The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has announced that visa-free entry for most foreign tourists will be reduced from 60 days to 30 days, effective September 15, 2026. This policy replaces the current 60-day exemption, which will expire on the same date, and introduces stricter limits on repeat visits for those arriving by land.
The new limits apply to passport holders from 60 countries and territories, including the U.S., U.K., Japan, Germany, and Australia. Previously, these travelers could stay for 60 days without a visa, but the duration will now be halved. Nationals from Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, and Singapore will continue to avoid the twice-per-calendar-year land-border restriction, as will other groups designated by the Minister.
Travelers from Seychelles and Mauritius will receive a 15-day visa exemption under the updated rules. Those from Azerbaijan, Belarus, and Serbia will require a Visa on Arrival instead. The Royal Gazette confirmed these changes in an official announcement on August 31, 2026. Separate bilateral and related entry arrangements will continue to apply where relevant, providing visa exemption periods of 90, 30 or 14 days, depending on the applicable agreement or arrangement.
Under the new 30-day exemption, land travelers will be restricted to two visits per year unless their nationality qualifies for an exception. The 15-day exemption for Seychelles and Mauritius also carries the same limitation, except where the minister specifies otherwise. For Azerbaijan, Belarus, and Serbia, Visa on Arrival remains the standard option, with no indication of future exemptions.
Tourists should confirm their eligibility before traveling, as some bilateral agreements may still permit longer stays. The TAT advises checking the latest entry requirements, as enforcement of the new rules begins immediately on September 15. The official notice does not mention any extensions or grandfathering provisions.
The policy shift aligns with broader efforts to regulate tourism flows while maintaining accessibility for key markets. The TAT has emphasized the need for travelers to stay informed, given the immediate implementation date and the absence of transitional measures.
