The Thai government has approved a decree abolishing the 60-day visa-free regime in force since 2024 for citizens of many countries, including Russia. Starting from September 15, 2026, the period of visa-free stay is reduced to 30 days.
The innovation will affect winterers - those who are used to spending 2-3 months in Thailand. Previously, the 60-day stamp could be extended for another 30 days inside the country - it turned out as many as 90 days without the need to leave. Now the base period is 30 days, and if the migration offices retain the paid extension, the maximum will be 60 days. But this is still questionable.
At the same time, Thailand restricts overland "visa-free" entry across the border with neighboring countries no more than twice per calendar year.
Against this background, experts predict a boom in long-term visas, especially the five-year DTV (Destination Thailand Visa). But here's a surprise: now you can apply for it exclusively from your country of citizenship or official residence. You will not be able to apply for it while already in Thailand or neighboring countries.
The changes are more significant for the citizens of Belarus and Azerbaijan . Starting from September 15, they will lose the right to visa-free entry. Now they will only have access to a visa on arrival. Previously, citizens of 31 countries could use such a visa, now this list has been reduced to three states: Azerbaijan, Belarus and Serbia.
Citizens Kazakhstan, on the contrary, retains the same conditions providing for 30-day visa-free entry. The rules haven't changed for them.
At the same time, for all foreigners, including Russians and Kazakhstanis, the possibility of extending a visa-free stay at the immigration office remains - you can request an additional 30 days, but the final decision remains with the immigration police.
