Thailand Reduces Tourist Visa-Free Stay to 30 Days Starting 15 September
Thailand will reduce the visa-free stay period for tourists from dozens of countries and territories from 90 days to 30 days. The new regulation will come into effect on 15 September 2026.
The Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that this policy is part of the government’s efforts to suppress crimes involving foreign nationals. According to Channel News Asia (CNA) on Wednesday (2/9/2026), while the tourism sector plays a vital role in Thailand’s economy, the government has recently faced several cases involving foreigners.
A series of recent arrests involved foreign nationals accused of drug violations, sex trafficking, and operating businesses such as hotels and schools without proper permits. Under the current tourism scheme, travellers from over 90 countries and territories receive visa-free entry for up to 60 days. This list includes countries in the European Schengen Area, China, India, the United States (US), and several South American nations.
Indonesia is among the 93 countries and territories that previously enjoyed a 60-day visa-free facility. From 15 September, this 60-day facility will be revoked. Thailand will then implement a new scheme with different durations and a different list of countries.
According to the Department of Consular Affairs of the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs, a 30-day visa-free facility will apply to 60 countries and territories, including Singapore, China, the US, and 27 European Union member states. Meanwhile, the visa-free status for approximately 20 other countries remains uncertain. A Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs official declined to comment to AFP regarding the status of those countries on Tuesday.
Conversely, some countries will receive longer visa-free periods. Travellers from Peru, Brazil, and South Korea will receive a 90-day visa-free facility, an increase from the previous 60 days. Tourists may also extend their stay once, though such extensions remain at the discretion of immigration officers.
Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow previously stated that the reduction in visa-free visit periods is part of an effort to crack down on foreigners abusing these facilities to commit crimes in Thailand. This new policy emerges as the number of foreign tourist arrivals to Thailand has declined. Since the beginning of 2026, the Land of the White Elephant has received approximately 20.9 million foreign tourists, a 3% decrease compared to the same period in 2025.
What are the rules for Indonesian citizens?
The policy change also applies to Indonesian citizens (WNI) intending to visit Thailand. Indonesia was previously included in the list of 93 countries and territories receiving up to 60 days of visa-free facilities under the policy implemented by Thailand since July 2024.
According to the website of the Department of Consular Affairs of the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs, starting 15 September 2026, Indonesian passport holders will be included in the list of countries granted visa-free facilities for tourism purposes for a maximum of 30 days. Indonesia is listed alongside several other countries such as Australia, India, Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, the UK, and the US.
Consequently, Indonesian citizens can still holiday in Thailand without arranging a visa beforehand, but the visa-free stay period will be a maximum of 30 days, down from the 60-day facility previously available.
The Thai government explained that foreigners who have already entered the country under the old scheme before the new rules take effect will still be permitted to stay until their granted permit expires. Meanwhile, once the new policy is active, travellers may enter using the new visa-free scheme, existing bilateral agreements, or by applying for a visa through the Thailand e-Visa system.