Thailand to halve visa-free stay for Israeli tourists starting September 15

Starting September 15, Thailand will reduce the visa-free stay for Israeli tourists from 60 days to 30 days, according to updated regulations published in the Royal Gazette. This adjustment makes Israel part of a group of 60 nations whose citizens still enjoy visa-free entry to Thailand, albeit for a shorter duration. Israelis who arrive before September 14 may still be granted up to 60 days under the current system. Existing travelers in Thailand can stay until the date they were initially granted upon entry.

However, if they wish to extend their stay beyond 30 days, Israeli tourists must apply for a one-time extension of up to an additional 30 days through Thailand's Immigration Authority. This extension is not automatic and remains at the discretion of immigration officials. Those planning longer stays might need to secure a tourist visa before departure.

The new regulations also impose restrictions on tourists entering Thailand via land borders under the visa exemption, limiting them to two such entries per calendar year. This restriction does not apply to arrivals through airports, though Thai authorities have increased scrutiny on foreigners who frequently leave and re-enter the country to prolong their stays.

Thailand's changes aim to prevent misuse of visa exemptions, such as illegal employment, extended stays disguised as tourism, and criminal activities by foreign nationals. Authorities emphasized that these measures are not targeted at citizens of any specific country. They also plan to intensify the use of the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) to verify travelers' information and monitor their entry and exit records.