Thailand has approved major revisions to its visa exemption and Visa on Arrival rules as part of updated immigration and tourism policy. The decision was approved by the Cabinet on 19 May 2026, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The changes affect visa-free travel durations, eligibility lists and the structure of the country’s entry schemes.
Under the revised policy, Thailand will allow only one visa exemption scheme per country or territory. The government has also cancelled the existing 60-day visa exemption programme that had applied to 93 countries and territories. That marks a significant rollback from the broader arrangements previously in place.
The 30-day visa exemption scheme for tourism has also been tightened. The number of eligible countries and territories in that category will fall from 57 to 54. At the same time, Thailand will introduce a new 15-day visa exemption scheme for tourism covering three countries or territories.
Visa on Arrival is also being reduced. The number of eligible countries and territories for that programme will fall from 31 to four under the new rules. Full details and eligibility criteria are expected to be published through Ministry of Interior announcements in the Royal Gazette.
The revised measures will take effect 15 days after publication. Thai officials said the policy changes were shaped by national security concerns, tourism and economic interests, reciprocity between countries and the aim of reducing overlapping visa exemption arrangements that could confuse international travellers.
Authorities also pointed to the expansion of Thailand’s e-Visa system as a factor in the decision. The digital platform has been positioned as a growing part of the country’s travel and immigration infrastructure, offering a more convenient route for some visitors as Thailand continues adjusting entry rules.
The impact will likely be watched closely by airlines, tourism operators and travellers in markets affected by the cuts. Thailand remains one of Asia’s key tourism destinations, and changes to visa policy often influence travel demand, regional tourism flows and airline connectivity.