Thailand’s 30-Day Visa-Free Rule Is Now Official: Here’s What Actually Changed for UAE Travellers
Thailand’s visa-free stay for Thailand took effect on 15 September 2026, cut from 60 days to 30 days. Earlier reports in May 2026 suggested this was imminent, but the change wasn’t actually confirmed until Thailand’s Royal Gazette published it on 31 August 2026, with a start date more than three months later than first reported.
What Changed, Confirmed
Thailand’s Ministry of Interior replaced the 60-day visa-free scheme (in place since July 2024) with a 30-day exemption covering 60 countries and territories, including the UAE, India, the Philippines, all six GCC states, and all 27 EU member states. If you entered Thailand on or before 14 September 2026, you keep your original 60-day stay. Anyone arriving from 15 September onward gets 30 days.
One detail many reports missed: you can extend once. A one-time 30-day extension is available at a Thai immigration office using form TM.7, for a fee of 1,900 THB, at the immigration officer’s discretion. That gives a realistic maximum of around 60 days per entry without a formal visa, down from 90 previously possible under the old rules plus extension.
What Changed for India Specifically
Earlier reporting suggested Indian passport holders might move to a paid Visa on Arrival instead of visa-free entry. That plan was reversed: Thailand’s Cabinet confirmed in July 2026 that Indian passport holders keep the free 30-day visa exemption, the same as UAE and Filipino passport holders.
Who This Affects in the UAE
This applies by passport nationality, not residency. UAE passport holders, and UAE residents travelling on Indian, Filipino, or other affected passports, are all now capped at 30 days visa-free (60 with the extension), rather than the 60 days many travellers planned around before September.
Bangkok, Phuket, Pattaya, and Krabi remain some of the most-booked leisure routes out of Dubai and Abu Dhabi, so anyone who structured an extended holiday or remote-work break around the old 60-day window should check their trip length against the current rule before booking.
- Old rule: 60 days visa-free, in place since July 2024
- New rule: 30 days visa-free, effective 15 September 2026
- One-time extension: +30 days via form TM.7, 1,900 THB, officer’s discretion
- Covers: 60 countries and territories, including UAE, India, Philippines, all GCC states, all EU states
- Grandfather rule: Entries on or before 14 September 2026 keep the original 60-day stay
- India: Confirmed in the 30-day free exemption, not a paid Visa on Arrival as earlier reported
Thailand’s visa-free stay for UAE, Indian, Filipino, and dozens of other nationalities is now officially 30 days, confirmed and in force since 15 September 2026, with a one-time 30-day extension available in-country. If you’re planning a trip longer than 30 days, either budget for that extension or apply for a Tourist Visa through Thailand’s e-Visa portal before you fly, rather than risk an overstay fine.
