Thailand Overhauls Visa-Exempt Entry Rules Effective September 15, 2026

Effective September 15, 2026, Thailand is implementing a major restructuring of its short-term entry policies. The government has decided to revoke the existing 60-day visa exemption program, which had been a cornerstone of its post-pandemic tourism recovery strategy. In its place, the authorities are introducing a tiered system consisting of 30-day and 15-day visa exemption categories. Furthermore, the eligibility criteria for Visa on Arrival (VoA) are being tightened, limiting the number of countries that can access this facility.

This policy shift represents a move toward more granular control over short-term migration and tourism flows. By reducing the duration of stay for visa-exempt visitors, the Thai government aims to better manage the influx of travellers and ensure that long-term visitors utilize appropriate visa channels, such as the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) or other non-immigrant categories. This change follows a period of relative flexibility in entry requirements and signals a return to more traditional, restrictive immigration oversight.

All international travellers who previously relied on the 60-day visa-exempt entry program are affected by these changes. Specifically, tourists from countries that previously enjoyed longer visa-free stays will now face shorter time limits, while those relying on Visa on Arrival will need to verify if their nationality remains on the eligible list.

Makutet expects this policy adjustment to cause significant short-term friction at Thai border checkpoints as travellers adjust to the new, shorter timelines. We anticipate that the Thai government will monitor the impact on tourism numbers closely, and if arrivals drop sharply, they may introduce a 'fast-track' digital extension process to mitigate the administrative burden on both travellers and immigration staff.