Thailand to End Visa-Free Entry for Sri Lankan Travelers Starting September 15, 2026

In a major shift in immigration policy, travelers from Sri Lanka holding ordinary passports will soon be required to obtain a visa before entering Thailand. Starting September 15, 2026, Sri Lanka will be officially removed from Thailand's visa exemption scheme, ending the current arrangement that allows visa-free tourist stays.

Under the current rules introduced in July 2024, ordinary passport holders from 93 countries—including Sri Lanka, have been allowed to enter Thailand visa-free for up to 60 days. However, a newly revised system will reduce the general visa exemption list to 60 countries and territories. Since Sri Lanka is among the 21 nationalities completely removed from this scheme, Sri Lankan tourists must now plan ahead and secure a visa before departure.

For travelers already planning their trips, the timing of arrival is critical. The Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that the new visa requirement applies to entries made on or after September 15, 2026. Any Sri Lankan national who enters the kingdom on or before September 14, 2026, can still be admitted under the current rules and can retain their 60-day visa-free stay.