announced?If you were arriving 1st June and leaving 28th July you are saying that you should apply for a visitor visa now but it might not become law until so time in September?

0

Brandon ************

Brandon ************

@Chris ********************

I think anyone that already has a trip planned and hasn't applied already is asking for whatever happens

1

Christian ********

Christian ********

Yes they also say with the TDAC the system break down. Nothing broke down.

0

Martyn ***********

Martyn ***********

They said 15 days to be in the royal gazette, my guess is the 30 days will start end of June... But nobody knows.....

0

Simon *******

Simon *******

What is wrong with all the people on here thinking its the end of the World,an evisa is easy to get and cheap you don't have to go toan embassy to get one,what are you all frightened of.

0

Malcolm **********

Malcolm **********

Would you prefer to have the change happen instantly it been agreed so people already on the way would find that the rules have changed when they land, which do you think is better to forewarn everybody or to impose it immediately

0

Brian **********

Brian **********

I'm travelling soon. When I applied for a Visa they wrote back asking for a letter confirming that I would not travel before they made a decision 'and it's would take at least 15 working days'...meaning I would lose everything. So I will withdraw the application.

2

Trustworthy************

Trustworthy************

Brian Merriman did you get your money back?

1

Peter **********

Peter **********

If you are a tourist 30 days should be enough

If you are long stay

Get A Proper Visa from your own country

Simples

0

Todd ********

Todd ********

Evisa??? What evisa? If you enter with a visa exemption allowed from your country which the majority of tourists . the optional visa you might need if you want to stay longer shouldnt crash. The world is not crashing 🤨

0

Tongjun **

Tongjun **

Todd Capron

What are you crowing on about, 🥱

1

Chris *********************

Chris *********************

OP

Todd Capron what the fk you talking about, read what I asked,

1

CharmingG**********

CharmingG**********

Cheap charlie

0

Glennstev ***********

Glennstev ***********

CharmingGiraffe9403 You probably volunteer to pay tax

0

Mike *******

Mike *******

I have a visa for 90-days, and it was approved. I emailed them and they told me, approved visas do not have to worry. My honored 90-days is official.

0

AmbitiousG**********

AmbitiousG**********

Mike Grier how did you get the 90-days visa sir? May I ask the process and how much please?

0

Mike *******

Mike *******

AmbitiousGiraffe7165 applied through the evisa website. Submitted the documents they needed. It was an option, not sure if it’s still online.

0

Paul *******

Paul *******

Mike Grier Why would it not be? the changes are to the visa exempt entry

1

Mike *******

Mike *******

Paul Jones I am just sharing that if it’s already approved then no changes will happen to your visa. I’m not saying it would be changes. 😂 😂

0

Martin ********

Martin ********

Go to Vietnam. Malaysia Philippines Cambodia for a change.

2

Steven ***************

Steven ***************

OMG the sky is falling, the sky is falling. Good grief.

0

Jan **********

Jan **********

😴

0

Gordon ************

Gordon ************

Just get a visa ✌️✌️✌️

0

Dca *****

Dca *****

it's not the end of the world

it's still a free stamp of unilateral visa exemption for tourism of 60 days stay for 93 countries/territories right now and whenever the Thai Interior Ministry Announcements/Notices are gazetted in the Thailand Royal Gazette, there will still be an additional 15 days for it to come into legal effect

the Thai eVisa Website works fine as it can be before, now, and after any Thai Interior Ministry Announcements

if anyone wants to get a Thai E–Visa right now, nothing and no one is stopping them

in fact, and for many countries around the world for quite some time now, if you apply for a visa way too far in advance without firm plans or a tentative itinerary, then an embassy/consulate won't accept or even consider such an early visa application

1

Von ***********

Von ***********

You want a waa waa burger with your cries???

0

Tom ******

Tom ******

Take a look at how much bullshit and bank statments they want to get a tourist visa. Ridiculous

4

David ********

David ********

Tom Pola I tried to apply for multiple entry visa 2 years ago, it kept saying the photo was the wrong size, took the £150.00 but never received the visa..London thai embassy never answered phone or e mails I sent them.

2

Kim *********

Kim *********

David Hughes if the photo was the wrong size then you can't continue the application which means you can't get to the payment option.

0

Tom ******

Tom ******

David Hughes Yes David that seems to be common occurrence around the world at quite a few Thai Consular sections at Embassies.

An Aussie mate has recently tried to send emails to the Consular Section in Canberra to ask a few questions about getting a Non O 90 day visa as he's looking at retiring in Thailand.

Tried for several days to send an email and repeatedly it came back saying inbox was full. At the same time he tried to call them on the number they provided on the website but was never able to get to speak to anyone.

Finally after a week of trying everyday for a couple of hours each day he gave up. Was fortunate he didn't get through as he would probably have done his doe like you did David.

He asked me if I knew of an agent he could use in Thailand to facilitate the visa in country after entering on a visa exempt arrival entry. As there's lots on Facebook advertising their services I had a quick look and sent the contact details to him. He duly got in touch with them and has an appointment the morning after he arrives in Bangkok to complete all the requirements that day and will end up with an initial Non O 90 day stamp, a bank account opened for him and a 12 month extension all to be completed in one day .

Amazing, great service for a price of nearly 70 K. Not that long ago the same procedure was only 35K I heard from a friend.

None of this is a secret, there are now lots more agencies advertising these services. Quite a lucrative business i would think. Everybody gets their share of the fees paid of course.

Not that long ago there were Thai Consulates all around the UK where you could either post your application or simply pop into and get a visa issued either on the spot or picking it up a couple of days later.

Now it's all evisa applications ( as it is with most countries these days ) so it's fraught with problems as I've described above.

A lot of Thai Government Department's that use online services have problems as they aren't set up properly or don't use the latest technolgy and are extremely difficult to use.

That's why so many people are happy to pay an agent and things work out just fine with less headaches.

Not going to improve either.

2

David ********

David ********

Tom Pola I do remember years ago it was possible to call a Thai office in Liverpool and then go along a few days later to get a visa and pay cash.

0

Paul *************

Paul *************

Tom Pola I have. It isn’t that bad. Grow fucking up dude.

0

Cliff **************

Cliff **************

Tourists may be 'affected' once the changes are 'effected'.

0

Mat *********

Mat *********

TiT - this is Thailand

0

James **********

James **********

It's hardly a big deal, you enter on 30 days and pay 1900b for a 30 day extension, or buy a tourist visa for the same price.

There isnt any reason to panic at all

15

Primož *******

Primož *******

James Mitchell For 60 days tourist visa some consulates require bookings for all 60 days (!?) accomodation, so it could be really pain in the ass and huge difference to freedom you had entering visa exempt....

0

James **********

James **********

Primož Rutar then do visa exempt and 30 day extension.

0

Nicknam*******

Nicknam*******

James Mitchell some people just seriously love to panic and create drama. They need it. They feed it. OP is one of those people.

1

Chris *********************

Chris *********************

OP

Nickname

*****

3 it was a plain and simple question, that I have been asked a few times from friends in the uk.60 days or 30 days doesn't affect me ,iv been living here on and off for 15 years on a NON O marriage visa, so if you don't know the facts, don't assume please.

0

Simon *******

Simon *******

James Mitchell at current exchange rates a 60 day visa is £30 or 1314 bht if the get a visa before they leave it is cheaper than an extension and less hassle..

0

James **********

James **********

Simon Adams well there you go, even less reason to make a big deal about it.

0

Roger **********

Roger **********

For any travelling, including Thailand, always have a Plan B. If the 30-days will impact you, then you can always extend time (that'll give you 15-days from the time of the extension stamp), or you do have the option to take a few days holiday to Laos. The other, better alternative, if you know know you are staying for over 40-60 days, then apply for the e-visa. The embassy websites generally have information on each visa to apply for, what you need, validity and how long you will be allowed to stay in a trip.

0

Luc ************

Luc ************

Nothing so easy to get a visa. Ridiculous post.

1

Kate *********

Kate *********

Luc De Clerck just remind me again of the price of a 60 day single entry tourist visa for an NZ Citizen. ? Not a ridiculous post

0

Paul *********

Paul *********

Luc De Clerck As you seem to know everything!!!!! Can let us ALL know the last time you tried to apply on a phone? Can you shed any light on the 10 plus time it "times out" and you forced to start the whole process again. Yes its very easy....not!!!!

1

Phil *******

Phil *******

You'll know when it's officially announced in the Gazette, until then stop criticising.

0

Elías ********

Elías ********

It's a standard procedure all around the world. The Parliament votes something, then it needs to be signed/approved by the president/primer minister/king and from that day they'll tell that it will be enforced after xx days or xx months.

In Thailand’s case, it'll be enforced 15 days after it's published in the Royal Gazette.

They informed about the Parliament vote last week, you could have applied for a regular tourist visa then and you might even have had it approved by now.

The process is online.

My mother applied for a TR-60 visa last year, as she was staying more than the 15 days allowed by the visa on arrival (yes, VOA, not visa exemption) for her country passport. She applied on a Friday local time and had it by Monday morning local time. The price? Around USD 40 in local currency.

0

Ralph *******

Ralph *******

If you’ve booked for more than 30 days then you can get an extension if you need it. But a single entry visa may be a simpler way to go.

0

Tom *******

Tom *******

Tourist Visa $40 for Americans -easy approval process.. I am here on one now — when I arrived

****

it was still 60 days visa free entry but there was so much talk about it I decided to get it as “insurance” just in case. With this Visa I got the 60 days guaranteed & I went and got approved for the extra 30 days already. The IM Officer even gave me a knowing smile acknowledging I was smart (chalad maak maak) 555.

Someone correct me if I am wrong but even with the 30 day visa free entry the Tourist Visa will have the same benefits I just described

1

Carl ********

Carl ********

It’s Thailand , leave your common sense and logic at the border ! Wouldn’t change it for the world though.

8

Denny *******

Denny *******

I’ve just applied for a Non-O through the London embassy and it was approved within 1 day submitted Thursday received Friday

I was expecting a bit of a delay but zero issues

9

Paul *******

Paul *******

Denny Moore Some guy from France is bleating about 28 day lead time for a tourist visa.

0

Brandon ************

Brandon ************

the Thai embassy in Paris can indeed take that long or longer. One of the worst Thai embassies in the world

0

Denny *******

Denny *******

Paul Jones zero issues with mine but was expecting some

I don’t travel till 19th July and they still done mine pretty much straight away

0

Tony **********

Tony **********

Denny Moore how much did they charge,I know I can get this on the website,but would appreciate the information.

0

Denny *******

Denny *******

Tony Thompson £60 Tony

0

Marco *****************

Marco *****************

Denny Moorewhat documents did you need for thst? Do you need to attach your banking info to show steady income?

1

Denny *******

Denny *******

Marco Antonio Cuevas yes the past 3 months banks statements

I’m married to a Thai so had to send marriage certificates and her ID card but that’s because I said I’m staying at our house

Other than that just passport and photo and proof of address I sent utility bill

0

John **********

John **********

They haven't announced a date because they haven't finalised everything yet. Once they do it will be announced in the Royal Gazette and the change will come into effect 15 days later.

18

David *********

David *********

@John *********

They started talking about this in January.Now it's the end of May.Wow typical Thailand.Don't give a s--to about tourists

0

Christian ********

Christian ********

Martin Martin there is no problem. the can extend 30 days in thailand or aply for a visa. they even can do this now.

1

Martin ********

Martin ********

Christian Vogler Yes I'm ok I understand all this I'm just saying that for some people who have not been before or who don't understand the system it can be a bit confusing and annoying.

0

Philip *******

Philip *******

Martin Martin you’ll have time to work it out

0

Martin ********

Martin ********

Philip Adams me?

I'm good thanks 🙏👍🏻

0

John **********

John **********

@Martin *******

they have plenty of time to get a tourist visa then surely?

3

Martin ********

Martin ********

@John *********

I guess so

0

Understandin*************

Understandin*************

Just get a visa, avoid all the guessing

24

Lauren ******************

Lauren ******************

UnderstandingChipmunk6662 from what iv been told that's not straight forward, from people that have made the effort

0

Brandon ************

Brandon ************

@Lauren *****************

you've been told wrong

0

Tia ************

Tia ************

@Brandon ***********

I applied for a tourist visa via London embassy and received mine in 3 days! Super easy :)

1

Paul *******

Paul *******

Lauren Frances Perkins 10 minutes and £28. very easy

1

Lisa *********

Lisa *********

Lauren Frances Perkins 60 day visa is cheap as chips! 1,400B

0

Tony *********

Tony *********

Shaughn Prestidge The Thai embassy in NZ charges like a wounded bull. Too expensive for anything

0

Anne *******

Anne *******

Shaughn Prestidge I get the feeling someone hates Kiwis Insane that prices aren't standardised

0

Shaughn ***********

Shaughn ***********

Lisa Callard almost 6000B at the NZ embassy for kiwis

2

Understandin*************

Understandin*************

Lauren Frances Perkins I've got a mate that said it's very easy. Little effort, did it online.

1

Skilled********

Skilled********

Valid question but also know they do allow a small grace period of aboit 15 days from when it's published officially in the Royal News.

Im scheduled to land July 5 and yes I've been wondering what to do as I intend to maximize my holiday days. And for all the ppl who want to chirp about buying a visa. Yes I will if I have to but if zmI don't have to why would I thats what visa exempt or visa on arrival is intended for

3

Lynnette *******

Lynnette *******

SkilledLynx4998 or come 30 days exempt and extend 30 days ( if passport allows)

1

Skilled********

Skilled********

Lynnette Munoz yes that is on the table too

0

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