Thailand’s 30-Day Visa: What Changed and What You Need to Know

Good news first

As of 2024, Thailand extended its visa-free stay to 60 days for citizens of most Western countries. If you’re from the USA, UK, EU, Australia, Canada, or most other developed nations, you get 60 days on arrival without applying for anything. The old 30-day limit is largely gone for tourists from these countries.

This is a significant change and worth knowing if you’re planning a longer trip.

Who still gets 30 days

Some nationalities still receive only 30 days. The list changes, so check the Thai Embassy website for your specific passport. Generally, if you’re from a major Western country, you’re likely getting 60 days now.

What happens at the border

You arrive, fill an arrival card, queue for immigration. The officer stamps your passport with the allowed stay (30 or 60 days depending on your nationality). No visa application, no fee, no documents beyond your passport and return flight. I’ve done this probably 15 times and it’s straightforward as long as you’re not flagged for multiple repeated entries (see below).

The repeated entry question

Thailand has no formal limit on how many times you can enter on visa exemptions, but immigration officers can and do refuse entry to people who appear to be living in Thailand on tourist status rather than genuinely visiting. If you’re doing extended stays, consider applying for a proper long-stay visa through a Thai consulate — much cleaner than repeated visa runs.