Thailand: End Of 60-Day Visa Free Entry

Over the past 3 years dipping and out of Asia, my wife and I have made the most out of the visa free entry into Thailand. In fact, it's been the biggest saviours! Samar being Brazilian, brings a wave visa issues is most places in the worls, but not Thailand. They actually seem to favour the Brazilian passport more than the British which may surprise you, but it's true. However just like all good things don't last, we've been told we cannot reenter again without a visa.

Am I mad about it? No, I actually respect it. 7 months of 2025 we've spent in Thailand on visa-free visits. Some may say it's abusing the system, I'd say we're using a legal loopholes. Let's face it, border runs is what 80%+ of backpackers are doing and for the most part, it's not an issue bur things could be changing.

In May 2025 all foreign arrivals entering Thailand. by air, land or sea must complete a new digital form called the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC), this replaces the old paper version, TM6. Backpackers cannot just enter Thailand anymore with no plan, they need to have hotels booked, have proof of a flight out of Thailand and in some cases, proof of funds. People thought not much would change but all backpackers have said they've felt the new, stricter rules. You can read more on the official Thai Consulate website.

I've just published a blog on Thailand to Introduce Tourist Tax, worth a read if you're locked in on the rollback of the 60-day visa-free stay!

What's Changing and Why

Thailand immigration department have confirmed the 60-day visa-free scheme is under review after concerns it's being used for more than tourism. Officials say the policy was meant to attract visitors staying longer in local hotels and spending more but instead, many are using it to work remotely like semi-permanently or do repeat border runs. Which makes complete sense but unfortunately this means the roll back will be equal to pre 2024 limit of 30 days if approved.

The Potential Downfall of this Idea

If Thailand decides to cut back the 60-day visa-free stay back to 30 days, it could easily backfire and with tourist levels already down year on year, this might be a bad move. Long stay travellers, especially digital nomads and backpackers are the ones who pump money into local economies over time. Renting rooms, eating local and exploring beyond the main tourist traps. A shorter stay limit could and will push these travellers to set up base in neighbouring countries like Vietnam, Malaysia or Cambodia, where entry rule remain the same.

For Thailand, the risk isnt just losing visitors but losing the type of visitor who actually stays longer and spends smarter. Businesses that rely on these types of people will feel the hit within weeks of the new visa rules being implemented. It could also dent Thailand reputation's image as one of the easiest, most welcoming travel bases in Asia.

The irony is, that this moves comes just as the region I talking about introducing a shared "ASEAN Visa" similar to Europes Schengen model, that would allow tourists to move freely between countries on one single visa. Is this a strategical stance in preparation, or do Thailand have over ideas?

What's the Answer for Long Term Nomads?

It's an easy answer, one you'd be expecting too. Visa. My wife and I will be applying for a longterm visa in December, you can get tourist visa which is up to 6 months for around $200 or you can get a DTV visa which is valid for 5 years and costs around $300. The only difference being wit the DT visa you need to prove you have 500,000BHT in cash each. However don't be scared off, I read on the government website you can use other families back accounts, assuming you can prove your relationship.

What are your thoughts on this? I'd love to hear! Reach out to me on Instagram or TikTok. Are you a traveller who's keen to write a blog about your own experiences? I'D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU. Drop me an email