Thailand has revised its visa exemption measures for foreign nationals, replacing the previous 60-day visa exemption arrangement with revised entry privileges based on nationality and the applicable immigration scheme. The revised measures took effect on 15 September 2026.
These changes aim to improve immigration management while continuing to facilitate tourism and safeguard national security.
For foreign nationals planning to travel to Thailand, it is important to understand the distinction between visa exemption and Visa on Arrival (VOA), as each arrangement is subject to different eligibility criteria and conditions.
- Cancellation of the 60-Day Visa Exemption
Before these changes, passport holders from designated countries and territories could enter Thailand without a visa and stay for up to 60 days under the special visa exemption measures previously introduced by the Thai government.
However, with effect from 15 September 2026, the 60-day visa exemption arrangement has been revoked. The applicable entry privileges for tourism are now determined by the scheme applicable to each traveller’s nationality.
Foreign nationals who previously benefited from the 60-day visa exemption should not assume that they will continue to be entitled to the same period of stay on their next visit to Thailand.
Travellers who entered Thailand before the new measures took effect may generally remain until the expiry date of the period granted to them, as indicated by the immigration stamp in their passports, subject to the applicable immigration rules and conditions. - Visa Exemption for Tourism for Up to 30 Days
Under the revised measures, holders of passports issued by 60 designated countries and territories may enter Thailand for tourism without obtaining a visa in advance and may be permitted to stay for up to 30 days, subject to the applicable entry requirements.
The 60 countries and territories are as follows:
– Australi
– Austria
– Bahrain
– Belgium
– Bulgaria
– Bhutan
– Brunei Darussalam
– Canada
– Croatia
– Cyprus
– Czech Republic
– Denmark
– Estonia
– Fiji
– Finland
– France
– Georgia
– Germany
– Greece
– Hungary
– Iceland
– Indonesia
– India
– Ireland
– Israel
– Italy
– Japan
– Jordan
– Kuwait
– Kyrgyzstan
– Latvia
– Liechtenstein
– Lithuania
– Luxembourg
– Malta
– Malaysia
– Maldives
– Netherlands
– New Zealand
– Norway
– Oman
– Philippines
– Poland
– Portugal
– Qatar
– Romania
– Saudi Arabia
– Singapore
– Slovakia
– Slovenia
– South Africa
– Spain
– Sweden
– Switzerland
– Taiwan
– Türkiye
– Ukraine
– United Arab Emirates
– United Kingdom
– United States
Travellers should verify the official list of eligible countries and the applicable conditions before departure, as visa exemption eligibility depends on nationality and the rules in force at the time of travel.
In addition, foreign nationals entering Thailand through land border checkpoints under the 30-day visa exemption scheme are generally permitted to use this entry privilege no more than twice per calendar year, unless an exception applies under the relevant regulations or official announcements. - Visa Exemption for Tourism for Up to 15 Days
The revised measures also provide for a visa exemption allowing eligible passport holders from the following two countries to stay in Thailand for up to 15 days for tourism purposes:
– Republic of Seychelles
– Republic of Mauritius
Eligible travellers may enter Thailand for tourism without obtaining a visa in advance. However, their permitted period of stay under this scheme is limited to a maximum of 15 days.
As with other visa exemption arrangements, travellers must comply with the applicable immigration requirements and should verify their eligibility before travelling. - Visa on Arrival at Immigration Checkpoints
Visa on Arrival (VOA) differs from visa exemption. Under the VOA scheme, eligible travellers must apply for a visa upon arrival at an authorised immigration checkpoint rather than entering Thailand automatically without a visa.
Under the revised measures, holders of passports issued by the following three countries are eligible to apply for Visa on Arrival, subject to the applicable requirements:
– Republic of Azerbaijan
– Republic of Belarus
– Republic of Serbia
Travellers should therefore verify their eligibility, application procedures and applicable conditions before departure. - Bilateral Visa Exemption Agreements with Thailand
In addition to the general visa exemption schemes for tourism, Thailand has entered into bilateral visa exemption agreements with certain countries and territories. These agreements provide visa-free entry privileges to eligible holders of ordinary passports, subject to the terms and conditions of each agreement. The bilateral visa exemption arrangements for ordinary passport holders provide for the following periods of stay:
5.1 Visa Exemption for Up to 14 Days
The following countries are covered by bilateral visa exemption arrangements allowing eligible ordinary passport holders to stay in Thailand for up to 14 days:
– Cambodia
– Myanmar (international airports only)
5.2 Visa Exemption for Up to 30 Days
The following countries and territories are covered by bilateral visa exemption arrangements allowing eligible ordinary passport holders to stay in Thailand for up to 30 days:
– China
– Hong Kong
– Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Laos)
– Macao
– Mongolia
– Russia
– Vietnam
For Chinese ordinary passport holders, the mutual visa exemption agreement between Thailand and China took effect on 1 March 2024. Eligible travellers may stay for up to 30 days per visit, with a cumulative stay not exceeding 90 days within any 180-day period, subject to the agreement’s conditions.
5.3 Visa Exemption for Up to 90 Days
The following countries are covered by bilateral visa exemption arrangements allowing eligible ordinary passport holders to stay in Thailand for up to 90 days:
– Argentina
– Brazil
– Chile
– Republic of Korea (South Korea)
– Peru
Important Considerations
Bilateral visa exemption arrangements are distinct from Thailand’s general unilateral visa exemption schemes. Eligibility and permitted periods of stay depend on the applicable agreement and the type of passport held.
The periods listed above refer to the bilateral arrangements for ordinary passport holders. Separate arrangements may apply to diplomatic and official passport holders.
Foreign nationals should consult the relevant bilateral agreement and the latest information published by Thailand’s Department of Consular Affairs before travelling, particularly where a country may be covered by more than one visa exemption arrangement. - How Should Foreign Nationals Prepare for the Revised Measures?
To avoid potential travel complications, foreign nationals planning to visit Thailand should take the following steps:
1. Check eligibility based on nationality: Determine whether they qualify for the 30-day visa exemption, the 15-day visa exemption, Visa on Arrival, or whether they must obtain another type of visa before travelling.
2. Verify the permitted period of stay: Do not rely solely on the conditions that applied during a previous visit, as immigration policies and entry privileges may change.
3. Consider the purpose of travel: The measures discussed in this article primarily concern tourism. Foreign nationals intending to work, conduct business or reside in Thailand for an extended period should determine the appropriate visa category and applicable requirements for their intended activities.
4. Consult official sources: Check the latest announcements and guidance issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Department of Consular Affairs and the relevant Thai immigration authorities before departure.
Conclusion
The cancellation of the 60-day visa exemption and the revision of Thailand’s entry arrangements, including the 30-day and 15-day visa exemptions and Visa on Arrival, reflect changes to the country’s immigration framework.
The applicable entry privileges and permitted periods of stay vary according to nationality and the relevant immigration scheme. Foreign nationals should therefore verify the requirements applicable to their circumstances before travelling to Thailand.
Disclaimer: This article is provided for general legal and immigration information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or immigration advice for any specific individual. Relevant laws, ministerial announcements and immigration policies may change. Travellers should verify the latest requirements with the appropriate Thai government authorities before making travel arrangements.
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