Thailand cuts visa-free stays for citizens of more than 60 countries to 30 days
As of September 15, 2026, Thailand has reduced the maximum visa-free stay for tourists from more than 60 countries from 60 to 30 days. The new rules apply, in particular, to citizens of the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman and Saudi Arabia, as well as India, the Philippines, the United States, China, the United Kingdom and Schengen Area countries.
As The National reports, Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs explained the reduction in the visa-free travel period by the need to prevent abuse of the visa system and combat crimes in which, according to the ministry, citizens of some foreign states may be involved.
Conditions for UAE citizens
Since July 2024, UAE citizens had been able to enter Thailand without a visa for up to 60 days for tourism and short-term business trips. This period is now limited to 30 days. To enter, they must have a passport valid for at least six months, a return or onward ticket, and a hotel reservation.
Entry and stay extension rules are determined by the passport holder’s citizenship, rather than their UAE resident status. Therefore, Emirates residents should follow the conditions established for their country of citizenship.
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Extensions and other entry regimes
Tourists may extend their permitted stay once at the discretion of an immigration officer. UAE citizens can obtain a one-time extension of another 30 days, so the total duration of a visa-free trip may reach 60 days. The extension costs 1,900 Thai baht, or about $57.
Thailand has also reduced the list of countries and territories whose citizens can obtain a visa on arrival. For citizens of Belarus, Serbia and Azerbaijan, this regime provides for tourist stays of up to 15 days. Citizens of Seychelles and Mauritius are entitled to 15-day visa-free entry, while those of Cambodia and Myanmar are entitled to 14 days.
Since the start of the year, Thailand has been visited by 20.9 million foreign tourists, 3% fewer than during the same period in 2025, according to the latest official data.
