Visa-free stays in Thailand are now 30 days

Since 15 September 2026, visitors who enter Thailand under the visa exemption scheme receive a 30-day permission to stay. If you are used to longer visa-free stays, check the date on your entry stamp carefully and plan around it.

Can you stay longer?

Yes, in two ways.

Extend once at an immigration office. You can apply for a single 30-day extension of a visa-exempt stay at your local immigration office before your permission to stay runs out. In Chiang Mai, we prepare the forms, photos and TM30 paperwork and go with you to Chiang Mai Immigration. See our visa-exempt extension service and the step-by-step guide to extending a visa-exempt stay in Chiang Mai.

Switch to a visa that matches your plans. If you expect to spend months rather than weeks in Thailand, a longer-term visa usually makes more sense than repeated short stays:

• The Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) suits remote workers and people taking part in activities such as Muay Thai training.
• An education visa suits people who want to study Thai, another language or Muay Thai.
• A retirement visa extension suits people who meet the age and financial requirements.

Before you travel

Check that your passport is in good condition and keep proof of your accommodation and onward travel handy, because officers can ask questions at entry. Once you are here, make sure your accommodation files a TM30 notification for you.

Not sure which option fits? Message us and we will look at your situation.