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

Thailand will halve visa-free stays for Israeli tourists from 60 to 30 days beginning September 15, according to new regulations published in the country's Royal Gazette on Monday.

The change places Israel among 60 countries and territories whose citizens will continue to receive visa-free entry to Thailand, but for a shorter period.

Israelis who enter the country by September 14 can still be granted stays of up to 60 days under the current arrangement. Travelers already in Thailand will also be permitted to remain until the date granted to them upon entry.

Other countries covered by the visa exemption include the US, UK, Canada, Australia, most European countries, Japan, India, and the United Arab Emirates.

Can Israeli tourists stay in Thailand for longer?

Israeli tourists seeking to remain in Thailand for more than a month will still be able to apply for a one-time extension of up to an additional 30 days through the country's Immigration Authority.

The extension will not be granted automatically and will remain at the discretion of immigration officials. Travelers planning longer stays in advance may instead need to obtain an appropriate tourist visa before departing.

Thailand tightens entry rules

The regulations also impose restrictions on tourists entering Thailand through land border crossings under the visa exemption, generally limiting them to two such entries per calendar year.

The same general restriction does not apply to airport arrivals, though Thai authorities have tightened checks on foreigners who repeatedly leave and re-enter the country to extend their stays.

Thai authorities said the changes are intended to prevent misuse of visa exemptions, including illegal employment, prolonged stays under the guise of tourism, and criminal activity by foreign nationals.

They stressed that the measures are not directed at citizens of any particular country.

Authorities are also expected to increase their use of the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) to cross-check travelers' information and review their entry and exit histories.