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Thailand Scales Back 60-Day Visa Exemption: What It Means for Visitors to Koh Lanta
The Thai Cabinet approved a revision to the country's 60-day visa exemption scheme on 21 May 2026, affecting nationals from 93 countries and territories. The original scheme launched in July 2024 and gave many visitors an automatic 60 days on arrival. Under the revised rules, most of those travelers will receive either 30 days or 15 days instead. The changes take effect 15 days after publication in the Royal Gazette, which had not yet been confirmed as of 21 May 2026, so the current rules remain valid until that date passes.
What Changes for Which Nationalities
The revision splits the 93 affected countries and territories into different categories:
- 54 countries/territories will receive a 30-day visa exemption
- 3 countries/territories will receive a 15-day visa exemption
- 4 countries/territories will continue to have access to a Visa on Arrival
- Bilateral agreement holders are not affected and continue under their existing arrangements of 14, 30, or 90 days depending on the specific deal
When Do the New Rules Kick In
The revised scheme becomes effective 15 days after it is published in the Royal Gazette. As of 21 May 2026, that publication date had not been announced. If you are already in Thailand, or you enter before the revision takes effect, you are entitled to stay for the full duration of your originally permitted visit.
How Decisions Are Made
The Visa Policy Committee, chaired by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, oversees the scheme. Countries are assessed individually based on security and economic considerations, which is why the new allowances vary across nationalities.
What You Should Do Now
If you are planning a trip to Koh Lanta and want to confirm which category applies to your passport, check the following:
- Thailand Ministry of Foreign Affairs announcements
- Your nearest Royal Thai Embassy or Royal Thai Consulate
- Official updates from the Tourism Authority of Thailand
Do not assume the 60-day allowance still applies when you book or travel, as the Royal Gazette publication could happen at any point.
Information sourced from TAT News.