Thailand to reduce the visa-exemption!
The Thai government is moving to reduce the visa-exemption stay from 60 days back to 30 days for eligible countries as part of a broader tightening of immigration policy. Originally expanded in 2024 to boost tourism, the 60-day visa-free scheme applied to travelers from around 90+ countries. However, authorities found that most visitors stayed less than 30 days, making the longer allowance unnecessary in practice.
Despite the reduction, travelers are still expected to have the option to extend their stay by an additional 30 days through immigration, maintaining flexibility for longer visits. Overall, the policy reflects Thailand’s transition from maximizing tourist volume to better regulating entry and focusing on sustainable tourism.
As of now, there is no confirmed implementation date yet. Some officials have suggested it could take effect once formally approved in the Royal Gazette, with one report pointing to a possible rollout around mid-May 2026.
