Thailand cuts visa-free stay for Russians to 30 days

Thailand will halve the visa-free stay period for Russians. According to new rules published in the Royal Gazette of Thailand, the visa-free stay period for tourists in the country has been reduced from 60 to 30 days.

Consensus

The visa-free stay period for Russian citizens in Thailand will be reduced from 60 to 30 days.
The new rules will take effect on September 15, 2026.
The change applies to citizens of 93 countries, including Russia.
Travelers who entered Thailand before September 15, 2026 can stay up to 60 days under the old rules.
Travelers entering after September 15, 2026 must leave within 30 days but may request a one-time extension.
The number of land border crossings is limited to two per year for travelers from these countries.
The new rules are published in the Royal Gazette of Thailand.
The previous 60-day visa-free rule, introduced in July 2024, is being revoked.
The change is part of broader measures to control foreign presence and prevent abuse of visa-free regimes.

Points of divergence

The new rules allow a one-time 30-day extension, which can be requested from Thai immigration authorities. — tg_radiosvoboda
A 30-day extension can be obtained by paying a fee of $58. — kommersant
The new rules were introduced due to concerns about foreigners using the visa-free regime for work, illegal business, or online fraud. — fontanka
The decision was influenced by complaints from local entrepreneurs about migrants engaging in illegal activities and affecting their income. — novaya_eu
The government will assess each country individually to determine the appropriate visa type based on security and economic factors. — vedomosti
The new rule was signed on August 26, 2026, but only officially published on August 31, 2026. — rimao
The new rules apply to 60 countries, not 93. — interfax

Coverage (19 sources)

Thailand halves visa-free stay period for Russians — DW Главное
Thailand reduced visa-free period for Russians to 30 days — РИАМО
Thai Government Settles on New Visa Rules Effective Date — Радио Свобода
Thailand reduced visa-free period for tourists — Фонтанка
Thailand halves visa-free period for Russians and citizens of other countries — Новая газета Европа
Thailand reduces tourist stay duration for citizens of 93 countries to 30 days starting September 15 — Ведомости
Thailand halves visa-free stay period for Russian tourists — Интерфакс
Thailand will reduce the visa-free stay period for tourists in the country from September 15 — Коммерсантъ
Thailand halves visa-free stay period — ASTRA
Thai authorities reduced visa-free stay period to 30 days for citizens of several countries — including Russians — Медиазона
How many days visa-free for Russians in Thailand — Дождь
Thailand reduced visa-free stay period from 60 to 30 days for Russian citizens and several other countries, according to a decree... — Varlamov News
Thailand will reduce visa-free stay period for Russians to 30 days from September 15 — Дождь (Telegram)
Thailand will reduce the visa-free stay period in the country starting September 15 — Вести
Thailand reduced visa-free regime for Russians from 60 to 30 days — Вечерняя Москва
Decision by the Thai government to reduce the visa-free stay period from 60 to 30 days is based on national security considerations... — ТАСС (Telegram)
Thailand reduced visa-free period for Russians from 60 to 30 days. Restriction applies to 90 countries immediately. Local authorities believe... — Новости Москвы
Thailand reduces visa-free stay for Russians from 60 to 30 days, — decree. — Первый Московский
Thailand reduces visa-free stay for Russians to 30 days — Москва 24

Thailand cuts visa-free stay for Russians to 30 days

Consensus

Points of divergence

Coverage (19 sources)

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