The 60-day visa-free stay is gone. Here is how to plan around 30 days

Since 15 September, a UK, US or Canadian passport holder arriving visa-free gets 30 days, not 60. If you are coming to look at homes in Hua Hin, that changes how you plan the trip. Every claim carries a numbered source at the foot of the post.

What the news says

• The Royal Gazette published the revised rules on 31 August 2026. They take effect on 15 September 2026, and the 60-day exemption ends that day [1] [2].
• The 30-day exemption now covers 60 countries and territories, including the United Kingdom, the United States and Canada [1].
• A separate 15-day exemption applies to Seychelles and Mauritius. Azerbaijan, Belarus and Serbia move to Visa on Arrival [1].
• At land border crossings, you can generally enter under the 30-day exemption no more than twice per calendar year [1].
• EY describes the package as revoking the 60-day scheme, shortening the list of eligible countries and significantly restricting Visa on Arrival [2]. The Cabinet gave its in-principle approval on 19 May, to address misuse of entry privileges and to strengthen national security controls [2].

What it means for a house-hunting trip

A two-month scouting trip no longer fits inside the visa-free period. A month does, if you plan it. The first week usually goes on jet lag, shortlisting and choosing an area. Viewings, a second look at the best two or three places and the paperwork questions then have to fit into the rest.

If you intend to live here for a year or more, the visa-free route was never the right foundation, and the shorter period makes that plainer. One long-stay route is the Destination Thailand Visa, aimed at remote workers and freelancers whose income comes from abroad. Thaiger's guide notes it prohibits work for Thai entities and does not by itself give you access to a Thai bank account [3]. That guide dates from February, and the rules have moved since, so we check the current requirements before advising anyone.

What we do about it

• We help you shape the trip: which 30 days, which areas, which viewings, in what order.
• We help you work out which longer-stay route might fit your situation, and we send you to the official source to confirm.
• We never promise an approval. Immigration decides.

Talk to us. Tell us your dates and who is travelling, and we will build a 30-day plan around them. WhatsApp +44 7763 597345

David and the TCT team

Sources

• [1] TAT Newsroom, "Thailand introduces new 30-day and 15-day visa exemption rules from 15 September", 1 September 2026. tatnews.org
• [2] EY Tax News, "Thailand announces its revised visa exemption and visa on arrival policies", 8 September 2026. taxnews.ey.com
• [3] Thaiger, "DTV Thailand Visa 2026: Guide to the new regulatory framework", 18 February 2026. thethaiger.com