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Thailand to reduce visa-free stays for 60 countries
Thailand is implementing significant changes to its visa exemption policy, effective September 15, 2026. The new regulations will reduce the visa-free stay period from 60 days to 30 days for citizens of 60 designated countries and territories, including the United States, United Kingdom, China, and several European Union nations. Additionally, the number of countries eligible for visa-free entry is being reduced from 93 to 60.
Certain nationalities will receive expanded privileges: citizens of Brazil, Peru, and South Korea will see their visa-free stay increased from 60 to 90 days. Meanwhile, travelers from Mauritius and Seychelles will be granted a 15-day visa exemption. For most affected travelers, the 30-day stay can be extended once for an additional 30 days at the discretion of immigration officers.
The policy shift aims to tighten immigration controls and curb visa abuse related to crimes such as drug offenses, human trafficking, and the illegal operation of businesses like hotels and schools. Furthermore, visa-exempt travelers entering via land borders will be limited to two entries per calendar year, though this restriction does not apply to certain neighboring nations like Malaysia and Singapore.
Entities
Anutin Charnvirakul · Bangkok · Krabi · Ministry of Foreign Affairs · Ministry of Interior · Ministry of Interior of Thailand · Royal Gazette · Sihasak Phuangketkeow · Suphajee Suthumpun · Thailand · Thailand Ministry of Interior
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [DISPUTED] Citizens of Brazil, Peru, and South Korea will see their visa-free stay increased from 60 to 90 days. en.tempo.co · www.yenicaggazetesi.com · fr.euronews.com · www.ogunhaber.com
- [● 16 SOURCES] The number of countries and territories eligible for visa-free entry is being reduced from 93 to 60. en.tempo.co · www.chiangraitimes.com · loyaltylobby.com · mustsharenews.com · www.lebrief.ma · +11 more
- [DISPUTED] The visa-free stay period for 60 designated countries and territories will be reduced from 60 days to 30 days. en.tempo.co · www.banett.no · haber.aero · www.chiangraitimes.com · thethaiger.com · +11 more
- [● 4 SOURCES] Visa-exempt travelers entering via land borders are limited to two entries per calendar year. www.chiangraitimes.com · mustsharenews.com · haber.aero · newsclip.be
- [● 6 SOURCES] The policy change aims to curb visa abuse and foreign-related crimes, including drug offenses and human trafficking. en.tempo.co · www.banett.no · www.yenicaggazetesi.com · www.expatgo.com · fr.euronews.com · +1 more
- [● 2 SOURCES] Nationals of Mauritius and Seychelles are granted a 15-day visa exemption. thethaiger.com · loyaltylobby.com
- [● 5 SOURCES] The 30-day visa-free stay can be extended once for an additional 30 days at the discretion of immigration officers. en.tempo.co · haber.aero · www.expatgo.com · www.yenicaggazetesi.com · www.ogunhaber.com
- [● 16 SOURCES] The new visa-free stay regulations will take effect on September 15, 2026. www.chiangraitimes.com · loyaltylobby.com · mustsharenews.com · www.lebrief.ma · asiainfonews.com · +11 more