Overview
- Thailand’s cabinet approved ending the 60‑day visa‑free entry for more than 90 countries, a decision confirmed on May 19 and announced by senior ministers.
- Under the new framework each country’s visa‑free length will be set individually, with most passports expected to get up to 30 days and some limited to 15 days.
- The change is not yet in force because officials must publish the rules in the Royal Gazette, the Visa Policy Committee must set country lists, and transition steps remain unresolved.
- Immigration procedures will tighten: extensions will no longer be automatic and officers will evaluate one‑time renewals case by case, while diplomats say reciprocity and bilateral deals will guide durations.
- Tourism industry leaders warn the rollback risks fewer and shorter visits to a sector that makes over 10 percent of GDP and has seen arrivals fall about 3.4% year‑on‑year in Q1 2026, even as officials point to e‑visas and long‑stay options for legitimate travellers.