Thailand Implements New 30-Day Visa-Exempt Entry Rules for 60 Nations

Effective September 15, 2026, the Thai Ministry of Interior has officially revised its visa exemption framework. The previous 60-day visa-exempt entry scheme, which applied to 93 countries and territories, has been revoked and replaced with a more restrictive policy. Under the new regulations, nationals from 60 specific countries—including Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Bhutan, and Brunei—are now limited to a maximum of 30 days of visa-exempt entry for tourism purposes.

This policy shift represents a significant tightening of Thailand's border management strategy. The government has not provided a singular reason for the reduction, though industry analysts suggest it is part of a broader effort to streamline immigration processing and manage the influx of long-term visitors. Travellers who entered Thailand under the previous 60-day rules prior to the September 15 cutoff are permitted to remain for the full duration granted upon their arrival, but all entries from the effective date forward are subject to the new 30-day limit.

This change impacts citizens of the 60 designated countries and territories who previously relied on the 60-day visa-exempt window for tourism. It specifically affects digital nomads, long-term vacationers, and business travellers who do not hold a formal work or long-stay visa.

Makutet expects this move to be the first in a series of adjustments as Thailand balances its tourism-dependent economy with concerns over immigration control. We anticipate that the government may introduce a more complex, tiered visa system in 2027 to better distinguish between short-term tourists and those seeking to reside in the country for extended periods.