Thailand has recently approved changes to its visa exemption rules, and if you are planning a dive trip to Koh Tao, it is worth knowing what has changed before you book flights and ferries. The short version is this: the old 60-day visa exemption is being rolled back, and for many travellers the standard visa-free stay will return to 30 days. For most Phoenix Divers guests, that will still be plenty of time for a normal dive holiday. But if you were planning a longer stay, extra island time, or a full run of back-to-back courses, this is something to pay attention to. What has changed? Thailand’s Cabinet has approved a revision of the visa exemption and visa-on-arrival system. Once the new rules officially take effect, the 60-day visa exemption that many travellers have been using will end. In its place, Thailand is moving back to a more limited structure. For many visitors, that means a 30-day visa exemption for tourism instead of 60 days. Has the change already started? Not quite yet. The approved changes will take effect 15 days after they are published in the Royal Gazette. Until that happens, the current entry rules remain in place. So if you are travelling very soon, you should check the exact timing carefully rather than assuming the new limit is already active. What does this mean for our customers? For most divers visiting Koh Tao, not a huge amount. A lot of our guests come for one to two weeks, sometimes a little longer. If that is your plan, a 30-day visa exemption will still cover your trip comfortably. Where this change matters more is for people who were planning: a stay longer than 30 days multiple courses over several weeks a longer Thailand backpacking trip with Koh Tao as one stop a slow travel or remote-work style visit If that sounds like you, it is worth checking whether you should: apply for a different visa before arrival plan for a visa extension in Thailand adjust your travel dates so everything fits inside the new allowance Can you still extend your stay? For many visitors entering on a visa exemption, a one-time extension is still expected to be possible through Thai Immigration, subject to the normal rules and approval process. That means some travellers may still be able to turn a 30-day stay into a longer one, but it is better not to build your whole trip around assumptions. Always check the latest details for your nationality before you fly. Will this affect everyone equally? No. Thailand is reorganising entry privileges by country and territory, and not every passport will be treated exactly the same way. Some countries will remain in the main 30-day visa exemption group. Some will fall under bilateral agreements with different lengths. A few will move into a shorter 15-day category, and the Visa on Arrival list is also being tightened. That is why the safest advice is simple: check the rules for your passport, not just the general headlines. Is the TDAC still required? Yes. The Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) is still required for all non-Thai nationals entering Thailand. So even if your visa exemption or visa is sorted, you still need to complete the TDAC before arrival. If you want a simple breakdown of that process, have a look at our guide here: Thailand Entry Rules Update 2026 What should you do before travelling? If you are coming to dive with us, here are the smart steps: Check how long you actually plan to stay in Thailand, not just on Koh Tao Check the entry rules for your passport with an official Thai embassy or consulate source Make sure your onward travel plans match the entry rules you are using Complete your TDAC before arrival If you are planning a long stay, do not leave the visa question until the last minute The good news for most divers For most normal dive holidays, this change should not be a big problem. If you are coming for a week or two of fun dives, an Open Water course, an Advanced course, or even a nice long diving holiday of a few weeks, Thailand is still very easy to visit. This update is more about trimming back longer visa-free stays than stopping normal tourism. Final thoughts The main thing to remember is this: Thailand has approved a return from 60 days visa-free to 30 days visa-free for many visitors, but the exact effective date depends on publication in the Royal Gazette. Until then, the current rules stay in place. For most Phoenix Divers customers, that probably changes very little. But if you were planning a longer stay, it is worth sorting your paperwork early so your trip stays smooth. And yes, the TDAC is still required. If you are not sure how the new rules affect your trip to Koh Tao, feel free to contact Phoenix Divers. We are always happy to help point you in the right direction.