Will Thailand Slash the 60-Day Visa-Free Entry?

The program/policy , Thailand’s visa-free entry still allows eligible travelers from 93 countries and territories to stay up to 60 days and that’s the rule in force today. A proposal to cut that first entry period to 30 days cleared the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in March 2026 and is now waiting on Cabinet review, so no change has taken effect yet, honestly.

The push is about misuse, not tourism. Officials want to curb scam-linked stays and unauthorized work and travelers can still request a 30-day extension at immigration for ฿1,900, which could keep many trips at 60 days total, though it adds a trip to the office and a bit of hassle.

Who it affects

This hits backpackers, slow travelers and digital nomads planning to bounce around Thailand for a month or two. Short visits are fine, but longer stays get annoying fast, weirdly, because the extra extension step turns a simple entry into paperwork.

For nomads and expats, the practical pressure is on people who’ve been using visa-free entry as a low-friction bridge stay. The Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) still exists unchanged, with 180 days per entry, a 5-year multiple-entry setup and a ฿10,000 fee, so that’s the cleaner option for longer plans, frankly.

What to do

• No action yet if you’re entering now on visa-free terms, because the 60-day rule still applies.
• Check your passport has 6+ months validity, plus a return ticket, accommodation proof and the ETA.
• If you need more time, plan for the ฿1,900 extension in person, then budget for the wait.
• If you’re staying longer, look at a visa route like the DTV instead of gambling on extensions.

Thailand is still open, but the direction is clear and the easy long stay might get shorter soon. Read our full Thailand guide for the complete picture and keep an eye on visa updates.