Thailand Slashes Visa-Free Stay to 30 Days: A Must-Read for Travellers

Wednesday, March 25, 2026

Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed that it is reviewing its visa exemption policy, with the aim of reducing the visa-free stay period for most visitors. Currently, travellers from 93 countries can enter Thailand visa-free for up to 60 days, but this is set to change, with the new proposal aiming to cut the period to just 30 days. The shift is being driven by concerns over immigration abuse and growing exploitation of the existing visa exemption scheme by scam networks and illegal business operators.

Why the Change is Happening Now

Since the expansion of the visa exemption programme in July 2024, Thailand has allowed travellers from 93 countries to stay visa-free for 60 days. However, officials have raised alarms about the misuse of this policy. Some individuals linked to scam operations are using the extended stay window to transit through Thailand on the way to neighbouring countries, often under the guise of tourism. As a result, the Thai government is proposing to scale back the length of stay in an effort to close these loopholes.

Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow has emphasized that the revised policy will target those who abuse the system, not any specific nationality. Authorities are also concerned that some visitors are taking advantage of the 60-day window to operate businesses without paying taxes or working illegally, activities that have become harder to monitor with such a prolonged stay.

The Data Behind the Proposal

One key argument for reducing the stay period stems from statistics about the actual length of tourists’ stays. The majority of visitors, particularly those from long-haul destinations, typically stay in Thailand for two to three weeks, while visitors from nearby countries often leave within a week. Tourism data suggests that most travellers do not make use of the full 60-day allowance, leading the government to question the necessity of maintaining the extended period.

What the New Rules Could Look Like

Under the new proposal, the visa-free stay period will be reduced from 60 days to 30 days, with the option for visitors to apply for an additional 30-day extension. This means tourists who need to stay longer than a month would still have the option to extend their stay, but with a formal process. The goal is to limit misuse while still accommodating genuine tourists who wish to remain in Thailand for up to two months.

This change is still under review by a special government committee, and any final decisions will be based on the findings of this review. Once the proposal is approved, the new rules will come into effect.

Stronger Enforcement Measures Already in Place

Even before the official policy change is enacted, Thailand’s Immigration Bureau has started tightening its enforcement. In November 2025, new regulations were introduced, including denying entry to those who use the visa exemption system repeatedly without a valid reason. In 2025, approximately 2,900 foreigners were denied entry under these new criteria, with a focus on those staying for extended periods across multiple annual visits without returning home.

What Tourists Should Do Now

For those planning a trip to Thailand, the message is clear: it’s time to start preparing for potential changes to the visa rules. Although the current 60-day visa-free entry is still in effect, it is important for travellers to stay updated on the policy changes. The Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs and local embassies will provide details about the latest updates, and travellers planning to stay longer than 30 days should be prepared to apply for an extension when the new rules are formalized.

What’s Next for Thailand’s Visa Policy?

The Ministry of Tourism and Sports has stressed that the aim is to balance tourism growth with enforcing immigration rules. With a committee actively reviewing the visa policy and stricter enforcement measures already in play, the 60-day visa-free entry could soon be a thing of the past. For now, travellers should keep a close eye on official announcements to ensure they are prepared for any changes that could come into effect at any time.

The shift in Thailand’s visa policy represents a broader effort to fine-tune the country’s post-pandemic tourism recovery strategy. By addressing the security concerns related to visa misuse, Thailand hopes to continue welcoming genuine tourists while protecting its borders and economic interests.

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