In 2026, the Thai Cabinet has acknowledged and endorsed a set of visa measures and guidelines proposed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand to promote tourism and stimulate the national economy. These new measures are divided into short-, medium-, and long-term actions. Our immigration team in Bangkok at our Bangkok legal office of Herrera and Partners H&P that specializes in Visa and work permit in Thailand have prepared a summary of the new immigration rules for Thailand in 2026.
Implementation Progress
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through its Department of Consular Affairs, has reported the following progress:
Short-Term Measures (Completed)
- Visa Exemption (60-Day Stay – Special Case)
Nationals from 93 countries and territories are now granted visa exemption for temporary entry into Thailand for tourism, short-term work, or business purposes, allowing stays of up to 60 days under a special arrangement (Por.60 measure).
- Visa on Arrival (VoA) – Phase One
Citizens from 31 countries and territories are eligible to apply for a Visa on Arrival at designated immigration checkpoints.
- Destination Thailand Visa (DTV)
A new visa category has been introduced to allow foreigners to stay in Thailand for tourism while working remotely.
- Non-Immigrant ED Plus Visa
A new Non-Immigrant visa category (ED Plus) permits foreign nationals to stay in Thailand for education or combined study-and-work purposes.
- Visa Policy Committee
The existing Visa Policy Committee has been reappointed. In 2025, two meetings have already been held, and a new committee has recently been formally appointed by the Prime Minister. Further meetings will follow.
Medium-Term Measures (Completed)
- Streamlining Non-Immigrant Visa Categories
The number of Non-Immigrant visa codes has been reduced from 17 to 7 categories, effective 31 August 2025. The Ministry has updated the electronic visa (e-Visa) system accordingly and informed relevant agencies.
- Expansion of the e-Visa System
Since 1st of January 2025, e-Visa services have been expanded to cover all 94 Thai embassies and consulates worldwide via the official online platform.
Long-Term Measures (Completed)
Thailand has developed a new digital arrival system to replace the previously proposed Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). The Immigration Bureau introduced the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC), an online TM.6 system, which has been operational since 1 May 2025.
Measures Under Consideration
Short-Term (Ongoing)
Visa on Arrival – Phase Two: An additional eight countries are being considered for inclusion in the Visa on Arrival scheme.
Medium-Term (Ongoing)
Long-Stay Visa Adjustments: The government is reviewing criteria and conditions for long-stay Non-Immigrant visas aimed at retirees wishing to spend their later years in Thailand.
Challenges and Concerns
Following the implementation of the 60-day visa exemption and the first phase of Visa on Arrival measures on 15 July 2024, authorities observed concerns regarding national security and Thailand’s international image. Some foreign nationals reportedly misused the visa exemption scheme—particularly the 60-day exemption—by engaging in unauthorized employment or illegal activities in Thailand and neighboring countries.
Way Forward
The newly appointed Visa Policy Committee is empowered to review and adjust existing visa measures as necessary. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will present issues arising from the 60-day exemption policy and other related visa measures to the committee at the earliest opportunity to ensure that tourism promotion efforts remain balanced with national security and regulatory compliance.
Since immigration and visas are the “Achilles’ heel” for all foreigners in Thailand, our advice is always to speak with a lawyer specializing in work permits, LTR, DTV, Non-B or retirement visas in Thailand to avoid any problems that could affect your future life in Thailand.
If you have a question about immigration law in Thailand, please contact Herrera and Partners at info@herrera-partners.com
