Thailand is ending its 60-day visa-free entry scheme for nationals of 93 countries, with a Cabinet vote expected within days.
Thailand launched the 60-day exemption in July 2024 to revive its post-pandemic economy, expanding visa-free access from 57 to 93 countries. The original 57-nation list covered established tourist-sending markets including Western Europe, the Gulf states, the US, Canada, Australia, Japan, and South Korea.
The 36 countries added in 2024 came largely from South America, Central Asia, and parts of Asia.
The expanded scheme drew concern.
Authorities found foreigners using the extended stay to work illegally, run businesses through Thai nominees, and operate criminal networks on Thai territory. The Thai Hotels Association reported a surge in illegal short-term apartment rentals, while officials warned the scheme was being exploited to undermine national security.
Earlier in February 2026, the Cabinet acknowledged a Foreign Affairs Ministry report on the abuses and established a dedicated committee to assess the policy. Three months later, both ministries backed a rollback.
The data supported the move.
Tourism Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakun said more than 90 percent of foreign visitors leave within 30 days, with only 10 percent using the full allowance. Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkaew stated that “sixty days is probably too long for a tourist visa” and that a tourist stay “should not exceed 30 days.”
Under the proposed change, the default reverts to 30 days. The 36 countries added in 2024 face individual review, and those with poor compliance records could be cut to just 15 days, with longer stays requiring a formal visa application, including financial and background checks.
For most ASEAN neighbors, little will change. Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Brunei were already on the original 57-nation list. Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and Vietnam operate under separate bilateral agreements unaffected by this shift. Intra-ASEAN travel to Thailand continues largely as normal.
The Cabinet is expected to vote within the coming week, after which an official start date will be announced.


