The Cabinet approved a further review of visa privileges on Tuesday, July 14, 2026. The draft Ministry of Interior announcements will only take effect 15 days after they are published in the Royal Gazette. Get today's headlines by email Deputy government spokesperson Ploytalay Laksameesangchan said the changes are intended to close security loopholes, curb the misuse of tourist entry for non-tourism activities and apply a "one country, one entitlement" approach. New 30-day, 15-day and Visa on Arrival categories Under the revised arrangements, 59 countries and territories will receive visa-free entry for tourism stays of up to 30 days. The government said the longer 60-day stay could be used to enter Thailand for illegal activities or purposes inconsistent with tourism. The government said this entitlement would be extended to six countries: India, Croatia, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Malta and the Maldives. It said this would mean all 27 European Union member states receive the same entitlement, supporting international relations, negotiations for Schengen visa exemptions for Thai nationals and economic agreements. In considering India, authorities cited a previous fall in Indian visitor numbers, since the changes were first announced, as well as the country's importance to Thailand's economy, trade, investment and international relations. The government noted that Indian tourists stay in Thailand, on average, for only 7.2 days per visit. Mauritius and Seychelles will receive visa-free tourism entry for stays of up to 15 days, before the arrangements are reviewed again. Azerbaijan, Belarus and Serbia will be eligible for Visa on Arrival at designated immigration checkpoints. Ploytalay said a total of 65 countries and territories would receive an entitlement under the various measures. The review took account of economic and security factors, international relations and reciprocity. What travellers already in Thailand need to know Foreign nationals who entered Thailand before the new announcements take effect will be allowed to stay for the balance of the period originally granted to them. For visitors and expats who regularly use visa-exempt entry for short trips, the main practical change is that the previous 60-day allowance will no longer apply once the rules are in force. Travellers should check the Royal Gazette announcements and their nationality's entitlement before booking, particularly where a stay may exceed 15 or 30 days. TDAC screening to be tightened Security agencies will also improve the Thailand Digital Arrival Card, or TDAC, system to screen foreign nationals' records and review their travel into and out of the country. Authorities will speed up links between agency databases to assess risks from travellers' points of origin and monitor whether visa privileges are being used as intended. "This review is not intended to reduce tourism opportunities, but to adjust the system to make it more appropriate, clear and verifiable," Ploytalay said, adding that the aim was to balance economic stimulus, travel facilitation, international relations and national security. Join the discussion? 15 July 2026
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