BANGKOK, THAILAND – Thailand reviewed its visa-free entry rules and aimed to cut the standard stay for citizens of 93 countries from 60 to 30 days to curb abuse while keeping the country attractive for visitors.
What would change – and who would be affected
Committees in charge of visa policy had already agreed in principle to shorten visa-free stays from 60 to 30 days. The move would apply to visitors entering without a visa under existing agreements.
Travellers from 93 countries and territories would be affected, including major source markets such as the United States and the United Kingdom. States of the European Union and Australia would also fall under the revised limit.
Why the 60-day rule was introduced
The 60-day rule was introduced in July 2024 under then prime minister Srettha Thavisin. It doubled the previous visa-free ceiling of 30 days for eligible nationalities.
The policy was designed to support tourism and short business trips after the pandemic. It also sought to make meetings and events easier by removing the need to apply for a visa in advance.
Abuse concerns: illegal work, shell firms, crime
In early February 2026 the Thai cabinet acknowledged a report by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on problems linked to alleged “tourists”. The document described how some visitors used visa-free stays for purposes beyond leisure travel.
The report cited illegal work and unauthorised business activities as key concerns. It also warned that Thailand was being used as a transit point for crimes in neighbouring countries, with consequences for the local economy, security and the country’s international standing.
Foreign minister says 60 days is too long
Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow publicly questioned the necessity of the extended stay.
“For most tourists, 60 days is too long.”
said Sihasak Phuangketkeow, Foreign Minister.
He noted that the average stay was closer to 15 days. He confirmed that a new visa policy committee, including the Foreign Ministry, the Ministry of Tourism and Sports and the Immigration Bureau, was reviewing the rules.
Tourism ministry backs the cut
The Ministry of Tourism and Sports also supported a reduction back to 30 days. It argued that genuine holidaymakers usually did not need the full 60 days.
At the same time, authorities planned to keep the existing option to extend a stay by 30 days at an immigration office for a fee. This would still allow visits of up to 60 days in total for those who required more time.
Unclear timeline – 60 days still at the border
As of mid-March 2026, responsible committees had reached basic agreement on the change but had not taken a final decision. No start date had been set for the shorter visa-free period.
Travellers from the 93 eligible countries therefore continued to receive 60-day stamps on arrival. Officials advised visitors to check official updates before planning trips.
New government could move quickly
With the official re-election of Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul on 20 March, the visa issue was expected to be among the first topics for his new cabinet. The government signalled that entry rules would be part of early policy discussions.
The review formed part of a broader effort to recalibrate visa rules after the pandemic. The aim was to secure tourism revenue while closing potential security gaps in Thailand’s entry system.