Thailand Cabinet Ends 60-Day Visa-Free Entry for More Than 90 Countries
BANGKOK — The Thai Cabinet has approved the cancellation of the 60-day visa-free entry scheme for more than 90 countries, reverting to the previous visa regulations. The decision, announced on May 19, 2026, by Tourism…
Thailand’s Cabinet on May 19, 2026 approved ending 60-day visa-free entry for travelers from more than 90 countries, a policy shift that will affect arrivals across Phuket and the rest of the country. Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul announced the decision, saying the government will return affected visitors to the earlier visa framework, which for most means a 30-day stay.
The minister did not give an implementation date. He said relevant agencies and Immigration would be informed of the Cabinet resolution.
Previous 30-day rules will replace expanded stay period
Under the new resolution, countries that had been granted 60-day visa-free entry will move back to their original visa categories. For most travelers, that restores the standard visa-exemption limit of 30 days.
The Cabinet also revoked multiple visa options for some countries as part of a broader rollback to the previous system. That change is intended to simplify visa rules by removing the expanded arrangements introduced earlier.
Security and economic review to shape country-specific visa rules
Surasak said the Visa Policy Committee will now review arrangements on a country-by-country basis. Officials will weigh national security and economic effects before proposing any revised rules.
The government linked the reversal to concerns that some foreigners were using the longer stay period to work illegally or become involved in crime, drugs, scam centers and related problems. The tourism ministry also said typical leisure travelers stay well below 30 days, making the shorter entry period sufficient under current policy.
Travelers seeking longer stays may still be able to use extensions or obtain longer visas through Immigration, consulates or embassies. Until any new country-specific measures are approved, the 30-day limit will apply.
Source: https://thephuketexpress.com/2026/05/19/thailand-officially-revoking-60-day-visa-free-entry/
