Starting September 15, 2026, Thailand will change the rules for visa-free entry and visas upon arrival

Effective September 15, 2026, fundamentally new entry requirements will take effect in Thailand. The regulation in place since July 2024, which allowed travelers from 93 countries and territories to enter visa-free for up to 60 days, will thus be officially discontinued. These changes are based on four regulations published on August 31, 2026, in the Royal Gazette, which revise the entry requirements in several respects.

The most notable change concerns the maximum length of stay: for many nationalities, visa-free entry will be limited to 30 days in the future, down from 60 days previously. In addition, the permissible purpose of travel under the visa exemption will be restricted—it will apply exclusively to tourist stays going forward. Under the new regulations, anyone traveling for business, attending courses, or pursuing other purposes will need an appropriate visa.

Entry via land borders will also be subject to stricter controls: Certain land border crossings will be subject to additional restrictions in the future, which will particularly affect travelers who have previously commuted easily between Thailand and neighboring countries. At the same time, the list of countries whose nationals are allowed to enter visa-free is changing—some nationalities will transition to a different entry regime, such as obtaining a visa on arrival or being required to apply for a visa before departure.

The reform has a particularly significant impact on the visa-on-arrival policy: the number of countries whose citizens can use this option will be significantly reduced. Anyone who has previously relied on obtaining a visa on arrival at the airport should check in advance whether this option is still available for their nationality—otherwise, they may encounter problems upon entry. Citizens of 21 countries will be required to apply for a visa before traveling to Thailand; entry without a visa issued in advance is no longer possible for this group.

In practice, this means that travelers must assess their situation well in advance. Anyone planning to stay in Thailand for more than 30 days or for a purpose other than purely tourism should apply for the appropriate visa in a timely manner. Depending on the purpose of the stay, different visa categories may apply, such as the Thailand tourist visa for extended vacations or the Thailand non-immigrant visa for business, professional, or other long-term stays.

For travelers who continue to benefit from simplified entry, the electronic entry card—which must be completed before arrival—remains relevant. Anyone unsure which regulations will apply to their nationality in the future should have their documents and requirements carefully reviewed in advance to avoid delays or being denied entry. An overview of all visa options for Thailand will help you find the right category for your planned stay.