European travelers planning a long trip to Thailand will soon need to fit it into one month or secure another form of permission. Starting September 15, Thailand will reduce visa-free stays for passport holders from all 27 European Union countries from 60 to 30 days. The change applies to arrivals on or after that date. It reverses the expanded exemption introduced in July 2024, which gave eligible visitors up to 60 days without obtaining a visa in advance.
The final rules appeared in Thailand’s Royal Gazette on August 31, ending months of uncertainty over when the shorter allowance would begin. The Tourism Authority of Thailand has confirmed that the new framework will replace the 60-day exemption on September 15. Travelers entering Thailand through September 14 will remain under the existing system, while anyone admitted before the change can stay for the period immigration authorities have already granted.
Thailand’s Three Revised Visa Categories Cover 65 Countries And Territories
Although the change directly affects all 27 EU member states, the final Royal Gazette list also covers the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, India, Japan, and other major tourism markets. In total, 60 countries and territories qualify for the new 30-day exemption. Mauritius and Seychelles will receive separate 15-day exemptions, while citizens of Azerbaijan, Belarus, and Serbia will remain eligible for Visa on Arrival.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand also confirmed that existing bilateral arrangements will continue where applicable, providing stays of 90, 30, or 14 days depending on nationality. Thailand introduced the 60-day exemption in 2024 for citizens of 93 countries and territories. When the Cabinet approved its replacement, the Government Public Relations Department said officials had considered economic and security concerns, international relations, and reciprocity.
The agency said the policy aims to “prevent misuse of visa privileges” and follows a “one country, one entitlement” principle, under which each nationality receives one applicable entry benefit. The department also said the review “is not intended to discourage tourism,” but to prevent visitors from using tourist entry privileges for illegal activities.
How EU Travelers Can Stay In Thailand Beyond 30 Days
EU travelers who want to remain in Thailand for more than 30 days will still have other options. Euronews reported that visitors admitted under the new exemption will be able to request one extension, subject to an immigration officer’s approval. However, Thailand’s new Royal Gazette notice and the latest Tourism Authority announcement do not specify the length or conditions of that extension. Travelers should therefore confirm the current requirements with Thai immigration authorities before relying on an extension.
Travelers planning a substantially longer stay can apply for the Destination Thailand Visa. According to guidance updated by the Royal Thai Embassy in London on August 31, the multiple-entry DTV remains valid for five years and allows stays of up to 180 days per entry. Holders may request one extension of up to another 180 days. Applicants must provide financial evidence showing at least 500,000 baht and documentation supporting an eligible purpose, such as remote work, medical treatment, or participation in certain activities. Additional requirements may vary by the embassy processing the application.
The new rules also limit visa-exempt entries through land-border checkpoints. Most eligible visitors may use the exemption at a land border no more than twice per calendar year. Citizens of Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore are exempt from that cap. Foreign visitors who will pass through immigration must also complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card within the three days before arrival, including the arrival date. Transit passengers who do not clear immigration and crew members are exempt.
