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Thailand is all set to tighten its visa-free entry policy after the Thai Cabinet on May 19, 2026, approved a proposal to cut the popular 60-day visa-free stay to 30 days for many international travellers.

Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a briefing, announced that Thailand plans to introduce new categories with different stay lengths depending on your nationality.

Thailand Visa-Free Entry Changes Explained

Right now, travellers from 93 countries and territories can enter Thailand visa-free for up to 60 days. Under the new proposal:

• Most of the travellers will only get a 30-day visa-free
• Some countries will get just 15 days
• Visa on arrival will be limited to only 4 countries
• More travellers may need to use Thailand’s e-Visa system before flying

Thailand says the changes are meant to improve security, reduce confusion, and support its growing e-Visa system.

Full List of Countries Getting 30-Day Visa-Free Entry

Travellers from these 54 countries and territories are expected to receive a 30-day visa-free stay instead of the current 60 days:

• Australia
• Austria
• Bahrain
• Belgium
• Bhutan
• Brunei
• Canada
• Czechia
• Denmark
• Estonia
• Fiji
• Finland
• France
• Georgia
• Germany
• Greece
• Hungary
• Iceland
• Indonesia
• Ireland
• Israel
• Italy
• Japan
• Jordan
• Kuwait
• Kyrgyzstan
• Latvia
• Liechtenstein
• Lithuania
• Luxembourg
• Malaysia
• Netherlands
• New Zealand
• Norway
• Oman
• Philippines
• Poland
• Portugal
• Qatar
• Romania
• Saudi Arabia
• Singapore
• Slovakia
• Slovenia
• South Africa
• Spain
• Sweden
• Switzerland
• Taiwan
• Turkey
• Ukraine
• United Arab Emirates
• United Kingdom
• United States

Which Countries Will Get Only 15 Days?

Thailand plans to allow just 15 days of visa-free entry for travellers from:

• Maldives
• Mauritius
• Seychelles

Which Countries Will Still Get a Visa on Arrival?

Thailand also plans to sharply reduce its visa-on-arrival program. Only these 4 countries are expected to remain eligible:

• Azerbaijan
• Belarus
• India
• Serbia

This is important for Indian travellers because India is still expected to remain on Thailand’s visa-on-arrival list under the new system.

Countries With Separate Bilateral Visa Deals

Some countries will continue using special agreements with Thailand instead of the general visa-free system.

14-Day Bilateral Visa-Free Entry

(Only for arrivals through international airports)

30-Day Bilateral Visa-Free Entry

• China
• Hong Kong
• Kazakhstan
• Laos
• Macao
• Mongolia
• Russia
• Timor-Leste
• Vietnam

90-Day Bilateral Visa-Free Entry

• Argentina
• Brazil
• Chile
• Peru
• South Korea

Will Current Travellers Be Affected?

No. Thailand says travellers who enter before the new rules start will keep the stay period already granted to them. The changes will not apply retroactively.

What Travellers Are Asking Right Now

Is Thailand removing visa-free travel completely?

No. Thailand is not ending visa-free travel. It mainly reduces the stay length for many countries from 60 days to 30 days.

When will the new Thailand visa rules start?

The new rules are not active yet. They will start 15 days after official publication in Thailand’s Royal Gazette.

Will Indians still get a visa on arrival in Thailand?

Yes. India is currently expected to remain eligible for a Thailand visa on arrival under the proposed rules.

Will travellers need an e-Visa instead?

Some travellers may need to apply through Thailand’s e-Visa system if they are no longer eligible for visa-free entry or visa on arrival.

Travelobiz Take

Thailand’s planned visa changes could reshape how millions of tourists enter the country. Travellers are advised to closely monitor official updates, especially before booking long stays or relying on current visa-free entry rules.