Is it true that Thailand reduced the visa from 60 to 30 days?

Some media outlets and travel publics are writing about this en masse, without going into details or understanding the topic, and presenting this information as a sensation. In fact, reports about reducing the visa to Thailand from 60 to 30 days are fake. In reality, the visa-free period was reduced from 60 days to 30, or more precisely, it was even returned to 30 days, as it was before. The validity period of a single-entry tourist visa remains the same – 60 days with the right to extend for 30 days. Similarly, visa-free entry can also be extended for 30 days. Let's figure out what was and what became:

What was and what became

Since September 15, 2026, Thailand has reduced the period of visa-free entry from 60 days to 30. Moreover, the word "reduced" here is not entirely honest. It would be more correct to say "returned". The 60-day visa-free stay was a temporary anti-crisis measure after the pandemic. The promotion ended, and it rolled back to the previous 30 days.

But many media outlets wrote "the visa was reduced". And here is the main mistake. Visa-free entry and a visa are two different mechanisms, like a taxi and a personal car. They go in the same direction, but the rules and documents are different.

No one touched the tourist visa

A single-entry tourist visa (TR Visa) still gives 60 days. Plus, it can still be extended for 30 days at the immigration bureau already in the country. That is, a total of 90 days if planned in advance. We have obtained such visas and extended them on site more than once, the scheme works and has not changed.

Comparison of visa-free entry and tourist visa to Thailand in 2026

Parameter	Visa-free entry	Tourist visa (TR)
Stay period	30 days	60 days
Extension in Thailand	Yes, for 30 days (1900 baht)	Yes, for 30 days (1900 baht)
Maximum total	60 days	90 days
Processing	Not needed, only TDAC	Online via thaievisa.go.th
Cost	Free	40 USD single-entry

Who was actually affected

Those who planned to winter over on visa-free entry. Previously, you entered for 60, extended for 30, and stayed the season. Now visa-free gives 30 plus 30 extension. For a long winter stay, it's not enough; you'll have to either apply for a visa in advance or do a visa run.

For short trips of 10-14 days, nothing has changed at all. People used to fly for two weeks, for them 30 days is more than enough.

What threatens for overstaying

Overstay costs 500 baht per day, but not more than 20,000 baht. If you overstay by one day, a fine is usually not charged. But if you exceed the period by 15 days or more, it's already a border violation, deportation, and blacklist.

Don't forget about TDAC

All tourists, both with a visa and visa-free, fill out the electronic Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) form on the website https://tdac.immigration.go.th or in the THIM app. This is not a visa or entry permit, just guest registration. Fill it out no earlier than 3 days before arrival. Tip from practice: use an email on a .com domain, confirmation sometimes doesn't arrive on Russian domains.

So what's the bottom line

The visa to Thailand was not reduced. The visa-free period was reduced, returning it to the usual 30 days. The tourist visa still gives 60 days, plus a 30-day extension. Visa-free can also be extended for 30. The maximum on visa-free is now 60 days, on a visa 90.

For short trips, nothing has changed. For long winter stays, the scheme has become more complicated, but solvable. The main thing is not to believe loud headlines and check primary sources.

If you have any questions or want to clarify details for your situation, check out the full guide to visas and visa-free entry to Thailand. It has everything: from passport requirements to embassy addresses and a list of border crossings where you can get a visa on arrival.

Where to go in Thailand for the first time?
Do I need a category "A" license to rent a motorbike?
Can I exchange rubles in Phuket?
Follow the link, all these questions are discussed in the chat - https://t.me/thailand_travel_chat