Thailand’s cabinet approved canceling the 60-day visa-free stay for tourists from 93 countries on May 19, 2026, reverting most to a 30-day period or shorter durations for some nations [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11]. The new rules will take effect 15 days after publication in the Royal Gazette, expected by June 14, 2026 [1, 4, 7, 8, 11].
The policy rollback affects visitors from major countries including the United Kingdom, United States, Australia, and Taiwan, who had their allowed stay extended in July 2024 from 30 to 60 days as part of Thailand’s pandemic recovery efforts [1, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11]. Some countries, such as Seychelles, Maldives, and Mauritius, will receive even shorter visas of 15 days after the change. The number of countries eligible for visa-on-arrival visas will also shrink from 31 to 4 [6, 8].
Thai officials cited national security and abuse concerns among reasons for the reversal. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said the government found the policy needed revising "to be more suitable for the current situation, both in terms of the economy and national security" [1]. Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow emphasized that Thailand was not targeting specific countries, but individuals abusing the visa system for crimes including drug trafficking, sex trafficking, and unauthorized work [3]. Recent arrests of foreigners over such crimes have heightened scrutiny [1, 3, 4, 9].
Tourism Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul noted that under the new policy, visa renewals beyond the allowed stay will require officials’ approval and explanations from tourists [3]. He also confirmed the cabinet’s cancellation of the 60-day visa-free rule to restore the original 30-day standard [7]. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sihasak called for focusing on attracting "quality tourists" rather than just boosting numbers, stressing the importance of stricter visa issuance reviews [6].
Tourism is a significant part of Thailand’s economy, accounting for roughly 10-20% of GDP. The sector has recovered only partially from the sharp pandemic-related drop, with visitor arrivals in the first quarter of 2026 down 3.4% from 2025, including nearly a one-third fall in tourists from the Middle East [2, 3, 9]. Thailand expects about 33.5 million foreign tourists in 2026, slightly more than 2025 but still below the pre-pandemic record of nearly 40 million in 2019 [1, 3, 4, 9].
Thailand plans to implement a 300 baht (about $9.10) entry fee for foreign visitors to support visa processing and tourism development [6]. The new visa rules aim to simplify visa exemptions by eliminating duplicate arrangements that confused travelers and assist new digital visa systems [4, 7, 8].
The changes will formally begin 15 days after the Royal Gazette announcement, marking a return to more conservative visa stays after nearly two years of extended access.
