Thailand to halve visa-free stay for Israeli tourists starting September 15

Effective September 15, Thailand will reduce the visa-free stay for Israeli tourists from 60 to 30 days, as per new regulations in the Royal Gazette. This change aligns Israel with 60 other countries whose citizens receive a 30-day visa exemption. Israelis entering before September 14 can still receive a 60-day stay. Tourists can apply for a one-time 30-day extension through the Immigration Authority, or obtain a tourist visa for longer planned stays. The regulations also limit land border entries under visa exemption to two per calendar year, though this does not apply to airport arrivals. Thai authorities stated these measures aim to "prevent misuse of visa exemptions, including illegal employment, prolonged stays under the guise of tourism, and criminal activity by foreign nationals," emphasizing they are not directed at any specific country. The Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) will also be increasingly used to cross-check traveler information.