Thailand Tightens Visa-Free Entry: How to Stay Longer Legally

Thailand has scrapped its 60-day visa-free policy for citizens of over 90 countries, including Russia, and plans to revert to the previous 30-day limit. For Russian “winterers” hoping to spend months in the kingdom, the new rules mean rethinking their plans—but legal options remain.

Svetlana Sherstoboyeva, head of Russian volunteers in Thailand, says the most straightforward path is a long-term visa. “The word ‘visa’ might sound intimidating, but retirement, education, or digital nomad visas are real options—though they are expensive,” she explains. Those already in the country can also extend their stay at an immigration office for around 5,000 rubles after their current visa expires.

Another traditional workaround—a quick trip to the border and back—is now less reliable than before. Sherstoboyeva advises against counting on it. For anyone dreaming of six months of sunsets and startup work, the days of easy visa-free living are over. But with proper planning, a longer stay is still possible.