Thailand introduces new 30-day and 15-day visa exemption rules

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has issued an advisory regarding new visa exemption categories and updated Visa on Arrival eligibility, following official publication in the Royal Gazette on August 31, 2026. These updated regulations will take effect on September 15, 2026, replacing the country's former 60-day visa exemption measure which concludes on the same date.

Beginning September 15, 2026, international travelers previously covered by the 60-day policy will instead transition to the applicable 30-day visa exemption, 15-day visa exemption, Visa on Arrival, or other relevant entry arrangements depending on their nationality.

Under the updated framework, passport holders from 60 countries and territories are eligible for a visa exemption for tourism purposes with a permitted stay of up to 30 days. For arrivals through land-border immigration checkpoints, travelers utilizing this 30-day exemption are generally restricted to entering no more than twice per calendar year, excluding nationals of Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, and Singapore, or others designated by the Minister.

Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event

A 15-day visa exemption applies to passport holders from Seychelles and Mauritius. Travelers utilizing this specific exemption at land-border checkpoints are also subject to the limit of no more than twice per calendar year, barring exempted nationalities. Meanwhile, Visa on Arrival applies to passport holders representing Azerbaijan, Belarus, and Serbia.

Separate bilateral arrangements granting visa exemption periods of 90, 30, or 14 days will continue where applicable. Visitors are strongly advised to verify the specific entry requirements matching their nationality prior to initiating travel.

Source: TAT Newsroom