Thailand has announced a significant change to its visa policy, reducing the visa-free stay for travellers from 60 days to 30 days, effective from 15 September 2026. This adjustment affects UK passport holders and others from 60 countries, including the United States and Australia, who previously enjoyed a two-month stay without a visa.
The revised measures, published in the Royal Gazette on 31 August, could impact backpackers, gap-year travellers, and those planning extended winter trips across Southeast Asia. Jurgen Himmelmann, co-founder and CEO of Global Work & Travel, emphasised the importance of understanding the new rules: “This is a significant change for anyone planning a longer trip to Thailand because 30 days can pass incredibly quickly when you’re travelling.”
Travellers arriving before 15 September will not be affected by the new rules and can stay for the period already granted on their immigration stamp. However, those entering from 15 September will need to consider visa options if planning to stay longer than 30 days. The Royal Thai Embassy notes that the 30-day visa-exempt stay can potentially be extended for another 30 days at the discretion of immigration officers.
Himmelmann advises travellers to check the official Thai guidance and plan accordingly: “If you’ve got a 35, 40, or 50-day Thailand trip booked for later this year, this is something I’d check now.” The change reverses the 60-day visa exemption introduced in July 2024, reflecting considerations of national security, tourism, and economic interests