Southeast Asia Immigration Update: What Expats and Employers Need to Know in September 2026

Immigration rules across Southeast Asia continue to evolve, with September 2026 bringing important changes for foreign residents, business travellers and companies managing international employees.

This month, Vietnam is moving further towards digital immigration management, while Thailand is tightening

its visa-exemption framework. Here is what expatriates and employers need to know.

Vietnam: New Immigration Rules and Digital ID Access

New rules for foreign nationals from September 15

From September 15, Vietnam is introducing new rules for managing foreign nationals entering the country with an e-visa or under visa-exemption arrangements.

The changes strengthen coordination between immigration authorities, companies sponsoring foreign nationals and accommodation providers. Companies inviting or sponsoring foreign employees will need to pay closer attention to immigration information and temporary residence declarations.

For employers, this means making sure that visa, work permit and residence information is accurate and up to date. It also reinforces the importance of coordinating immigration procedures before and after an employee arrives in Vietnam.

VNeID expands to foreign residents

From September 28, more foreign nationals legally living in Vietnam will be able to apply for a VNeID electronic identification account.

The system is gradually becoming an important part of Vietnam's digital administration. Foreign residents will be able to use VNeID to access certain administrative services and potentially manage immigration-related information digitally, reducing the need to repeatedly provide physical documents.

The change will initially be particularly relevant in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Foreign applicants will need to register with the relevant authorities and provide identification and biometric information.

For expatriates, this marks another step towards a more digital way of managing everyday administrative procedures in Vietnam.

Thailand: Visa-Free Stays Are Changing

60 days becomes 30 days

Thailand is introducing a major change to its visa-exemption policy from September 15, 2026.

For eligible nationalities, the standard visa-free stay will be reduced from 60 days to 30 days. The revised scheme covers 60 countries and territories.

An extension of up to another 30 days may still be possible, subject to approval by Thai immigration authorities.

What does this mean for business travellers?

The change is particularly relevant for companies sending employees to Thailand for short-term assignments, meetings or regional business activities.

Employees will need to pay closer attention to how long they are allowed to stay and whether their planned activities are permitted under visa exemption. A visa or work authorisation may still be required depending on the nature of the work being carried out.

For companies using Thailand as a regional hub, this makes advance immigration planning even more important, particularly for employees who regularly travel between Southeast Asian countries.

What Employers Should Watch

The latest changes in Vietnam and Thailand reflect two different directions in immigration policy.

Vietnam is continuing to digitalise and strengthen the management of foreign residents, while Thailand is tightening its visa-free entry rules by reducing the standard stay from 60 to 30 days.

For HR teams, Global Mobility Managers and companies relocating employees across the region, these changes are a reminder to review immigration requirements before employees travel or relocate.

September 2026 takeaway: immigration rules across Southeast Asia are becoming more structured and digital, while the conditions attached to visa-free travel are becoming increasingly specific.