Thailand Travel Changes as Sri Lankans Lose 60-Day Visa-Free Entry Access Under New Tourism Rules

Written By: Shraddha Das

Shraddha Das

I am a passionate travel writer at Travel and Tour World (TTW) with two years of experience covering the ever-evolving world of travel, tourism, aviation, and hospitality. She enjoys turning complex industry updates into engaging stories that inspire and inform readers around the globe. With a keen eye for detail and a love for discovering what makes every destination unique, Shraddha is committed to delivering accurate, insightful, and reader-friendly content that connects people with the world of travel.

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September 7, 2026 11:11 AM

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Thailand travel rules are set to change from September 15, 2026, as Sri Lankan passport holders will lose access to the country’s 60-day visa-free entry programme under a revised tourism visa system. The change comes after Thailand updated its visa exemption framework, reducing the main visa-free list and requiring affected travellers to obtain a visa before visiting the country for tourism purposes. Sri Lankan visitors planning trips after the new rules take effect will need to apply through Thailand’s official e-Visa system before departure.

Thailand is preparing for a major update to its tourist visa policy from September 15, 2026, changing how international visitors access visa-free entry. The revised system will replace the current 60-day visa exemption programme and introduce new rules that will affect travellers from several countries planning holidays in Thailand.

Until September 14, 2026, ordinary passport holders from 93 countries and territories can continue entering Thailand without a visa for stays of up to 60 days. However, from September 15, the updated framework will reduce the main visa exemption list and introduce shorter visa-free stays for many visitors.

The changes are expected to have a direct impact on travellers planning future trips, especially those whose nationalities will no longer qualify for automatic visa-free entry.

Thailand Reduces Visa-Free List and Introduces New 30-Day Entry System

Thailand’s revised visa exemption programme will replace the arrangement launched in July 2024. Under the new system, citizens from 60 countries and territories will continue to receive visa-free access, but the permitted stay will be reduced to a maximum of 30 days.

The reform does not simply shorten the existing 60-day allowance for all travellers. Instead, Thailand has reviewed the list of eligible countries and removed some nationalities from the main visa exemption programme.

A total of 21 nationalities that currently enjoy visa-free stays of up to 60 days will need to apply for a visa before travelling to Thailand for tourism purposes from September 15, 2026.

However, the reduction of the main exemption list does not mean every removed nationality will immediately require a visa.

Thailand will continue applying separate bilateral agreements and special arrangements with several countries. Nationals from countries including China, Hong Kong, Kazakhstan, Laos, Macao, Mongolia, Russia and Vietnam will continue receiving visa-free access under separate agreements.

Mauritius will also benefit from a newly introduced 15-day tourist visa exemption arrangement.

After considering these separate agreements, only 21 nationalities will lose visa-free tourist entry completely under the updated system.

Thailand Moves Towards Digital Visa Applications for International Visitors

For travellers affected by the new rules, Thailand’s visa process will increasingly rely on digital applications.

The Thai e-Visa system has been available worldwide since January 2025, allowing foreign travellers to complete the visa process online without visiting a Thai embassy or consulate in person.

Applicants can submit their requests through Thailand’s official online visa platform by creating an account, completing the application form, uploading supporting documents and paying the required fees where digital payment facilities are available.

Once approved, the e-Visa confirmation is delivered electronically by email. Travellers can print the approval document and present it to airlines and Thai immigration authorities when required.

The exact application requirements, supporting documents, processing times and fees may vary depending on the traveller’s nationality and the Thai diplomatic office handling the application.

Visitors planning a trip to Thailand after September 15, 2026, should check the latest requirements before departure to ensure they have the correct travel documents.

Tourist Visa Options Still Allow Longer Thailand Stays

Travellers who lose access to visa-free entry will still have options for visiting Thailand.

The standard Tourist Visa, also known as the TR Tourist Visa, remains one of the main choices for leisure travellers. The single-entry visa allows visitors to stay in Thailand for up to 60 days after arrival.

The visa is generally valid for three months from the date of issue. Travellers may also request a 30-day extension from Thai immigration authorities, subject to the required conditions and applicable fees.

Because the TR Tourist Visa allows only one entry, visitors who leave Thailand and wish to return may need to obtain another visa if they no longer qualify for visa exemption.

For travellers planning multiple visits, Thailand also offers a Multiple-Entry Tourist Visa (METV). This visa remains valid for six months and allows stays of up to 60 days per entry for eligible applicants.

Travellers Entering Before September 15 Can Keep Existing Visa Benefits

The date of arrival will determine which rules apply.

Travellers from affected countries who enter Thailand before September 15, 2026, can still receive entry permission under the existing visa exemption system if they meet the current requirements.

Visitors arriving on or before September 14 will continue to benefit from the existing 60-day visa-free stay arrangement.

The new visa requirements will apply only to travellers entering Thailand from September 15, 2026 onwards.

The updated regulations were officially published in Thailand’s Royal Gazette on August 31, 2026, and are scheduled to come into force 15 days after publication.

Thailand travel rules will change from September 15, 2026, as Sri Lankan travellers lose 60-day visa-free entry after Thailand revises its tourism visa exemption system. Visitors will need a visa before travelling under the new rules.

Thailand Digital Arrival Card Remains Required for All Foreign Travellers

The new visa rules will not remove Thailand’s Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) requirement.

All foreign visitors must continue completing the electronic arrival form before entering Thailand, regardless of whether they arrive with a visa or under a visa exemption agreement.

The TDAC is separate from Thailand’s visa system and remains a mandatory step for international travellers.

With the new entry framework approaching, travellers planning holidays in Thailand should confirm their visa status, complete required digital forms and prepare the correct documents before departure to avoid delays at immigration.