Planning a trip to Thailand? If you have been relying on the country's 60-day visa-free entry, there is an important Thailand visa update you need to know before booking your next holiday.
Thailand is revising its visa-exemption policy, reducing the visa-free stay available to most eligible foreign tourists from 60 days to 30 days under the new rules.
The change follows Thailand's decision to revise the visa exemption and Visa on Arrival schemes. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) reported that the government approved the revised framework, replacing the previous 60-day arrangement with shorter periods depending on nationality.
What Is Changing for Tourists?
The previous system, introduced in July 2024, allowed eligible visitors from 93 countries and territories to enter Thailand without a visa and stay for up to 60 days, subject to the applicable conditions.
Under the revised system, eligible nationalities will generally receive a 30-day visa-exempt stay. Some nationalities will instead have a 15-day exemption or Visa on Arrival arrangement.
The Thailand Government Public Relations Department has confirmed the government's decision to revise the previous visa exemption and Visa on Arrival arrangements.
For international travelers, this means that an old travel plan based on a 60-day visa-free stay may no longer apply. If you intend to remain in Thailand for more than 30 days, check whether you need a tourist visa or another appropriate immigration option.
Is Thailand Introducing a 450-Baht Tourist Fee?
Another issue travelers may have seen online is a proposed 450-baht Thailand tourist entry fee.
There is an important distinction here: the 450-baht fee is a proposal, not a fee currently required from tourists at the border.
According to the Thailand Government Public Relations Department, Thailand's Ministry of Tourism and Sports has proposed a tourism fee of 450 baht per foreign visitor, regardless of whether the traveler arrives by air, land or sea.
The proposal still requires the relevant procedures before it can be implemented. Travelers should therefore not add 450 baht to their current Thailand entry costs based solely on reports about the proposal.
Don't Confuse the Tourist Fee With the Airport Charge
Thailand also has a separate Passenger Service Charge (PSC) for passengers using its airports.
Airports of Thailand (AOT) increased the international PSC from 730 baht to 1,120 baht per passenger, effective June 20, 2026, at its six airports.
This is an airport passenger service charge and is separate from the proposed 450-baht tourism fee. The Airports of Thailand (AOT) announcement provides the details of the revised charge.
What Should Travelers Do Before Visiting Thailand?
If you are planning a vacation in Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai, Pattaya, Krabi or another Thai destination, don't rely on visa information published before the latest changes.
Before traveling, check:
- Your country's current visa-exemption status
- How many days you are permitted to stay
- Whether you need a tourist visa for a longer trip
- Your passport's validity requirements
- Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) requirements
- Current airport and travel charges
The official Thailand Immigration TDAC information confirms that foreign nationals entering Thailand must complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card within the required period before arrival.
Final Word
Thailand remains one of the world's most popular tourist destinations, but its immigration rules are changing.
The biggest takeaway for travelers is simple: don't assume that the old 60-day visa-free rule still applies to your next trip.
If you are planning to stay in Thailand for more than 30 days, check the latest requirements for your nationality before you travel. And while the 450-baht tourist fee has been proposed, it should not currently be treated as an existing mandatory entry charge.
For international tourists, checking the latest official information before departure can save you from unexpected problems at the airport or immigration checkpoint.
