The Thai Cabinet approved updated visa measures for 65 countries, aligning entry facilitation with conditions. Changes include categories for visa exemptions and Visa on Arrival, impacting screening and international relations.
Visa Update Announcement
On 16 July 2026, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) informed visitors that the Thai Cabinet has approved new visa exemption and Visa on Arrival guidelines. These updates are pending publication in the Royal Gazette and will be effective 15 days post-publication. This move aims to streamline entry processes, enhance screening, reduce overlapping entry categories, and ensure visa privileges meet their intended purposes, replacing the 60-day visa exemption introduced in July 2024.
Entry Category Strategy
The updated approach follows the principle of “one country or territory, one entry category,” with eligibility based on economic factors, security, international relations, and reciprocity. The categories include 30-day visa exemption, 15-day visa exemption, or Visa on Arrival. Sixty-five countries and territories are affected, with 59, including India, becoming eligible for a 30-day visa exemption. This aligns visa treatment across all EU members and supports discussions on Schengen visa exemption for Thai nationals.
Implementation and Monitoring
While the new measures await implementation, existing entry conditions remain. Foreign nationals entering before the changes retain their current stay permissions. Bilateral agreements continue, providing visa exemptions of varying durations. Security agencies will enhance the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) system for better screening and verification. Visitors should monitor official updates from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and embassies for the latest requirements applicable to their nationality. TAT will announce further details once officially published.
Source : Thai Cabinet approves updated visa measures pending Royal Gazette publication
