Home / Visas / Thailand To Reduce Visa-Free Entry Period From 60 to 30 Days for Travelers From 93 Countries

Visas

Thailand To Reduce Visa-Free Entry Period From 60 to 30 Days for Travelers From 93 Countries

May 17, 2026 8:35 am

Thailand To Reduce Visa-Free Entry Period From 60 to 30 Days for Travelers From 93 Countries

Thailand is preparing another major immigration adjustment that could affect millions of international travellers planning extended holidays nationwide. Authorities now intend reducing visa-free stays from sixty days back to the previous thirty-day limit officially. Consequently, tourists, digital nomads, and long-stay visitors may soon face shorter permitted stays within Thailand.

Thailand Prepares To Reverse Its Expanded Visa-Free Policy

Thailand recently announced plans to reduce visa-free stays for travellers from ninety-three countries and territories worldwide. The proposal would officially restore the previous thirty-day visa exemption period previously used before immigration changes during 2024.

Authorities originally expanded visa-free stays to sixty days during mid-2024 while supporting tourism recovery efforts nationwide. The government hoped longer permitted stays would encourage additional international visitors and strengthen Thailand’s tourism economy afterward. However, officials now believe the extended sixty-day arrangement created unexpected immigration and employment-related concerns nationwide.

Thailand’s Sixty-Day Visa-Free Policy Could Soon End

Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs is reportedly preparing official proposals for Cabinet approval regarding the immigration changes. Once approved, eligible travellers would again receive only thirty days under Thailand’s visa-free entry programme officially. The current sixty-day visa-free arrangement applies to passport holders from ninety-three countries and territories worldwide currently. Eligible travellers include citizens from India, the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Japan, China, and South Korea.

Additionally, travellers from European Union countries and Gulf Cooperation Council nations currently benefit from the expanded programme. Countries including the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia also remain covered under Thailand’s current sixty-day visa exemption scheme. Before July 2024, Thailand traditionally allowed visa-free visitors to remain within the country for only thirty days.

Authorities Cite Concerns About Misuse

Thai authorities explained that concerns regarding misuse influenced the decision to reconsider the extended visa-free stay period. Officials reportedly identified cases involving foreigners working illegally while entering Thailand through tourist visa exemptions officially.

Authorities also mentioned unlicensed business activities and so-called “grey business” operations connected with some long-term foreign visitors. Consequently, the government believes shorter visa-free stays could strengthen immigration monitoring and reduce policy misuse nationwide. Officials further explained that the proposed changes would still support tourism while improving immigration oversight throughout Thailand afterward.

The Policy Change Has Not Yet Started

Currently, Thailand has not officially implemented the proposed reduction from sixty days back to thirty days nationwide. Authorities announced plans restoring the earlier visa-free limit, but Cabinet approval remains necessary before implementation officially begins.

Therefore, travellers planning future holidays within Thailand should continue monitoring updates from immigration authorities and embassies carefully. Until officials confirm final approval, eligible travellers may still receive sixty-day visa-free entry upon arrival into Thailand. Consequently, visitors should remain informed regarding future immigration announcements before finalising long-term travel plans or accommodation bookings.

Millions Of Travellers Could Be Affected

If authorities approve the proposal, travellers from all ninety-three eligible countries would experience shorter visa-free stays nationwide. Thailand remains one of Asia’s most popular tourist destinations, attracting millions of international visitors every single year. Consequently, the immigration changes could significantly affect long-stay travellers, remote workers, digital nomads, and frequent holidaymakers.

Visitors planning extended beach holidays, business trips, or cultural experiences may need adjusting travel schedules accordingly afterward. Additionally, travellers hoping to remain longer may eventually require alternative visas or authorised immigration extensions during future visits.

Conclusion

Thailand’s planned immigration changes represent a significant shift away from the tourism-friendly policies introduced during 2024 nationwide. Authorities believe restoring shorter visa-free stays could improve immigration control while reducing illegal employment concerns afterward. Ultimately, travellers should closely follow official immigration updates before planning extended trips into Thailand during upcoming travel seasons.

READ MORE