Thailand is preparing to reverse one of its most visitor-friendly recent policies. Reports citing Thai government officials indicate that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is preparing a proposal to reduce the visa-free stay allowance from 60 days back to 30 days for passport holders from 93 countries and territories.
The change has not yet been officially enacted — Cabinet approval is still required. But the direction of the proposal is clear, and travellers planning extended stays in Thailand should monitor developments closely.
Background: Why Thailand Extended the Stay in 2024
In mid-2024, Thailand doubled its standard 30-day visa-free allowance to 60 days as part of a strategy to attract more international visitors and support the country’s post-pandemic tourism recovery. The extension applied to nationals of 93 countries — including major source markets across Europe, North America, Asia, and the Gulf.
Why Thailand Is Considering Reversing the Policy
Thai authorities now say the longer stay period has generated concerns about misuse. Officials have cited incidents involving foreign nationals engaging in illegal employment, unlicensed business activities, and what authorities have described as “grey business” practices — all while entering the country under tourist status.
The government’s position is that reducing the permitted stay to 30 days would strengthen immigration oversight while continuing to support legitimate tourism arrivals.
Countries That Would Be Affected
If approved, the reduction would affect travellers from all 93 nations currently covered under Thailand’s extended visa-free programme. Key markets include:
- EU member states
- United States
- United Kingdom
- Canada
- Australia
- Japan
- South Korea
- China
- India
- GCC countries — including the UAE and Saudi Arabia
What Travellers Should Know Right Now
The proposed change has not yet been officially enacted. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is reportedly preparing to submit the proposal for Cabinet authorisation. Once approved, the 30-day cap would replace the current 60-day allowance — but until that formal decision is made and a start date is announced, the existing 60-day visa-free entry remains in place for eligible travellers.
Key actions for anyone planning a trip to Thailand in 2026:
- Monitor official announcements from Thai immigration authorities and your country’s embassy in Thailand
- Do not plan extended stays beyond 30 days on the assumption the 60-day allowance will still apply at the time of travel
- If a longer stay is needed, begin exploring Thailand’s Tourist Visa (TR) or Long-Term Resident visa options as alternatives
Impact on Digital Nomads and Long-Stay Travellers
Thailand remains one of Asia’s most visited destinations and has become a popular base for digital nomads and remote workers taking advantage of the extended visa-free period. A return to the 30-day limit would significantly affect this group — requiring either more frequent border runs or a switch to a formal visa category that authorises longer stays.
Conclusion
Thailand’s proposed reduction of the visa-free stay from 60 to 30 days is a significant policy reversal driven by concerns about visa misuse rather than a reduction in appetite for tourism. While the change is not yet in force, the proposal is advanced enough that travellers should begin planning around the possibility of a shorter permitted stay. Check official Thai immigration sources for the confirmed enforcement date before finalising any travel arrangements.