Japan has extended its temporary visa exemption scheme for holders of ordinary Thai passports for another year, allowing Thai tourists to enter the country without a visa for stays of up to 15 days per visit.

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The Thai Department of Consular Affairs confirmed on 8 July 2026 that the measure will remain in effect from 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2027. The extension allows eligible Thai travellers to continue visiting Japan without applying for a visa before departure.

The visa-free arrangement applies to holders of ordinary Thai passports and is subject to Japan’s immigration requirements. Thai authorities reminded travellers that they must not overstay their permitted period of stay or take up employment without the required authorisation.

The temporary exemption scheme was introduced as part of Japan’s arrangements for Thai visitors and has continued to support short-term travel between the two countries. Thailand’s Department of Consular Affairs said Thai citizens should check entry conditions before travelling and follow the laws and regulations of their destination countries.

Thai passport holders can currently travel visa-free to 35 countries and territories, although the permitted length of stay differs depending on the destination. Georgia allows Thai visitors to stay for up to one year without a visa, while several countries including Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, South Korea, Peru and Haiti allow stays of up to 90 days.

Visa-free stays of up to 60 days are available in Samoa, Panama and Cambodia. Thailand passport holders can also enter several destinations, including China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Vietnam and others, for up to 30 days without a visa.

Khaosod reported that the extension of Japan’s visa-free entry scheme means Thai travellers can continue planning short visits under the same conditions until 30 June 2027. Travellers are advised to confirm the latest entry requirements before departure as international travel rules may change.

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10 July 2026

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Thais have been Japanophiles since the 1980s, when a massive wave of Japanese anime, food, and pop culture first captivated the nation.

And, it seems that the love affair hasn't waned. In February this year The Nation newspaper said Thailand ranks as Japan's sixth-largest source of foreign visitors globally and its number one market from Southeast Asia.

Meanwhile, the Bangkok Post in April claimed that Thai tourists show an extraordinarily high loyalty, with a revisit rate of roughly 73%.

Impressively, it added that nearly half of all Thai visitors (47%) have traveled to Japan four or more times! Friends I know have done it more times than that!

So, with the extension of the Visa-free entry for another year it's likely many more Thais will make the trip (assuming they can afford it).

I didn't realize that it wasn't a permanent rule. Wife and I have been about 5 times, with another one planned for October. Great time to go with the Yen exchange rate.

This will mainly be of interest for the hi-so's should they choose to go to Japan, rather then Switzerland.