Thailand is cutting visa-free stays for Israeli tourists from 60 to 30 days. The new regulations, announced several months ago, were published in the country’s official gazette and take effect September 15.
1+Israelis entering Thailand from that date under the visa exemption will be able to stay up to 30 days only. Anyone already in Thailand, or entering by September 14, can remain for the period approved upon entry—up to 60 days.
Israel is included in the final list of 60 countries and territories whose citizens will continue to enjoy visa-free entry to Thailand. However, the new exemption is for tourism only, unlike the expanded arrangement that existed until now and also covered work or short-term business activities.
Even after the new regulations take effect, travelers wanting to stay in Thailand longer than 30 days can request an extension of another 30 days, subject to approval by immigration authorities. In other words, extended stays won’t be granted automatically upon entry but will require applying to authorities.
1+Another change affects travelers entering Thailand through land border crossings—for example, during trips to neighboring countries. Under the new regulations, land entry under the visa exemption will be limited to twice per calendar year. The restriction doesn’t apply to entries by air.
The expanded 60-day exemption took effect in July 2024 and applied to citizens of 93 countries and territories. The move was designed to encourage tourism and ease entry for visitors, but the Thai government later decided to review the policy.
According to Thai authorities, an overly long stay under visa exemption could be exploited, including for activities inconsistent with the purpose of entering the country. Thai officials explained the change is meant to balance encouraging tourism with security, economic, and immigration control considerations.
The policy shift isn’t aimed at Israelis alone and affects dozens of countries, but it comes at a time when Israeli tourists are under increased scrutiny in Thailand. During August, the country reported several incidents involving Israelis, mainly in Phuket and Koh Samui. At the same time, Thailand’s tourism minister warned that authorities won’t hesitate to revoke visas and deport foreign tourists who break the law or cause disturbances.