Thailand's visa-free stay is now 30 days for Americans. Here's what changed

For a little over two years, Americans could land in Thailand and stay 60 days without a visa. That ended on September 14, 2026. From September 15, 2026, the visa-free stay for US passport holders is back to 30 days, and it covers tourism only.

What the new rule says

• 30 days on arrival, no visa needed, for tourism.
• One extension of up to 30 days can be requested at an immigration office in Thailand. It's at the officer's discretion.
• Land arrivals under the exemption are limited to two per calendar year. Arrivals by air and sea aren't capped in the same way.
• If you entered on or before September 14 with a 60-day stamp, you keep the stay you were given.

Everyone still has to fill in the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) online before arrival.

If you want 60 days for a scouting trip

Apply for the tourist e-visa (TR) before you leave. It gives 60 days from arrival, and you can extend by 30 days in Thailand. For a serious look at neighborhoods, schools and hospitals before committing, 60 to 90 days is far more useful than 30.

If you're moving for good

The exemption was never a way to live here, and now it's even less of one. Back-to-back "border runs" draw attention at immigration, and officers can refuse entry to people who look like they're living in Thailand on tourist stays.

The realistic long-stay options for Americans are:

What we suggest

1. Planning a first visit? Get the 60-day tourist e-visa.
2. Already decided? Pick your long-stay visa now and apply from home.
3. Not sure which one fits? Try our visa finder, or book a free call.