Thailand Entry Rules from 15 September 2026

From 15 September 2026, Thailand will introduce new visa exemption rules for foreign tourists. The main change is the cancellation of the 60-day visa exemption scheme that previously applied to citizens of 93 countries and territories.

The revised rules were published in the Royal Gazette on 31 August 2026 and will officially take effect on 15 September 2026. Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed the updated visa exemption, Visa on Arrival and bilateral agreement schemes. Правительственный отдел связи Тайланда

Thailand Entry Rules for Russian Citizens

For Russian citizens, visa-free entry remains available for up to 30 days.

Russia is not included in the new general 30-day visa exemption scheme for 60 countries and territories. Instead, Russian ordinary passport holders enter Thailand under a separate bilateral visa exemption agreement.

Under the updated rules, Russian citizens may stay in Thailand for up to 30 days without a visa.

In simple terms:

Visa-free entry → up to 30 days in Thailand.

The new rules apply to entries made from 15 September 2026 onwards.

What If You Enter Thailand Before 15 September?

Travellers who enter Thailand before 15 September 2026 under the previous visa exemption rules will not have their permitted stay shortened.

If your passport already contains an immigration stamp allowing you to stay beyond 15 September, you may remain in Thailand until the date stated on that stamp.

The Thai government has officially confirmed that travellers who entered Thailand before the new rules take effect may stay until the end of the period already granted by Immigration. Правительственный отдел связи Тайланда

Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan is also covered by a separate bilateral visa exemption agreement with Thailand.

From 15 September 2026, citizens of Kazakhstan may enter Thailand visa-free for up to 30 days per entry.

We do not recommend treating the frequently mentioned “90 days within 180 days” rule as a general confirmed requirement unless it is specifically supported by the applicable bilateral agreement or official Immigration guidance.

Ukraine, Georgia and Kyrgyzstan

Citizens of Ukraine, Georgia and Kyrgyzstan are included in the updated group of countries and territories eligible for visa-free entry to Thailand for tourism.

The permitted stay is up to 30 days.

Belarus and Azerbaijan

Citizens of Belarus and Azerbaijan will be eligible for Visa on Arrival (VoA) from 15 September 2026.

The permitted stay under Visa on Arrival is up to 15 days.

The Visa on Arrival fee is THB 2,000.

Travellers planning to stay longer should consider applying for a tourist visa before travelling.

Armenia and Uzbekistan

Armenia and Uzbekistan are not included in the new 30-day visa exemption list or the updated Visa on Arrival list.

Citizens of these countries travelling to Thailand for tourism after 15 September will therefore need to obtain an appropriate tourist visa in advance.

Thai visas can be applied for online through the official Thai e-Visa system.

Staying in Thailand for More Than 30 Days

For travellers planning a longer stay, applying for a tourist visa in advance is generally the more straightforward option.

A standard Tourist Visa (TR) normally allows a stay of up to 60 days per entry. An extension may be requested inside Thailand, subject to approval by the Immigration Office.

Thailand also offers the Multiple Entry Tourist Visa (METV) for travellers who need multiple entries during the validity period of their visa.

Can You Do a Border Run After 15 September?

Leaving Thailand and entering again means that your eligibility for entry will be assessed again under the rules applicable on the date of your new entry.

A border run does not automatically guarantee admission or a new period of stay.

The final decision on admission to Thailand is always made by the Immigration officer at the border.

For people intending to stay in Thailand long term, repeated tourist entries should not be treated as a substitute for an appropriate long-term visa.

Is TDAC Still Required?

Yes. The changes to Thailand’s visa exemption rules do not cancel the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC).

Foreign nationals entering Thailand are generally required to submit a TDAC before arrival, whether they enter visa-free or with a visa.

The TDAC can be submitted within three days before arrival, including the arrival date.

Travellers will normally need to provide passport details, travel information, their address in Thailand and an email address.

Dtac

Thailand Entry Rules from 15 September 2026: Quick Summary

Official Sources

The information above is based on the revised visa measures published by Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Thai Government Public Relations Department.

Thailand Ministry of Foreign Affairs — 2026 visa measures

Thai Government — Revision of Visa Exemption and Visa on Arrival Schemes

Official Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC)

Information updated on 5 September 2026. Immigration and visa rules may change, so travellers should check the latest official requirements before departure.

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