Thailand's cabinet approves new visa-free rules: foreign visitors can now stay a maximum of 30 days
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SaveThailand's cabinet approves new visa-free rules: foreign visitors can now stay a maximum of 30 days
In response to long-running problems with foreigners abusing Thailand's visa-free stay to enter and break the law, the Thai Cabinet has approved a major review of the country's visa-exemption (visa-free) and visa privileges. The new rules cut the permitted stay to 30 days and 15 days, under a "one country, one privilege" principle aimed at strengthening security while continuing to support tourism and international relations.
Cabinet approves new visa-free rules, scrapping the 60-day stay in favour of 30 and 15 days
The latest "Thailand free visa" criteria at a glance — what has changed?
Visa-free (30 days): maximum stay of 30 days | 59 countries and territories (new additions: India, Croatia, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Malta, Maldives)
Visa-free (15 days): maximum stay of 15 days | Mauritius and the Seychelles
Visa on Arrival (VoA): maximum stay of 15 days | Azerbaijan, Belarus and Serbia (India removed, as it now receives visa-free entry instead)
Effective date — the five draft ministerial announcements will take effect 15 days after being published in the Royal Gazette.
Current travellers — foreigners who entered Thailand and received privileges under the old rules before the new criteria were announced can continue to stay for their remaining permitted period until it expires.
A closer look at each category — what's worth knowing?
✈️ Visa-free entry — stay of up to 30 days
The permitted stay has been cut from 60 days to no more than 30 days to prevent misuse of the privilege (such as sneaking in to work or run a short-term business). Six countries have been newly granted visa-free status: India, Croatia, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Malta and the Maldives.
💡 Travel Note: this change gives all 27 European Union member states equal visa-free travel rights in Thailand, helping to strengthen ties and supporting negotiations for Schengen visa waivers so Thais can travel to Europe more easily in the future.
✈️ Visa-free entry — stay of up to 15 days
This privilege is granted to Mauritius and the Seychelles, two paradise island nations with high-potential, high-spending travellers, and will be reviewed again in the future.
✈️ Visa on Arrival (VoA) — stay of up to 15 days
For travellers applying for a visa at an immigration checkpoint, only three countries remain: Azerbaijan, Belarus and Serbia. India's VoA status has been removed because it now receives visa-free entry instead, avoiding duplication.
Effective date and impact on current travellers
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