Visa Update May 2026

Thailand Slashes Visa-Free Stays – more than 90 countries affected

Thailand has cut visa-free stays for tourists from more than 90 countries. It sees the standard 60-day visa-free period reduced to 30 days for most nationalities. Some countries receiving only 15 days. Thailand’s foreign minister said the measures were not targeting any specific country, but individuals exploiting the visa system.

The changes to the tourist visa are designed for a number of reasons including to:

• crack down on foreign nationals abusing extended visa access
• reduce commit crimes in the country by tourists, including drug offences, sex trafficking and operating businesses without proper permits.

A timeline for when the new rules will come into effect has not been confirmed so, you may not find out until you are organising your visit to Thailand.

Tourists will be able to renew their visa in Thailand once by visiting an immigration office. Extensions though will be assessed on a case-by-case basis by an officer rather than granted automatically.

For most holidaymakers, 30 days will be more than sufficient – the average leisure trip to Thailand runs well under that. However, those planning extended stays, remote work trips or slow travel itineraries through Southeast Asia should flag the change now and discuss options including tourist visas or alternative destinations.

Source: Bangkok Post

 

What are the 5 big changes in Thailand, I hear you ask?

If you are travelling to Thailand in 2026, there are some key changes that tourists should be aware of:

– Thailand has introduced the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC). All foreign visitors, except for a few exemptions, must complete a digital arrival card within 72 hours before entering Thailand. This replaces the former paper TM6 form. It can be submitted via the official Thai Immigration portal, which will generate a QR code to show upon arrival.

– Stricter Visa Requirements. Thailand’s Immigration Bureau has introduced stricter screening for visiting travellers. Particularly for those who repeatedly use visa-exempt entry to remain in the country long-term. Those who appear to be living in Thailand through consecutive visa-exempt entries or frequent border runs may face additional questioning, warnings, denied entry, or refusal of extensions. If you want to stay long-term in Thailand consider a long-term visa.

– New Visa Options. I like this as Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) offers a multi-entry, long-stay option ideal for digital nomads, freelancers, remote workers, and professionals working outside Thailand. This visa is valid for 5 years with multiple entries, allowing stays of up to 180 days per entry, extendable once for an additional 180 days.

– Border Travel Advisory. Currently, there is a ‘do not travel’ advisory for the Thailand-Cambodia border area due to armed incidents and unpredictable security situations. Consult your government’s foreign affairs authority for the most current guidance.

– Health Insurance Requirements. Long-stay visas, such as retirement, marriage, business, digital nomad, and most non-immigrant visas, often require or strongly recommend reliable medical coverage. Private healthcare in Thailand is excellent, but costs can be high without proper coverage. Check out health insurance with organisations such as SafetyWing.

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