Thailand’s visa exemption rules takes effect on 15 September 2026. The final Ministry of Interior notices were published in the Royal Gazette on 31 August 2026 and replace the special 60-day exemption introduced in 2024.
The central change is simple: the broad 60-day scheme ends. Most eligible ordinary-passport holders under the new unilateral scheme may enter for tourism without a visa for up to 30 days.
The new regime at a glance
| Entry route | Countries or territories | Permitted stay |
|---|---|---|
| Visa exemption for tourism | 60 | Up to 30 days |
| Short visa exemption for tourism | Mauritius and Seychelles | Up to 15 days |
| Visa on Arrival at authorised immigration checkpoints | Azerbaijan, Belarus and Serbia | Subject to the VoA rules applied at the checkpoint |
| Bilateral visa-exemption agreements | Separate country-specific arrangements | According to the relevant agreement |
The 30-day group includes all 27 EU Member States, as well as Australia, Canada, India, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, the United States and other countries and territories listed in the final Royal Gazette notice.
The new unilateral exemptions are expressly granted for tourism. They should not be treated as permission to work in Thailand or as a substitute for an appropriate business, employment or long-stay visa.
What happened to the 60-day exemption?
The Ministry of Interior formally repealed the special rule that had allowed nationals of 93 countries and territories to enter for tourism, work or short-term business contact and remain for up to 60 days.
From 15 September 2026, travellers must rely on the new 30-day or 15-day exemption, Visa on Arrival, a bilateral agreement, or an appropriate visa—depending on their passport and purpose of travel.
Important rule for entry by land or at a border port
For travellers using the new 30-day exemption, entry through a land-border checkpoint or a port adjoining a land border is generally limited to two times per calendar year.
The Royal Gazette notice exempts nationals of Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia and Singapore from this limit and allows the Minister of Interior to designate further nationalities.
This limitation is separate from arrival by air.
Bilateral visa exemptions remain separate
Thailand’s bilateral visa-exemption arrangements include:
- Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Peru and South Korea: up to 90 days
- China, Hong Kong, Kazakhstan, Laos, Macao, Mongolia, Russia, Timor-Leste and Vietnam: up to 30 days
- Cambodia and Myanmar: up to 14 days; for Myanmar, the exemption applies at international airports only
These arrangements are legally separate from the new 60-country scheme and remain governed by their own terms. Travellers should check the agreement applicable to their passport, as permitted stay, entry purpose and conditions may differ.
Official MFA list of bilateral visa-exemption agreements for ordinary passports
Official MFA infographic
Official explanatory infographic: Department of Consular Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand. The legal rules are contained in the Royal Gazette notices linked below.
View the official MFA infographic and country summary
Planning to stay longer than 30 days?
Visa exemption is designed for short tourist visits. For a longer tourist stay, travellers can apply for a tourist visa. For other purposes, the appropriate route depends on whether the purpose is remote work, employment, retirement, investment or family residence:
- Long-Term Visa Options in Thailand for Business, Work and Living
- Destination Thailand Visa (DTV): Key Facts
- Thailand LTR Visa Guide 2026
- Thai Visa Options for Property Investors
Official legal sources
- Royal Gazette: repeal of the special 60-day visa exemption
- Royal Gazette: final list for the 30-day tourism visa exemption
- Royal Gazette: final Visa on Arrival country list
- Royal Gazette: final 15-day tourism visa exemption
The notices were published on 31 August 2026 and take effect after the statutory 15-day period, on 15 September 2026.
This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration treatment depends on the traveller’s passport, purpose of entry and individual circumstances.
