Answered2 months ago
What are the upcoming changes to Thailand's Unilateral Tourist Visa Exemption?
The official change in free Unilateral Tourist Visa Exemption Entry Stamp from 60 Days ( ผ.60–ม.17 ) stay to 30 Days stay ( ผ.30 ) will have the 4 Thailand Ministry of Interior Announcements 'Notices' be Published imminently in Thailand's Royal Gazette 'Gazetted' as Thailand's Prime Minister + Thai Interior Minister has already signed the 4 Interior Ministry Notices, all dated 26 August 2026
These 4 Thai Interior Ministry Notices are valid and legal documents now that they have been signed and dated, just not yet Published, but a Formal Request has already been submitted for Gazetting on 27 August 2026, signed and dated by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior
in addition to reverting back to 30 Days ( ผ.30 ), the List of Eligible Countries is reduced down to = 60 Countries
There is also an Unilateral Tourist Visa Exemption Entry Stamp of 15 Days stay ( ผ.15 ) for 2 Countries = Seychelles + Mauritius
Visa on Arrival (VoA) is reduced down to 3 Countries = Azerbaijan + Belarus + Serbia
Bilateral Visa Exemption continues as 9 Countries who previous had 60 Days under ผ.60–ม.17 will either be 8 Countries = 30 Days ( ผผ.30 ) + 1 Country = 14 Days ( ผผ.14 )
Unilateral Tourist Visa Exemption Entry Stamp also reverts back to a Limit of 2 Entries into Thailand via Land Borders (overland Entry into Thailand) per Calendar Year, still with the exceptions for Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, and Brunei to the 2 Land Entries per Year Limit
Personally, I would speculate and estimate that these 4 Interior Ministry Notices could possibly be Published/Gazetted on Monday, 31 August 2026 and thus taking legal effect on Saturday, 15 September 2026.....
These 4 Thai Interior Ministry Notices are valid and legal documents now that they have been signed and dated, just not yet Published, but a Formal Request has already been submitted for Gazetting on 27 August 2026, signed and dated by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior
in addition to reverting back to 30 Days ( ผ.30 ), the List of Eligible Countries is reduced down to = 60 Countries
There is also an Unilateral Tourist Visa Exemption Entry Stamp of 15 Days stay ( ผ.15 ) for 2 Countries = Seychelles + Mauritius
Visa on Arrival (VoA) is reduced down to 3 Countries = Azerbaijan + Belarus + Serbia
Bilateral Visa Exemption continues as 9 Countries who previous had 60 Days under ผ.60–ม.17 will either be 8 Countries = 30 Days ( ผผ.30 ) + 1 Country = 14 Days ( ผผ.14 )
Unilateral Tourist Visa Exemption Entry Stamp also reverts back to a Limit of 2 Entries into Thailand via Land Borders (overland Entry into Thailand) per Calendar Year, still with the exceptions for Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, and Brunei to the 2 Land Entries per Year Limit
Personally, I would speculate and estimate that these 4 Interior Ministry Notices could possibly be Published/Gazetted on Monday, 31 August 2026 and thus taking legal effect on Saturday, 15 September 2026.....
Answer summary
The Thai Ministry of Interior has announced changes to the Unilateral Tourist Visa Exemption. Effective September 15, 2026, the allowance for stay will be reduced from 60 days to 30 days, with only 60 countries remaining eligible. Additionally, a 15-day exemption will apply for Seychelles and Mauritius. The number of eligible countries for Visa on Arrival is reduced to three. Bilateral visa conditions will affect nine countries, reducing stays for some from 60 days to either 30 or 14 days. There are restrictions of two land entries per year, with exceptions for certain countries. The formal announcements are expected to be published imminently in the Royal Gazette.
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Dca *****
OP4 Thai Interior Ministry Notices Published in Thailand's Royal Gazette on Monday, 31 August 2026:
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ประกาศกระทรวงมหาดไทย เรื่อง ยกเลิกประกาศกระทรวงมหาดไทย เรื่อง กำหนดรายชื่อประเทศและดินแดนที่ผู้ถือหนังสือเดินทางหรือเอกสารใช้แทนหนังสือเดินทางซึ่งเข้ามาในราชอาณาจักรเป็นการชั่วคราวเพื่อการท่องเที่ยว ทำงานหรือการติดต่อธุรกิจระยะสั้น ได้รับการยกเว้นการตรวจลงตรา และให้อยู่ในราชอาณาจักรได้ไม่เกินหกสิบวัน เป็นกรณีพิเศษ ลงวันที่ ๑๕ กรกฎาคม พ.ศ. ๒๕๖๗
ประกาศกระทรวงมหาดไทย เรื่อง กำหนดรายชื่อประเทศและดินแดนที่ผู้ถือหนังสือเดินทางหรือเอกสารใช้แทนหนังสือเดินทางซึ่งเข้ามาในราชอาณาจักรเป็นการชั่วคราวเพื่อการท่องเที่ยวได้รับการยกเว้นการตรวจลงตรา และให้อยู่ในราชอาณาจักรได้ไม่เกินสามสิบวัน
ประกาศกระทรวงมหาดไทย เรื่อง กำหนดรายชื่อประเทศที่ผู้ถือหนังสือเดินทางหรือเอกสารใช้แทนหนังสือเดินทางซึ่งเข้ามาในราชอาณาจักรเป็นการชั่วคราวจะขอรับการตรวจลงตรา ณ ช่องทางอนุญาตของด่านตรวจคนเข้าเมือง
ประกาศกระทรวงมหาดไทย เรื่อง กำหนดรายชื่อประเทศที่ผู้ถือหนังสือเดินทางหรือเอกสารใช้แทนหนังสือเดินทางซึ่งเข้ามาในราชอาณาจักรเป็นการชั่วคราวเพื่อการท่องเที่ยวได้รับการยกเว้นการตรวจลงตรา และให้อยู่ในราชอาณาจักรได้ไม่เกินสิบห้าวัน
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5.pdfประกาศกระทรวงมหาดไทย เรื่อง ยกเลิกประกาศกระทรวงมหาดไทย เรื่อง กำหนดรายชื่อประเทศและดินแดนที่ผู้ถือหนังสือเดินทางหรือเอกสารใช้แทนหนังสือเดินทางซึ่งเข้ามาในราชอาณาจักรเป็นการชั่วคราวเพื่อการท่องเที่ยว ทำงานหรือการติดต่อธุรกิจระยะสั้น ได้รับการยกเว้นการตรวจลงตรา และให้อยู่ในราชอาณาจักรได้ไม่เกินหกสิบวัน เป็นกรณีพิเศษ ลงวันที่ ๑๕ กรกฎาคม พ.ศ. ๒๕๖๗
ประกาศกระทรวงมหาดไทย เรื่อง กำหนดรายชื่อประเทศและดินแดนที่ผู้ถือหนังสือเดินทางหรือเอกสารใช้แทนหนังสือเดินทางซึ่งเข้ามาในราชอาณาจักรเป็นการชั่วคราวเพื่อการท่องเที่ยวได้รับการยกเว้นการตรวจลงตรา และให้อยู่ในราชอาณาจักรได้ไม่เกินสามสิบวัน
ประกาศกระทรวงมหาดไทย เรื่อง กำหนดรายชื่อประเทศที่ผู้ถือหนังสือเดินทางหรือเอกสารใช้แทนหนังสือเดินทางซึ่งเข้ามาในราชอาณาจักรเป็นการชั่วคราวจะขอรับการตรวจลงตรา ณ ช่องทางอนุญาตของด่านตรวจคนเข้าเมือง
ประกาศกระทรวงมหาดไทย เรื่อง กำหนดรายชื่อประเทศที่ผู้ถือหนังสือเดินทางหรือเอกสารใช้แทนหนังสือเดินทางซึ่งเข้ามาในราชอาณาจักรเป็นการชั่วคราวเพื่อการท่องเที่ยวได้รับการยกเว้นการตรวจลงตรา และให้อยู่ในราชอาณาจักรได้ไม่เกินสิบห้าวัน
Timothy ***********
Tourist spend is 10% of the economy and according to the government 50% in Chiang Mai. Has anyone done a cost benefit analysis of the implications of these changes?
Aloh****
Good stuff here. Definitely seems like the needle has finally moved since last May.
Btw, not sure of your connection to all things visa related, but they sure seem to be relevant. 👍
Btw, not sure of your connection to all things visa related, but they sure seem to be relevant. 👍
Rodolphe *********
Do the documents contain any information about the 30 day extensions being maintained or canceled?
Graeme ********
As an indication, when it went from 30-45 days in 2022 there was 11 days notice and it was a 6 month one-off format then back to 30. When from 30-60 days it was 48 days notice from Gazette announcement but was delayed up to 6 weeks from then to take effect.
DorkyB******
Korea still 90 days?
Jason ***********
My passport is stamped for 60 day stay. What's for breakfast?
Mo ******
Jason Fernandes scrambled eggs and bacon today.
Jason ***********
Mo Amdl Mmmmm, I think I will do Suki Teenio!!
Elegant*******
How much days do Indians get?
John **********
ElegantKiwi596 they change to 30 days the same as the other visa exempt countries
Andy **********
One day, they might invite someone with intelligence to show them that making it easier to stay is the correct thing and to keep a stable policy was vital.
If they want some proof of income over a normal holiday duration, then fine. However, that puts the onus onto the airlines to police it because they don't want people refused entry and they have to fly them back at their cost.
But we now have to do this pre clearance thing online. So do that for durations over 30 days and capped at 90 days.
If you want o stay over 90 days, then get an appropriate visa which already has the financial requirements attached.
Messing about with rubbish like the DTV was always going to end in pain because it was always going to be abused.
If they want some proof of income over a normal holiday duration, then fine. However, that puts the onus onto the airlines to police it because they don't want people refused entry and they have to fly them back at their cost.
But we now have to do this pre clearance thing online. So do that for durations over 30 days and capped at 90 days.
If you want o stay over 90 days, then get an appropriate visa which already has the financial requirements attached.
Messing about with rubbish like the DTV was always going to end in pain because it was always going to be abused.
Lynnette *******
Andy Johnston what pre clearance are you referring to?
Graham ******
Lynnette Munoz TDAC probably
Michael ********
Graham Seal evisa .. online before travelling
Billy ************
Tautology; either revert or go back not both.
Billy ************
Tautology; either revert or go back not both.
Charles **********
With DTV also getting harder to obtain, looks like the condo rental market is gonaa implode this high season with no one taking long term rentals
Andy **********
Charles Harrison Hopefully yes. House prices set to fall with the exposure of the illegal nominee scam and long term visitors unable to prove they have money.
Gordon ********
8 cabinet votes, 3 ministry signatures, 4 interior ministry notices, 2 senate resolutions, 1 general vote, 3 royal decrees.... yet still nothing is clear
Brandon ************
@Gordon *******
literally none of that is trueGordon ********
@Brandon ***********
Maybe don't take things literally and life becomes a little brighter for you. Sending you a some fairy sprinkles and space hugs 🧚♀️🧚♂️💫🌠🌈 ⭐️
Mike **********
Gordon Workfb what’s not clear?
Gordon ********
Mike KiteAsia that's a question that requires a paternity test...
Paul **********
So why not just wait, too much confusion already from every social media minister posting the last announcememt
RadiantC********
Lao citizens won't be affected by the land entry limit as they're a direct neighboring country. Vietnam might be though?
Dca *****
OPRadiantCamel1017 No, as there is the May 2000 Bilateral Agreement with no geographic restrictions on Location of Entry, Exit, or Transit for Vietnam Ordinary Passports
RadiantC********
Dca Dca No, clearly I meant that they could be limited to 2 entries per year by land.
Not sure how you got any other meaning out of my comment but for your reference, Thailand does NOT allow Vietnamese citizens to exit by land for Myanmar without a visa (through those ports which are open to foreigners). The Myanmar visa on arrival, valid for the local area only, while theoretically available to Vietnamese, Thai immigration does not allow it. Thus a Vietnamese citizen must always possess a Burmese visa (or e-visa) to exit Thailand by land for Myanmar (at present limited to Ranong/Kawthaung).
Not sure how you got any other meaning out of my comment but for your reference, Thailand does NOT allow Vietnamese citizens to exit by land for Myanmar without a visa (through those ports which are open to foreigners). The Myanmar visa on arrival, valid for the local area only, while theoretically available to Vietnamese, Thai immigration does not allow it. Thus a Vietnamese citizen must always possess a Burmese visa (or e-visa) to exit Thailand by land for Myanmar (at present limited to Ranong/Kawthaung).
Lisa *********
Nah, I reckon they'll change it at the end of the year, fresh for next year
Mike **********
Lisa Callard I believe you’re right. Every year they start crying between Christmas and Chinese new year that they not have enough tourists and then they come up with some changes again. 
Todd ********
Lisa Callard recon you might be wrong
Lisa *********
Todd Capron fingers crossed for me travelling there in December for 6 weeks
Lisa *********
@Nick *******
only if I have to
Nick ********
Lisa Callard just apply for an e visa, takes the stress out for you.
Patrick *********
Why do we keep speculating and posting on the unknown? Perhaps post when it’s concrete.
Brandon ************
@Patrick ********
a signed order and request to publish in the royal gazette is not speculationPatrick *********
@Brandon ***********
thanks for repeating the other guy. Solid point!The speculation stems from when it will be officially in the gazette no?
Brandon ************
@Patrick ********
That's true. I have no idea what the normal time is between being submitted to the royal gazette and publication.
Duncan *******
Patrick Webster those are official Ministry of Interior Announcements, not media speculation - huge difference.
Ian ********
@Duncan ******
Iam sure most people can’t read Thai, including me( rely on a translation)🙈
Michael ********
More BS 💩💩💩💩
I think this is 8 time
This 💩💩💩😜😜😜😜
Has come out in 15 months
I think this is 8 time
This 💩💩💩😜😜😜😜
Has come out in 15 months
Steve******
Michael Harmon Lots of opinions but little knowledge.
Brandon ************
@Michael *******
it's not BS at all. It was passed by the cabinet in May. Some people were unhappy with the list of countries that would be removed from visa exempt so they had to do negotiations. Then the new plan was passed by the cabinet in July. Now it has actually been sent for publication in the royal gazette to become law.Duncan *******
Michael Harmon the proposals first emerged in May. And the images show official notification from the Interior Ministry, not some BS press article.
Michael ********
@Duncan ******
no first time was last yearDuncan *******
Michael Harmon the first cabinet resolution was on the 19th of May this year.
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Gregory ********
I’ll barely make it flying in on the 14th.
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