Thailand Shortens Visa-Free Stays for Israelis and Dozens More

מאת אדם מיכלשווילי

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עברית · 9 מערכות מסקרות

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Thailand is shortening its visa-free stay for Israeli citizens and dozens of other nationalities from 60 to 30 days, effective September 15. The move aims to prevent misuse of visa exemptions and balance tourism with security concerns.

הידיעה ב-6 שורות · תקציר של baba

Thailand reduces visa-free stays from 60 to 30 days for Israelis.
New rules take effect September 15 for dozens of countries.
Land border crossings under exemption limited to twice yearly.
Longer stays require a separate 30-day extension application.
Change aims to prevent misuse and address security concerns.
Comes after incidents involving Israeli tourists in Thailand.

Thailand is reducing its visa-free entry period for citizens of dozens of countries, including Israel, from 60 days to 30 days. The new regulations, officially published and set to take effect on September 15, aim to balance tourism promotion with security and economic concerns.

Israelis entering Thailand on or after September 15 under the visa exemption will be allowed a maximum 30-day stay. Those already in the country or arriving before the deadline can remain for the initially approved period, up to 60 days. Travelers wishing to stay longer than 30 days will need to apply for a 30-day extension, subject to immigration approval, rather than receiving it automatically upon entry.

The updated rules also limit land border crossings under the visa exemption to twice per calendar year, a restriction that does not apply to air travel. The previous 60-day exemption, implemented in July 2024 for citizens of 93 countries and territories, was intended to boost tourism.

Thai authorities stated that extended visa-free stays can be misused for activities inconsistent with the purpose of entry. The change affects numerous nationalities and is not specifically targeted at Israelis, but it comes amid heightened attention on Israeli tourists in Thailand following several reported incidents in August, particularly in Phuket and Koh Samui.

In response to these incidents, Thailand's Minister of Tourism has warned that authorities will revoke visas and deport foreign tourists who break the law or cause disturbances.

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