On 19 May 2026, Thailand's Cabinet approved a significant tightening of the country's visa-exemption scheme. Under the new framework, most of the roughly 90 nationalities that had been enjoying a 60-day visa-free stay (a policy introduced in July 2024 to boost tourism) will see that cut back to 30 days, with some nationalities' visa-on-arrival allowance shortened further still.
The change takes effect a set number of days after formal publication in Thailand's Royal Gazette. Until that publication takes effect, the previous, longer stay periods continue to apply — so it's genuinely worth checking the current status directly before you travel rather than assuming either the old or new rule is in force.
Why it's changing
Thai authorities have pointed to concerns that some visitors were using the extended 60-day exemption for unauthorised work or long-term stays rather than genuine short tourism, and that most ordinary tourists were already staying well under 30 days regardless of the longer allowance available to them.
What this means for a Phuket trip
For most holidaymakers on a one-to-three-week trip, this change won't affect anything. It matters most for long-stay visitors, digital nomads and retirees who had been relying on the 60-day exemption, or on repeated short exits and re-entries, to stay in Thailand without a longer-term visa. See our working & longer-term visas overview for the visa categories built for exactly this kind of longer stay.
Where to check the current rule
Because the exact effective date and country-by-country detail can shift right up until Royal Gazette publication, always confirm directly with your nearest Thai embassy or consulate, or Thailand's official immigration bureau, before finalising travel plans that depend on a specific visa-free stay length.