How many days can you legally stay in Thailand in 2026? How do you calculate your exact deadline? And what if you want to stay longer than 60 days? This guide answers all these questions with concrete examples, a decision table, and up-to-date rules to avoid any issues with Thai immigration.
Maximum stay duration in Thailand in 2026
In 2026, French, Belgian, Swiss, and Canadian nationals can stay in Thailand for up to 60 days without a visa, thanks to the automatic exemption in effect since July 15, 2024 (previously 30 days). No prior steps are required — only the TDAC form must be completed before arrival.
The reduction of the exemption period to 30 days, mentioned in the press in 2025, has not been implemented as of the update date of this guide. The rule remains 60 days.
How to calculate your stay deadline
This is where many travelers make mistakes. The fundamental rule: the date stamped on your passport’s entry stamp is authoritative, not your visa’s expiration date.
At each border crossing, the immigration officer affixes a stamp stating “Permitted to stay until [date]”. You must strictly adhere to this date. If your visa is valid for 3 months but the stamp indicates 60 days, you must leave within 60 days.
Formula: Entry Date + Days Granted = Stay Deadline
- Example 1: Entry on June 1, 2026 with exemption (60 days) → You must leave Thailand by July 31, 2026 at the latest
- Example 2: Entry on December 15, 2026 + 30-day extension → Deadline February 12, 2027
- Tip: ALWAYS check your stamp upon arrival, especially at land crossings (the stamp is sometimes forgotten)
Decision table: which option based on your stay duration?
| Desired Duration | Recommended Option | Procedures | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Less than 60 days | Automatic exemption | TDAC only | Free |
| 60 to 90 days | Exemption + extension OR TR single visa + extension | Extension at immigration office | ~50 € (1,900 THB) |
| 3 to 6 months | TR Multiple Visa | Embassy application or e-visa | ~70 € |
| 6 months to 1 year | Non-Immigrant Visa (O-A retirement, B work) | Embassy application with conditions | Variable |
| Long duration (10 years) | LTR Visa (Long-Term Resident) | High financial conditions | Variable |
Extend your stay by an additional 30 days
If your stay under exemption (60 days) or TR visa is coming to an end and you wish to stay a little longer, you can apply for a 30-day extension at the local immigration office:
- Go to the nearest immigration office (Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, etc.)
- Present your passport, a recent passport photo, and form TM7 (available on-site or online)
- Pay the fee of 1,900 THB (~50 €)
- Receive a 30-day extension stamp in your passport
Important: This procedure must be completed before your current stay expires. An extension is generally granted only once per entry. The maximum total stay with extension is 90 days.
Rules on border crossings
Many long-term travelers used to do “visa runs” — leaving Thailand to re-enter and get a new 60-day counter. Since 2024, the rules have tightened:
- Land crossings: Maximum 2 per year to benefit from the exemption at land border posts. Beyond that, a visa is required.
- Air crossings: No official limit — each entry by plane grants a new 60-day counter.
- Risk: Repeated land crossings can alert immigration officers, who may refuse entry if your history shows a repeated pattern.
Options for stays longer than 3 months
If you wish to stay in Thailand for more than 3 consecutive months legally, several visa options are available:
- TR Multiple Visa: Valid for 6 months, 60 days per entry, multiple entries allowed. ~70 EUR.
- Non-Immigrant O-A Visa (Retirement): For those aged 50 and over. Valid for 1 year, renewable. Conditions: 65,000 THB/month income or 800,000 THB in a Thai bank. Ideal for retirees (see Thailand retirement visa).
- LTR Visa (Long-Term Resident): Valid for 10 years, for wealthy retirees, digital nomads, investors. Strict financial conditions.
- Non-Immigrant B Visa (Work): Requires an employment contract with a Thai employer + Work Permit.
Overstay: consequences if you exceed the deadline
Staying beyond the date stamped on your passport is illegal. The consequences in 2026 are as follows:
- Fine: 500 THB (~13 €) per day of overstay, capped at 20,000 THB
- Entry ban: From 1 year (if you report yourself spontaneously with <90 days of overstay) to 10 years (if arrested with >1 year of overstay)
- Tip: In case of accidental overstay, report yourself immediately and spontaneously to immigration — penalties are significantly less severe
For more details on the consequences of overstay in Thailand, consult our dedicated guide.
FAQ — Thailand Stay Duration 2026
How many days can one stay in Thailand without a visa in 2026?
French, Belgian, Swiss, and Canadian nationals benefit from a 60-day exemption since July 15, 2024. No visa is required for stays shorter than 60 days.
How do I calculate my stay deadline in Thailand?
Add your entry date + the number of days granted on your stamp. Example: entry on June 1 + 60 days = you must leave Thailand before July 31. Always check the “Permitted to stay until [date]” on your passport’s entry stamp.
Can one extend a tourist stay in Thailand?
Yes. A 30-day extension is possible at the local immigration office for 1,900 THB (~50 €). It must be requested before the current stay expires and is granted only once per entry.
Are border runs to extend one’s stay legal?
By air, yes — with no official limit. By land, these crossings are limited to 2 per year since 2024. Immigration officers may refuse entry if the crossing history reveals an abusive use of the system.
Will the exemption period change to 30 days?
As of May 2026, the duration officially remains 60 days. Discussions took place in 2025 about a possible reduction, but no official decision has been announced or implemented to date.
Consult our complete Thailand tourist visa guide for application procedures, or our Thailand visa prices page for 2026 rates.
