Thailand is considering reducing the duration of its visa-free stay from 60 days back to 30 days, according to a report by Pattaya Mail. The change, announced in early 2026, would revert the visa-exemption scheme to the 30-day framework that existed before the expansion in July 2024.
Since July 2024, travellers from 93 countries could stay in Thailand visa-free for up to 60 days, a measure introduced to boost tourism after the pandemic. However, officials now say the longer stay has increasingly been used for purposes beyond short-term travel. Tourism operators have raised concerns about illegal employment, unregistered businesses, and foreign-run tour companies operating without proper permits.
By reverting to a 30-day limit, Thai authorities aim to restore the visa-exemption system’s original purpose: short-term tourism. The list of eligible countries is expected to remain the same. Travellers who wish to stay beyond 30 days can still apply for a 30-day extension at a Thai immigration office.
An exact implementation date has not yet been announced. Until the new regulation comes into effect, the current 60-day visa-free stay remains valid.
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