Thailand to shorten visa-free stays to 30 days for 60 countries including S'pore, from Sep. 15, 2026
According to officials, this is part of an effort to tackle crime that involves foreign nationals.
Effective September 15, 2026, Thailand will be reducing the length of visa-free stays for tourists from 60 days to 30 days for 60 countries and territories. This change, announced by the country's foreign ministry on September 1, aims to strengthen immigration controls and curb the misuse of the visa-free entry system for engaging in illegal activities or overstaying unauthorizedly.
The move comes amid accusations that some foreign nationals have been involved in various crimes, including drug offenses, sex trafficking, and operating businesses without proper permits.
Singaporeans visiting Thailand as tourists currently enjoy visa-free entry for up to 60 days under the Tourist Visa Exemption Scheme (TVES). This privilege extends to over 90 eligible countries and territories, including the 29-nation Schengen area in Europe, China, India, the U.S., and several South American countries. However, the reduction in visa-free stays will affect Singaporeans, along with 59 other countries and territories, such as China, the U.S., and 27 EU nations.
Contrary to the reduction, the visa-free stay for citizens of Peru, Brazil, and South Korea will be extended from 60 days to 90 days. Once in Thailand, tourists may also be granted a one-time extension at the discretion of an immigration officer. According to the latest official figures, Thailand has welcomed 20.9 million foreign tourists since the beginning of 2026, marking a 3% decrease compared to the same period in 2025.
Written by urgent.news from Mothership's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
