Thailand implemented two separate changes to its visa exemption policy on 15 September 2026. One — the reduction from 60-day to 30-day stays for the main block of visa-free nationalities — has received widespread coverage. The other, largely overlooked, is a complete removal of visa-free access for 21 nationalities.
Which 21 Countries Are Affected
Travelers from the following countries can no longer enter Thailand without a visa from 15 September:
- Latin America: Mexico, Colombia, Uruguay, Jamaica
- Africa: Morocco, Mauritius
- South Asia: Sri Lanka
- Europe: Monaco
- Central Asia: Uzbekistan
- Plus 12 further nationalities confirmed by Thai immigration authorities
All of these countries previously enjoyed visa-free entry for stays of up to 30 days. That exemption has been fully revoked — citizens of these nationalities now require a valid visa before travel.
Your Visa Options
The most practical route for tourism is the Tourist Visa (TR), applied for at a Thai embassy or consulate before departure. It is valid for an initial 60-day stay and can be extended once at an Immigration office inside Thailand for an additional 30 days.
Online applications are available through the official Thai e-Visa portal for most nationalities. Processing typically takes three to five business days, though embassy queues vary by country. Apply early if you are traveling during peak season.
A Thailand Privilege Card offers long-stay options starting from THB 900,000 — clearly not practical for ordinary tourist visits.
What Hasn’t Changed
The vast majority of travellers — from the US, UK, EU member states, Australia, Japan, South Korea, and many others — retain their visa-free access. The change for those countries is the 60-day-to-30-day reduction, not a full revocation.
We recommend double-checking your passport’s nationality against the current list before finalising any bookings. Our Thailand visa guide covers the full entry requirements by nationality, including embassy contact details for each affected country. Once your visa is confirmed, travel insurance for Thailand protects your booking if plans change before departure. The best time to visit Thailand guide can help you plan your window once the paperwork is confirmed.
Background
The changes are part of a broader Thai government review of visa reciprocity, intended to better align Thailand’s entry arrangements with what partner countries offer Thai passport holders. Further adjustments to the exemption list are possible in early 2027.
If you are currently in Thailand and your nationality has been affected, the 15 September cutoff applies to new entries — existing visa-exemption stamps that were issued before that date remain valid for their stated duration.