Visa-Free Policy Changes for a Popular Destination for Taiwanese Travelers! Official Announcement: 'New Rules Effective September 15' – Doing This Will Result in Immediate Deportation

Travelers planning trips to Southeast Asia should take note of the latest entry regulations. On August 31, Thailand's Ministry of Interior officially published a new immigration regulation in the Royal Gazette, announcing that starting September 15, tourists from Taiwan and 59 other countries and regions will be allowed to enter Thailand visa-free for tourism purposes, with a maximum stay of 30 days per visit. This new policy fully replaces previous announcements from 2019 and 2022, establishing a new framework for foreign visitor entry management.

Which countries are included in the new visa-free list? 60 nations eligible for 30-day stays

According to foreign media outlet The Thaiger, this latest regulation by Thailand's Ministry of Interior follows a cabinet resolution approved on July 14. Travelers holding passports or Thailand-recognized alternative documents from the designated 60 countries and regions can enter visa-free for tourism and stay up to 30 days. The list includes Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, New Zealand, the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and other major Asia-Pacific and Western nations. Additionally, the gazette includes special provisions for passport holders from Mauritius and Seychelles, allowing single-entry visa-free stays of up to 15 days.

Why has the visa-free duration been shortened? Reviewing policy evolution and national security considerations

To boost its tourism market, Thailand previously allowed 60-day visa-free stays for 93 countries and regions, including Taiwan, starting July 15, 2024. However, following comprehensive assessments based on overall national security management, Thailand's cabinet officially approved in May 2026 a revision proposal submitted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, adjusting the 60-day visa-free policy for the original 93 countries and regions. As a result, the visa-free stay period for Taiwanese travelers has been revised to the current 30-day limit.

What are the penalties for violations? Phuket and Koh Samui reiterate visa cancellation mechanisms

Alongside the announcement of relaxed entry measures, Thai authorities have simultaneously strengthened domestic management protocols. In response to frequent incidents of disorderly conduct and disturbances to public peace by foreign tourists in popular resort destinations such as Phuket and Koh Samui, Thai authorities have firmly reiterated the 'visa cancellation mechanism for foreign tourists engaging in inappropriate behavior.'

The Thai government has issued a clear warning to international travelers: any foreign visitor found violating local laws and regulations, engaging in acts that disrupt social order, or involved in fights and disturbances within Thailand will have their entry visa and residency status immediately revoked by the authorities and face compulsory deportation under the law. Travelers are strongly reminded to comply with local regulations during their visits.