Thailand Cuts Visa-Free Stays for Tourists, Including Israelis

Thailand has announced a significant reduction in visa-free entry periods for tourists from 60 countries and territories, including Israel. Effective September 15, travelers will be permitted to stay in the country for a maximum of 30 days without a visa, a decrease from the previous 60-day allowance. This policy change affects one of Israel's most popular travel destinations.

For those wishing to extend their stay beyond the new 30-day limit, applications must be submitted to the Thai immigration office for approval. Previously, extensions could grant stays of up to 90 days, but the new regulations will limit extensions to approximately 60 days.

Furthermore, individuals entering Thailand via land borders will be restricted to two visa-exempt entries per calendar year. This measure is expected to limit the practice of exiting the country to a neighboring nation and re-entering to renew a visa-free stay.

Other nations included in this updated policy alongside Israel are the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Japan, India, and numerous European countries. The changes are anticipated to primarily impact tourists planning extended vacations or those who frequently travel in and out of Thailand to prolong their visits.