Thailand Reverts to 30-Day Visa-Free Entry, Reduces Eligible Countries and Tightens Rules

The Royal Thai Government Cabinet approved the amendments on 19th May 2026, with the new regulations taking effect 15 days after their publication in the Royal Gazette. The change from 60-day to 30-day visa-free entry specifically affects travellers from 93 countries and territories, while the 30-day visa-free programme for tourism purposes will now cover 54 nations, reduced from 57. This 30-day entry can be extended once for another 30 days, but its use is limited to twice per calendar year, with Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia, and Singapore noted as exemptions. A new 15-day visa-free category will be available for nationals of Seychelles, Maldives, and Mauritius. Additionally, Visa on Arrival eligibility will be sharply reduced from 31 to only four countries: Belarus, Serbia, India, and Azerbaijan.