Thailand Reviews Its 60-Day Visa-Free Stay Rule

Thailand is reviewing its policy allowing visitors from 93 countries to enter without a visa for up to 60 days.  In February 2026, Foreign Affairs Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow said officials are reassessing whether the 60-day period is still appropriate, after complaints from local communities and tourism operators in Phuket. This is a review, not a confirmed rollback yet, but it signals Thailand may tighten the rules or enforcement.

Why Thailand Is Reconsidering It

The main concern is misuse. Local operators say some foreigners may be using the longer visa-free window for activities not allowed under tourist entry, which creates pressure on communities and raises security worries. The minister also noted that most tourists typically stay around 15 to 30 days, so 60 days may be longer than what most leisure travelers need. That is why officials are talking about “safeguards” and a better balance between tourism growth and public safety.

Thailand’s inbound tourism slipped in 2025 for the first time in a decade outside the pandemic period, with 32.6 million international visitors as of December 28, 2025, down 7 percent from 35.5 million in 2024. That softer demand backdrop helps explain why officials are now rechecking policies like the 60-day visa-free stay.

What the Rule Is and When It Started

Thailand expanded its visa exemption rules to boost tourism. The official Thai embassy website says the 60-day visa exemption became effective on July 15, 2024, and applies to nationals of 93 countries and territories. The guidance also says travelers may be able to request an additional 30-day extension, but extensions are at the immigration officers’ discretion. Thailand’s public relations office also described the 2024 change as an expansion from 57 to 93 eligible countries.

What to Expect Next

No official new limit or start date has been announced yet, so the 60-day visa-free rule still stands for now. But if Thailand reduces the window (often discussed as a shift back toward 30 days), it would mostly affect long-stay travelers and products built around multi-week trips. For airlines, hotels, and OTAs, the practical risk is customer confusion—so the key next step is to monitor a formal government announcement and then update booking FAQs, destination advice, and pre-trip communications quickly.

Photo by Sara Dubler on Unsplash