The Thailand Cabinet has approved the termination of 93 countries' 60-day visa-free entry.
Thailand is getting ready to discontinue its well-liked 60-day visa-free entrance program, which was implemented in 2024. Travelers from 93 countries, including the US, the UK, India, and other EU countries, may have their visa-free stays reduced to 30 days as a result of the decision.
Finally ending is Thailand's most popular 60-day visa-free entry option for visitors from 93 countries. Plans to terminate the present 60-day visa-free stay for visitors from India, the UK, the US, Canada, Australia, and the majority of European nations were accepted in principle by the Thai Cabinet on Tuesday.
Thailand's Minister of Tourism and Sports, Surasak Phancharoenworakul, confirmed the decision following the Cabinet meeting on May 19, 2026.
This probably suggests that Thailand will revert to the previous 30-day visa-free immigration policy that was in place prior to July 2024.
Why the 60-Day Visa-Free Stay Is Being Removed in Thailand
In July 2024, Thailand implemented a 60-day visa exemption in an effort to boost tourism and draw in more foreign visitors following the slowdown of the pandemic. Thailand is becoming among the most convenient places in Asia for extended vacations.
The approach was effective in increasing tourism, particularly among long-term visitors, distant workers, and return visitors. But as time went on, worries began to spread throughout Thailand.
Local communities and authorities allegedly voiced concerns about people abusing the visa-free system for purposes other than travel. Long stays with little supervision and travelers working informally while entering as tourists were other issues brought up.
It seems that this caused the government to tighten regulations once more.
Soon, most travelers might only have 30 days left.
Travelers from several visa-exempt nations could often enter Thailand for up to 30 days without a visa prior to the enlarged program's start in 2024.
For several nations, Thailand now intends to reinstate those previous regulations. The administration has made it apparent that not everyone would benefit from the new strategy.
Thailand intends to examine visa-free access nation by nation rather than implementing a single, global regulation. The maximum length of stay permitted for each nationality may vary depending on a number of factors, including traveler profiles, economic ties, security concerns, and tourism trends.
Accordingly, depending on bilateral agreements and immigration laws, certain passport holders might be granted 30 days, while others would only be granted 15 days or under other circumstances.
When Will the New Visa Regulations in Thailand Take Effect?
The new regulations are not yet operative. Before the revisions take effect, Thai authorities must revise official immigration regulations and make formal statements
The details of the change will be released through three formal announcements from the Ministry of Interior, according to Thailand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. After being published in Thailand's Royal Gazette, the revised visa-free stay terms will take effect fifteen days later.
For qualified nationalities, the present 60-day visa-free entrance scheme is still formally listed till then.
Even if the policy changes later, visitors arriving in Thailand prior to the new regulations' implementation will still be permitted to stay for the time allotted upon arrival.
Countries Affected by Changes to Thailand's Visa-Free Regulations
Travelers from 93 nations and territories now covered by Thailand's 60-day visa exemption program are subject to the impending changes. Among the major nations impacted are:
India
United States and the United Kingdom
Canada
Australia
France
Germany
Japan
Singapore
China and South Korea
The United Arab Emirates
Russia, Brazil, and Switzerland
The New Zealand
The majority of EU members as well as a number of nations from Asia, the Middle East, Latin America, and Oceania are included in the complete list.
What Travelers Need to Do Right Now
It is advisable to closely monitor government changes if you intend to travel to Thailand in the upcoming weeks or months.
The ultimate implementation date and the precise visa-free stay term that will apply to your nationality are the most important things to keep an eye on.
Long-term visitors may also need to consider additional choices, like:
India
Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom
Australia
France
Germany
Japan
Singapore
South Korea and China
Brazil, Switzerland, Russia, and the United Arab Emirates
The New Zealand
The whole list includes most EU members as well as some countries from Asia, the Middle East, Latin America, and Oceania.
What Travelers Should Do Now
If you want to visit Thailand in the following weeks or months, it is recommended to keep a careful eye on any changes to the administration.
The most crucial things to monitor are the final implementation date and the exact visa-free stay period that will be applicable to your nationality.
Long-term guests might also need to think about other options, such as:
