Thailand's 30-day visa-free rule bites as tourists adjust

Travel desks returned on 10 October 2026 to Thailand's new visa regime, which since 15 September has cut the visa-exempt stay from 60 days to 30 days for nationals of around 60 countries and territories, including the UK, EU, US, Canada, Australia, Japan and India. The exemption now applies to tourism only, and travellers wanting to stay longer must either extend at an immigration office for 1,900 THB (about US$55), apply for a 60-day tourist visa before arrival, or use the newer Destination Thailand Visa for digital nomads and remote workers. Operators reported a reshuffle of long-stay itineraries, with some beach-town rental platforms seeing shorter booking windows and increased demand for extension services in Phuket, Chiang Mai and Pattaya. The change coincides with the start of Thailand's cool-season high period and the opening of the Phuket Vegetarian Festival (10-18 October), one of the country's biggest food events, driving regional traveller interest. Industry titles including Insubuy, Newland Chase and regional Thai outlets led with explainers on 10 October.