Thailand visa-exemption and VOA revision confirmed for 15 September 2026
Thailand’s revised visa-exemption and Visa on Arrival measures were published on 31 August 2026 and take effect on 15 September 2026, with transition treatment for permissions granted on earlier entry.
Thailand’s Cabinet approved a substantial revision of the visa-exemption and Visa on Arrival schemes on 19 May 2026. The implementing measures were published in the Royal Gazette on 31 August 2026 and take effect on 15 September 2026.
The revised tourism measures include 30-day exemption for 60 countries and territories, 15-day exemption for two, and Visa on Arrival for three. The official Consular Affairs ordinary-passport list—not this summary—controls passport-specific treatment.
What applies before and after 15 September
Until 14 September, travellers should check the entry scheme then in force. For entry on or after 15 September, check the current Consular Affairs ordinary-passport list for the passport held, travel purpose and intended entry date.
The MFA states that a foreign national who enters Thailand before 15 September 2026 under the earlier arrangement may remain until the end of the period granted under that permission.
This transition does not guarantee admission, a particular permission, extension, re-entry or permission to work.
Do not infer eligibility from region, residence, an airline summary, social media or an earlier list. Entry route, passport, purpose and date of entry all matter.
Who is affected
- travelers relying on visa-exempt entry;
- travelers expecting Visa on Arrival;
- airlines and travel planners; and
- visitors planning a stay longer than 15 or 30 days.
Required action
Before travel:
- Check the current Consular Affairs ordinary-passport list for the passport, purpose and entry date.
- Apply the scheme in force on the actual date of entry.
- Apply for an appropriate visa when the intended stay or activity is not covered by the current entry permission.
- Do not assume the website summary guarantees admission or a particular permission.
Official sources
- MFA briefing confirming Gazette publication, effective date and transition
- Department of Consular Affairs ordinary-passport summary
- Royal Gazette
Sources checked: 4 September 2026.
Uncertainty and professional-review status
The official passport-specific list and current authority instructions control. This article is general information and has not received qualified Thai legal or immigration-professional approval.