Thailand terminated its 60-day visa exemption scheme effective September 15, 2026, replacing it with new visa-free entry periods of 30 days and 15 days alongside an updated visa-on-arrival policy. The Tourism Authority of Thailand implemented these changes following official announcements published on August 31, 2026, in the Royal Thai Government Gazette.
Eligible Countries and Visa-Free Period Changes
Under the revised regulations, citizens from 60 countries and territories now qualify for visa-free travel to Thailand for up to 30 days. This list includes Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates among others from Europe, Asia, and the Americas. Notably, Morocco was removed from
this eligibility, ending its prior 60-day visa-free access from September 15, 2026. Additionally, travelers from Seychelles and Mauritius are now eligible for 15-day visa-free stays, while Azerbaijan, Belarus, and Serbia qualify for visas on arrival.
Policy Publication and Review Process
The updated visa regulations were formalized through Interior Ministry announcements published in the Royal Thai Government Gazette on August 31, 2026. The Tourism Authority of Thailand had previously indicated in May 2026 that the existing 60-day visa exemption policy was under review, with more detailed revisions finalized in July 2026 following this assessment.
Land Entry Restrictions and Traveler Guidance
Travelers benefiting from the 30-day visa exemption face new limits on entering
Thailand via land borders, restricted to a maximum of two entries per calendar year. This restriction excludes nationals of Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia, and Singapore, who remain exempt from this cap. The Tourism Authority of Thailand advised all travelers to verify relevant entry rules based on their nationality before planning travel to Thailand, particularly in view of the September 15, 2026 enforcement date.
Bilateral visa agreements continue to permit varying visa-free stays of 90, 30, or 14 days depending on individual country arrangements. The visa-on-arrival program was also updated as part of this policy overhaul.
