Thailand cabinet approves reduction of visa-free stays to 30 days

Travelers from 93 countries will soon see their automatic stay period in Thailand halved

The Thai Cabinet has officially approved a proposal to terminate the 60-day visa exemption for citizens of 93 countries and territories, reverting the standard stay period to 30 days.

According to an official announcement following the cabinet meeting on May 19, 2026, the government confirmed that the revised measures aim to streamline entry protocols while addressing concerns over national security and diplomatic reciprocity. The change follows identified loopholes where the extended stay was misused for illegal employment rather than genuine tourism.

As detailed in the official records of the Royal Thai Government Gazette, the new regulations will formally take effect 15 days after their upcoming publication. Director General of the Department of Consular Affairs, Mungkorn Pratoomkaew, stated that the transition will be managed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to ensure border agencies and airlines have adequate time to update their systems.

Focus on security and quality tourism in Thailand

The decision marks a significant pivot in Thailand's travel policy, shifting the focus from visitor volume to quality tourism. Statistics from the Ministry of Tourism and Sports indicated that the average tourist stays for only nine days, suggesting that the 60-day window was primarily being utilized by those bypassing proper work or long-stay visa channels.

“The emphasis must be on quality tourists, not simply on making entry easy and achieving high volume,” stated Minister of Tourism and Sports Surasak Phancharoenworakul. “The prime minister has instructed that visa issuance be considered carefully to strengthen safety and improve the tourism system as a whole.”

The government had previously discussed this potential rollback in early May 2026, citing the need to protect local businesses from illegal foreign competition and unregistered nominee companies.

Impact on international travelers

For citizens of the 93 affected nations—including the US, UK, Canada, and Australia—the Thailand visa-free stay reduction means travelers will receive a 30-day stamp upon arrival. The Visa Policy Committee is currently conducting a country-by-country review to determine if certain nations will be further limited to a 15-day stay based on reciprocity and security assessments.

While the automatic 60-day entry is being withdrawn, officials indicate that travelers may still be able to apply for a 30-day extension at local immigration offices, potentially allowing for a total of 60 days in the country for those who follow the legal extension process.

The rollback isn't the only consideration the Thai government is making, as visa-free entry for36 countries is potentially on the chopping block in the enar future in a bid to curb crime and overstays.