Thailand to halve visa-free stay for Israeli tourists starting September 15

Israeli tourists arriving in Thailand from September 15 will receive 30 days of visa-free stay instead of the current 60, under regulations published in the country’s Royal Gazette.

Israel will remain among 60 countries and territories whose citizens can enter Thailand without a visa, but the permitted stay will be shorter. Israelis who enter by September 14 may still receive stays of up to 60 days under the current arrangement. Visitors already in Thailand can remain until the date granted when they entered.

Tourists who want to stay longer than a month may apply for a single extension of up to 30 additional days through Thailand’s Immigration Authority. Approval will not be automatic and will depend on immigration officials. Travelers planning longer stays may instead need to obtain a tourist visa before departure.

The new rules also generally limit visa-exempt entries through land borders to two per calendar year. The restriction does not apply in the same way to airport arrivals, although Thai authorities have tightened checks on foreigners who repeatedly leave and re-enter the country to extend their stays.

Thai authorities said the measures aim to prevent misuse of visa exemptions, including illegal employment, prolonged stays presented as tourism and criminal activity by foreign nationals. They stressed that the rules do not target citizens of any particular country. Officials are also expected to increase their use of the Thailand Digital Arrival Card to cross-check traveler information and entry and exit histories.