Thailand approves major visa-exemption and VOA revision; effective date still pending
Thailand’s Cabinet approved a replacement for the 93-country 60-day visa-exemption scheme on 19 May 2026, but commencement remains pending implementing Royal Gazette notices and the stated 15-day period.
Thailand’s Cabinet approved a substantial revision of the visa-exemption and Visa on Arrival schemes on 19 May 2026.
The Department of Consular Affairs reported that the approved revision would replace the 93-country 60-day visa-exemption scheme, create revised 30-day and 15-day exemption lists, and reduce the Visa on Arrival list.
These changes must not yet be treated as active rules.
Effective date is still pending
Consular Affairs states that the revision takes effect 15 days after three implementing Ministry of Interior notices are published in the Royal Gazette.
As of the source review on 7 August 2026, those controlling notices and a verified commencement date had not been located. The proposed country lists therefore should not be used for travel decisions yet.
Current published baseline
Pending verified commencement, the MFA’s current published material continues to describe a 60-day visa-exemption scheme for 93 listed countries and territories from 15 July 2024.
Travelers should check the current MFA nationality list immediately before travel and should not rely only on an older website table, broad region, airline summary or social-media post.
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 nationality list.
- Check whether the implementing Gazette notices have appeared and whether 15 days have elapsed.
- Apply for an appropriate visa when the intended stay or activity is not covered by the current entry permission.
- Do not assume that Cabinet approval alone changed the rule immediately.
Official sources
Sources checked: 7 August 2026. The same-day Royal Gazette and Consular Affairs recheck found the approval notice and current 60-day list but did not locate implementing notices or a verified commencement date.
Uncertainty and professional-review status
The revision’s legal commencement, final country lists and transition treatment remain unresolved until the implementing notices are obtained and checked. This article is general information and has not received qualified Thai legal or immigration-professional approval.