Thailand tightens visa exemptions, reduces visa-free stays, mandates digital arrival card

The Cabinet approved significant revisions to the visa exemption scheme on July 14, 2026. The 60-day visa exemption, previously covering up to 93 countries, has been cancelled, with most now limited to 30 days. Six additional countries, including India and four EU states, now receive a 30-day exemption, while Mauritius and Seychelles are limited to 15 days. The Visa on Arrival list has also been reduced, and the paper TM.6 arrival card is abolished, replaced by the mandatory Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) system, requiring registration 72 hours prior to arrival. These changes come into force 15 days after formal publication in the Royal Gazette.