Thailand Visa-Exemption Changes from 15 September 2026

On 19 May 2026 the Cabinet of Thailand approved the revision of the visa-exemption and Visa on Arrival (VoA) schemes. The relevant Ministry of Interior announcements were published in the Royal Gazette on 31 August 2026, and the revised measures take effect on 15 September 2026.

What changes for Russians

The special 60-day visa-exemption introduced in 2024 to boost tourism is being rolled back. For citizens of the Russian Federation, Thailand returns to the terms of the bilateral agreement — 30 days of visa-free stay. This is confirmed by the Royal Thai Embassy in Moscow in its updated information for ordinary-passport holders of the Russian Federation, Belarus, Uzbekistan, Armenia and Moldova.

Limit on visa-runs

A limit on visa-free entry — no more than twice per calendar year — is additionally under discussion. Exceptions may be possible only with justified reasons. The measure is aimed at curbing the practice of frequent short trips made to reset the period of stay (visa-runs). The exact conditions for applying the limit should be checked against official announcements from Immigration and the responsible embassies.

How to stay longer legally

For those planning to stay in Thailand longer than 30 days, the following remain available: the Tourist Visa (TR) and the Multiple Entry Tourist Visa (METV) for several entries, the Education Visa (Non-ED), the Retirement Visa, and the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) — each entry gives up to 180 days with the possibility of a single extension of a further 180 days inside the country. The DTV becomes the main working tool for longer stays.

Related pages

Sources

• Royal Thai Embassy in Moscow — Revision of Thailand's Visa Exemption and Visa on Arrival Schemes
• Ministry of Interior announcements, Royal Gazette, 31 August 2026.

Last verified: 14.09.2026