Thailand Visa Exemption and Visa on Arrival Rules Revised by Cabinet
The Thai Cabinet has approved revisions to the country’s visa exemption and Visa on Arrival schemes as part of updated immigration and tourism policies.
The decision was approved on 19 May 2026 according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The revised measures introduce changes to visa-free travel durations, the number of eligible countries and the structure of Thailand’s visa exemption programmes.
Thailand Revises Visa Exemption Policies
Under the updated policy, Thailand will now allow only one visa exemption scheme per country or territory.
The Cabinet has also approved the cancellation of the existing 60-day visa exemption programme that previously applied to 93 countries and territories.
In addition, the 30-day visa exemption scheme for tourism purposes has been revised. The number of eligible countries and territories under this category will be reduced from 57 to 54.
Thailand will also introduce a new 15-day visa exemption scheme for tourism purposes covering three countries or territories.
Visa on Arrival Scheme Also Reduced
The government has also revised its Visa on Arrival programme.
Under the new rules, the number of eligible countries and territories for Visa on Arrival will be reduced from 31 to four.
Officials stated that full details and eligibility criteria will be published through Ministry of Interior announcements in the Royal Gazette.
The revised measures will officially take effect 15 days after publication.
Government Cites Security and Tourism Factors
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the visa policy revisions were based on several considerations.
These include national security concerns, tourism and economic interests, reciprocity between countries and reducing overlapping visa exemption arrangements that may create confusion for international travellers.
The government also noted that the expansion of Thailand’s e-Visa system has improved convenience for travellers and influenced the policy changes.
e-Visa System Continues Expanding
Thailand’s authorities highlighted the role of the e-Visa system in simplifying travel procedures for international visitors.
The digital system has become an important part of Thailand’s travel and immigration infrastructure as the country continues adjusting entry policies linked to tourism management and border control.
Tourism Industry Expected to Monitor Impact
The revised visa rules are expected to be closely monitored by airlines, tourism operators and international travellers, particularly in markets affected by the reduction of visa-free entry privileges and Visa on Arrival eligibility.
Thailand remains one of Asia’s major tourism destinations and visa policy updates often influence travel demand, regional tourism flows and airline connectivity.
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