Thailand's 60-Day Visa Exemption Replaced by 30-Day Scheme, Effective 15 September 2026
Thailand's former 60-day visa exemption has been replaced by a 30-day tourist exemption for 60 countries and territories, in effect since 15 September 2026, with a separate 15-day exemption for Mauritius and Seychelles. The Royal Thai Embassy in Moscow states that the relevant Ministry of Interior announcements were published in the Royal Gazette on 31 August 2026.
Before
Before 15 September 2026, nationals of 93 countries and territories could enter Thailand under a 60-day tourist visa exemption.
After (Current)
The revised measures have been in effect since 15 September 2026. The former 60-day visa exemption for 93 countries and territories has been replaced by a 30-day tourist exemption for 60 countries and territories and a separate 15-day exemption for Mauritius and Seychelles. Visa on Arrival is limited to Azerbaijan, Belarus and Serbia.
Effective Date
Sep 15, 2026
In This Article
Current Status
Key Dates
Monitored by the ThaiVisaFlow editorial team from official Thai government sources.
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At a Glance
Thailand's former 60-day visa exemption has been replaced by a 30-day tourist exemption for 60 countries and territories, in effect since 15 September 2026, with a separate 15-day exemption for Mauritius and Seychelles. The Royal Thai Embassy in Moscow states that the relevant Ministry of Interior announcements were published in the Royal Gazette on 31 August 2026.
Nationals of the 60 countries and territories on the official 30-day exemption list, and of Mauritius and Seychelles (15 days), are directly affected because the 60-day allowance no longer applies to them. Nationals of countries that appear on none of the official exemption or Visa on Arrival lists must obtain a visa before travelling; for example, the Royal Thai Embassy in Moscow states this for Uzbek and Armenian ordinary passport holders. Countries with a separate bilateral arrangement are listed separately by Royal Thai missions.
Yes, review the details and assess whether changes apply to your situation. Update documentation if required.
High — Action needed soon. Review deadlines carefully.
Current Situation
The revised measures have been in effect since 15 September 2026. The former 60-day visa exemption for 93 countries and territories has been replaced by a 30-day tourist exemption for 60 countries and territories and a separate 15-day exemption for Mauritius and Seychelles. Visa on Arrival is limited to Azerbaijan, Belarus and Serbia.
What Stayed the Same
Bilateral arrangements continue to be listed separately by Royal Thai missions, for example 90 days for Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Korea (ROK) and Peru, and 14 days for Cambodia and Myanmar (Royal Thai Embassy, Doha).
The Royal Thai Embassy in Moscow states that holders of ordinary Russian passports remain eligible for up to 30 days under the bilateral agreement.
Permission to enter and the authorised period of stay are determined by Thai immigration officers at the port of entry (Royal Thai Embassy, Moscow).
Policy Timeline
Current: EnforcementMinistry of Interior Announcements Published in the Royal Gazette
The Royal Thai Embassy in Moscow states that the relevant Ministry of Interior announcements were published in the Royal Gazette on 31 August 2026, taking effect 15 days later.
This is confirmed policy. Check your current visa category against the new rules now.
30-Day Visa Exemption Scheme Takes Effect
Royal Thai Embassies in Moscow, Washington D.C.
Take action now. The rule is live — non-compliance risks fines or entry bans.
What This Means
Eligible travelers entering Thailand on or after 15 September 2026 are permitted a stay of up to 30 days (or 15 days for Mauritius and Seychelles) for tourism. Royal Thai missions state that the period of stay may be extended by a further period not exceeding 30 days, solely at the discretion of the immigration officer, and that an extension must be applied for before the permitted stay ends. Travelers admitted under the previous measures before 15 September 2026 may remain until the end of the stay they were granted.
Who Is Affected
Nationals of the 60 countries and territories on the official 30-day exemption list, and of Mauritius and Seychelles (15 days), are directly affected because the 60-day allowance no longer applies to them. Nationals of countries that appear on none of the official exemption or Visa on Arrival lists must obtain a visa before travelling; for example, the Royal Thai Embassy in Moscow states this for Uzbek and Armenian ordinary passport holders. Countries with a separate bilateral arrangement are listed separately by Royal Thai missions.
Action recommended
High urgencyThis update requires attention. Review the details and consult an advisor if you are affected.
What You Should Do
Check the current official list for your nationality through Thailand's Department of Consular Affairs or a Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate. 2. Plan around a 30-day stay (15 days for Mauritius and Seychelles) if you enter under a visa exemption. 3. If you may need longer, do not assume an extension will be granted: it is at the discretion of the immigration officer and must be requested before your permitted stay ends. Consider an appropriate visa obtained in advance through the Thailand e-Visa system.
Related entry guidance: The Royal Thai Embassy in London states that visa-exempt entry is permitted only twice within a calendar year. Some secondary guidance describes this restriction specifically in relation to land-border entries, but ThaiVisaFlow has not confirmed that narrower scope from the official London guidance reviewed here.
Key Takeaway
The revised visa-exemption measures took effect on 15 September 2026, replacing the previous 60-day exemption for affected travelers. Cabinet approval came earlier and is now history, not the current status. Extensions are discretionary, so plan for 30 days.
Sources & References
Royal Thai Embassy, Moscow: Revision of Thailand's Visa Exemption and Visa on Arrival Schemes
Royal Thai Embassy, Washington D.C.: New Tourist Visa Exemption Scheme (30 Days)
Royal Thai Embassy, Doha: Tourist Visa Exemption & Visa-on-Arrival
Department of Consular Affairs: Review of Thailand's visa exemption measures (Cabinet resolution, 19 May 2026)
Government Public Relations Department (PRD): Thailand Revises Visa Policy for 65 Countries & Territories (15 July 2026)
Thai Immigration Bureau
Royal Thai Embassy, London: Announcement of the revision of Thailand's visa exemption and visa on arrival schemes (8 Sep 2026)
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