Skip to main content

Thailand to cut visa-free stays to 30 days for British and Irish travellers this month

Thailand
Dea Jusufi
3 September 2026

Thailand will halve the length of visa-free stays for British and Irish travellers from 60 days to 30 later this month, reversing its decision two years ago to relax its visa regime.

Marble temple in Bangkok
iStock/tawanlubfah

The changes will have 'little impact' on the UK and Ireland market, according to Thailand's tourism body

The revised rules will take effect on 15 September, with travellers entering Thailand before that date continuing to enjoy the current 60-day visa exemption, with scope to apply to extend stays by a further 30 days.

The change, though, means UK and Irish visitors wanting to stay for more than 30 days will need to apply for the permission to remain, although the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has said the impact on the UK and Irish market is expected to be limited.

"The changes will have little impact on most holidays, as British and Irish visitors typically travel to Thailand for two to three weeks," said Worapa Angkhasirisap, TAT Director for the UK and Ireland.