Thailand has reduced visa-free stays for citizens of 60 countries
From September 15, 2026, Thailand changed the rules for visa-free entry for foreign tourists. The country abolished the 60-day regime that had been in effect since 2024 and applied to citizens of 93 countries and territories. Updated visa-free entry conditions now apply to certain categories of travelers.
Under the new scheme, citizens of 60 countries and territories may enter Thailand without a visa for tourism purposes and stay in the country for up to 30 days per visit. Previously, the maximum stay for this category of travelers was 60 days.
The change is especially important for foreigners who are in Vietnam and use Thailand as a travel destination or for visa runs. When planning a trip, it is now necessary to take the shortened length of stay into account and check the rules in advance specifically for your citizenship.
At the same time, the new rules do not mean that the same conditions apply to all foreigners. Thailand separately takes into account bilateral agreements with various countries, so the permitted length of stay depends on the traveler’s passport. Official rules should be checked before traveling, especially if Thailand is used as an intermediate country for a visa run.
The new conditions apply to travelers entering Thailand from September 15 onward. Those who were already in the country before that date may remain until the end of the period granted to them by immigration upon entry and indicated in their passport stamp.
The updated visa-free regime is intended specifically for tourist trips. For work, study, and other purposes, it is necessary to obtain the appropriate visa category.
Thus, those planning a visa run from Vietnam through Thailand should check the current requirements for their passport before traveling, including the permitted length of stay and border crossing conditions. Thailand’s rules were officially published on August 31 and came into force on September 15, 2026.
Source: https://www.vietnam.vn/ru/thai-lan-hom-nay-thay-doi-chinh-sach-nhap-canh-khach-viet-luu-y
Source: https://thailand.prd.go.th/en/content/category/detail/id/48/iid/538547
