Mexico, Jamaica Among Twenty One Countries Hit By Major Thailand Visa Shake-Up As 60-Day Entry Rules End

Written By: Sunil Soren Majhi

Sunil Soren Majhi

I newly began my journey in journalism, focusing on the dynamic world of travel and tourism. As part of Travel and Tour World, I create engaging stories that explore industry trends, showcase impactful developments, and connect readers with the evolving landscape of global travel. My work reflects a passion for discovery, innovation, and meaningful storytelling

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September 14, 2026 07:00 GMT+5:30

Image Credit : Thailand Tourism

Mexico and Jamaica are two of the 21 countries affected by Thailand’s visa changes. They will lose access to the current 60-day visa-free travel center as Thailand ends that program on September 15, 2026. This change is a result of Thailand’s alterations to its visa exemption system where certain countries were removed and travelers to those countries were obligated to obtain a tourist visa.

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 country will move to a new arrangement where only 60 countries and territories will receive visa-free access for stays of up to 30 days.

The upcoming changes will significantly affect travellers from several countries that currently enjoy Thailand’s extended visa-free entry benefits.

Thailand Removes 21 Countries From Visa-Free Tourism Scheme

Under the revised visa policy, passport holders from 21 countries will no longer qualify for visa-free tourist entry into Thailand from September 15, 2026.

The affected countries include Albania, Andorra, Colombia, Cuba, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Guatemala, Jamaica, Kosovo, Mexico, Monaco, Morocco, Panama, Papua New Guinea, San Marino, Sri Lanka, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Uruguay and Uzbekistan.

Travellers from these countries who plan to visit Thailand for tourism after the new rules begin will need to apply for a visa before departure.

The policy change does not mean Thailand is completely closing visa-free access for all countries removed from the main exemption list. Some nationalities will continue to benefit from separate bilateral agreements that allow visa-free travel under different conditions.

Citizens of countries including China, Hong Kong, Kazakhstan, Laos, Macao, Mongolia, Russia and Vietnam will continue to receive visa-free entry through separate agreements. Mauritius will also receive a new short-term visa exemption arrangement allowing eligible travellers to stay for up to 15 days.

After considering these separate agreements, 21 nationalities currently covered by the 60-day visa exemption will move into the visa-required category.

Thailand Expands Online Visa System For International Travellers

For affected travellers, Thailand’s new rules will not necessarily require traditional embassy visits. The country has expanded its electronic visa system, allowing visitors to complete applications online before travelling.

The Thai e-Visa platform allows applicants to create an account, submit personal information, upload required documents, pay applicable fees where available and send applications for official review.

Once approved, travellers receive electronic confirmation by email. The document can then be presented to airlines and immigration officials when required during the journey.

Visa requirements, processing times, fees and supporting documents may differ depending on the applicant’s nationality and the Thai diplomatic mission handling the application.

The expansion of digital visa services is expected to make the transition smoother for travellers affected by the new restrictions.

Tourist Visa Becomes Main Option For Former Visa-Free Travellers

Travellers who lose visa-free access will have several visa options depending on their travel plans.

The standard single-entry Tourist Visa remains one of the main choices for leisure visitors. It allows eligible travellers to stay in Thailand for up to 60 days after arrival.

The tourist visa is generally issued with a validity period that allows entry within a specific timeframe after approval. Visitors may also request an extension of their stay through Thai immigration authorities, subject to applicable conditions and fees.

For frequent visitors, Thailand also offers a Multiple-Entry Tourist Visa option. This visa allows eligible travellers to make multiple visits during its validity period, with each stay permitted for up to 60 days.

The change means travellers who previously enjoyed simple visa-free access will need to plan their Thailand trips earlier and complete additional entry procedures before departure.

Entry Date Will Decide Which Thailand Visa Rules Apply

The important factor under Thailand’s new system is the date of entry, not only the travel booking date.

Travellers from affected countries who enter Thailand on or before September 14, 2026, can still receive entry under the existing 60-day visa exemption rules.

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

Visitors who are already inside Thailand under the previous rules will continue to receive the permitted period of stay granted when they entered the country.

The updated regulations were officially published before coming into effect, giving travellers and tourism businesses time to prepare for the transition.

Thailand Digital Arrival Card Remains Mandatory For All Visitors

The introduction of new visa requirements will not remove the need for travellers to complete Thailand’s Digital Arrival Card before entering the country.

The Thailand Digital Arrival Card remains mandatory for foreign visitors, regardless of whether they arrive with a visa or through a visa exemption arrangement.

Travellers must complete the electronic arrival form before reaching Thailand and provide the required travel information through the official system.

The continued use of digital entry procedures highlights Thailand’s broader move towards a more technology-driven border management system.

Thailand Balances Tourism Growth With Stronger Border Controls

Thailand remains one of Asia’s most popular tourism destinations, welcoming millions of international visitors every year. The revised visa framework aims to balance tourism growth with improved monitoring of international arrivals.

While some travellers will face additional visa requirements, Thailand will continue offering simplified access arrangements for many important tourism markets.

The new system marks a major shift from the broad 60-day visa-free policy introduced in 2024. From September 2026, travellers will need to carefully check their nationality’s eligibility before planning trips to Thailand.

Mexico and Jamaica are among 21 countries losing Thailand’s 60-day visa-free entry access from September 15, 2026, as the country introduces a revised visa exemption system requiring affected travellers to obtain tourist visas.

Thailand’s changes to the visa policy impacts international travelers in a big way, with 21 nationalities now needing a visa to travel to Thailand by September 2026. Although Thailand has kept some flexible options in place for many important markets in tourism, the impacted travelers must record a big change to their travel plans, visas, and even how they prepare for their travel to Thailand.