Thailand will restrict visa-exempt entry to tourism only, from September 15, ending the previous allowance for short-term business engagements and urgent or ad-hoc assignments.
The former 60-day visa-exemption arrangement is being replaced by a 30-day tourism-only stay. Foreigners travelling to Thailand specifically for business meetings, contract work or urgent assignments should no longer assume they can enter without first arranging the appropriate visa.
The change was published in the Royal Gazette on August 31 and takes effect 15 days later. Thailand's Government Public Relations Department confirmed on September 4 that visa-exempt entry under the revised system is for tourism only.
Short business visits now need planning
Thailand introduced the 60-day exemption on July 15, 2024, allowing nationals of 93 countries and territories to enter for tourism, short-term business engagements or urgent and ad-hoc work. Eligible visitors could also seek an extension of up to 30 days, subject to immigration approval.
That framework is now being withdrawn. The replacement 30-day exemption covers 60 countries and territories, while Mauritius and Seychelles will receive separate 15-day tourism exemptions.
For expats, overseas companies and frequent business travellers, the practical effect is likely to be felt most by those making brief work-related trips. This could include consultants on a one-week assignment, engineers sent to install equipment, conference speakers, and visitors travelling to attend meetings, sign contracts or conduct similar business activity.
Anyone entering for these purposes from September 15 may need to obtain a Non-Immigrant B visa before travel. A work permit may also be needed, depending on the activity.
Urgent assignments remain unclear
One unresolved question concerns Thailand's urgent-work notification process, which previously allowed certain necessary and urgent assignments for up to 15 days.
Immigration advisory firm Newland Chase said it remains unclear whether applications for an Urgent Work Permit can be made by people arriving under the new 30-day tourism exemption. The Department of Employment has yet to provide clarification.
Until that guidance is issued, foreigners with short-notice assignments in Thailand face uncertainty if they rely on visa-exempt entry. Those with work-related travel already booked may wish to confirm their visa and work-authorisation requirements before flying.
Existing arrivals keep their permitted stay
The rule change is not retrospective. Foreigners who arrive before September 15 under the existing exemption can remain until the date stamped in their passport, with the current rules applying to their stay.
For those planning a business-related visit after that date, travelling before the deadline may avoid the immediate change. Even then, the safest course is to obtain suitable visa and work authorisation rather than relying on the exemption for short-term business or urgent assignments.
Extension rules have not changed
Travellers on the 30-day exemption can still apply for one extension of up to 30 additional days at any immigration office, for a fee of 1,900 baht. That makes the practical maximum stay on a visa exemption 60 days, down from 90 days under the old 60-day scheme with its extension.
Caps visa-exempt land border entries at two a year
From September 15 most nationalities will continue to be able to can use the exemption at a land checkpoint twice a calendar year, and no more. Air arrivals are not affected by the counting.
Four nationalities are exempt from the cap. Malaysians, Bruneians, Indonesians and Singaporeans may keep crossing by land without a limit.
The same twice-a-year ceiling covers the new 15-day exemption given to Seychelles and Mauritius.
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7 September 2026
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