Heading to Thailand? Visa-Free Stays for Israelis Will Drop to 30 Days on September 15

Thailand is tightening its entry policy for tourists: Starting September 15, Israeli citizens and travelers from dozens of other countries and territories will be able to stay in the country visa-free for just 30 days, rather than the up-to-60-day period allowed until now.

The Thai Interior Ministry's new regulations were published yesterday (Monday) in the government's official publication, the Royal Gazette, completing a move decided on by Thailand's government earlier this year. Under the regulations, the change will take effect 15 days after publication, meaning September 15.

The update applies to citizens of 60 countries and territories that are eligible to enter Thailand without obtaining a visa in advance. Alongside Israel, the list includes the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Japan, India, and many European countries.

The change is expected to be especially significant for travelers planning an extended vacation in the country. Anyone wishing to remain in Thailand beyond the 30 days permitted under the visa exemption will need to apply to the Thai Immigration Bureau for an extension. If the request is approved, the stay may be extended to about 60 days. Before the change, the extension option could grant permission to stay for up to about 900 days.

Along with shortening the permitted stay, the new regulations impose an additional restriction on those entering Thailand through land border crossings. Under the visa exemption, up to two such entries will be permitted during a calendar year. This narrows the option of leaving Thailand for a neighboring country and then returning in order to renew the permitted stay period.

The move marks a tightening of entry policy at one of the most popular travel destinations for Israelis. For those planning a visit of up to 30 days, visa-free entry will remain available. But travelers planning a longer stay will need to take the new rules into account and be prepared to apply for an extension.