In our Spotlight on APAC series, we highlight the latest developments across the region. In this update, we look at Thailand’s recent revision to its visa exemption and Visa on Arrival (VoA) schemes, following announcements by the Ministry of Interior.
Effective 15 September 2026, travellers will be subject to the following arrangements, depending on their nationality:
- 30-day visa exemption for nationals of 60 countries and territories*
- 15-day visa exemption for nationals of Mauritius and Seychelle
- 15-day Visa on Arrival (VoA) for nationals of Azerbaijan, Belarus and Serbia, subject to a THB 2,000 visa fee
*List of countries and territories: Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Bhutan, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Fiji, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Maldives, Malta, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Türkiye, Ukraine, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom and the United States.
The revised measures will supersede Thailand’s previous 60-day visa exemption scheme. Travellers from eligible countries who enter Thailand before 15 September 2026 under the existing arrangements may remain in the country until the expiry of their permitted period of stay.
The new measures are intended for tourism purposes, with the scope of activities permitted under the visa exempt category remaining the same. Travellers intending to enter Thailand for other purposes should refer to the relevant visa category and applicable immigration requirements.
In addition, visa exempt entry via land checkpoints will continue to be capped at two entries per calendar year, with certain exceptions applying to nationals of countries including Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei Darussalam.
For more information on the above or any assistance you require on global immigration matters, please do not hesitate to contact Rachel.ang@magrath.sg or hazimah@magrath.sg.
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