THAILAND – Thailand Revises Entry Regulations for Visa Exemption and Visa on Arrival Programs

The visa exemption measures for Thailand have now been officially published in the Royal Gazette, confirming that the revised entry framework will take effect on 15 September 2026.

Under the new regulations, the current 60-day visa exemption scheme for 93 countries and territories will end and be replaced by a revised system of 30-day and 15-day visa exemptions, Visa on Arrival (VoA), and existing bilateral visa exemption agreements.

Travelers who enter Thailand before the new regulations take effect will retain the period of stay granted to them upon entry.

Key information for Travelers

• The new regulations take effect on 15 September 2026.
• From 15 September, travelers should check their visa eligibility and permitted length of stay based on their nationality before traveling.
• Existing bilateral visa exemption agreements with certain countries will remain in place.
• Travelers who are not eligible for visa exemption or Visa on Arrival may need to obtain an appropriate visa before traveling.

Overview of the New Visa Framework

30-Day Visa Exemption

Nationals of 60 countries and territories will be eligible for a 30-day visa exemption upon entry to Thailand:

Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Bhutan, Brunei, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Fiji, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Maldives, Malta, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Turkey, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom and United States.

Land Border Limit: Visa-exempt travelers entering through land borders are generally limited to two entries per calendar year, except nationals of Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore.

15-Day Visa Exemption

Nationals of the following countries will be eligible for a 15-day visa exemption: Mauritius, Seychelles.

Visa on Arrival (VoA)

Visa on Arrival will be available for nationals of: Azerbaijan, Belarus, Serbia.

Bilateral Visa Exemption Agreements

Thailand will continue to honor existing bilateral agreements that provide visa-free entry for specific durations:

• 90-Day Visa Exemption
  • Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Peru, Republic of Korea (South Korea)
• 30-Day Visa Exemption
  • China, Hong Kong, Kazakhstan, Laos, Macao, Mongolia, Russia, Timor-Leste, Vietnam
• 14-Day Visa Exemption (international airports only)
  • Cambodia, Myanmar

Travelers who are not eligible for visa exemption or Visa on Arrival may need to apply through Thailand’s e-Visa system, depending on the purpose and duration of their stay.

Our Recommendation

Travel partners are encouraged to:

• Review upcoming bookings for travel to Thailand from 15 September 2026 onwards.
• Verify visa eligibility and permitted length of stay based on travelers’ nationality.
• Pay particular attention to travelers whose planned stay is longer than 30 days.
• Check the latest requirements with the relevant Royal Thai Embassy, Consulate or Thai immigration authorities where necessary.

Easia Travel is reviewing upcoming bookings affected by the new regulations and will proactively notify partners where travelers’ planned stays may exceed the permitted visa-exempt period.

Should you require any further information or assistance, please do not hesitate to contact our sales team.

Source: TAT News