The Thai Cabinet has approved the cancellation of the 60-day visa exemption scheme for citizens of more than 90 countries and territories, bringing the permitted period of stay back to approximately 30 days, as previously applied. The announcement was made on May 19 by Thailand’s Minister of Tourism and Sports, Surasak Phancharoenworakul.
Speaking at Government House, Mr. Surasak stated that the Cabinet had also agreed to revoke the regulations that currently allow several visa-related benefits under the existing scheme, while reinstating the previous rules that had been in place before. According to the Minister of Tourism and Sports, relevant authorities will be notified of the Cabinet’s new resolution before the policy is officially implemented. He also added that the Visa Policy Committee will review entry regulations on a country-by-country basis to determine the appropriate visa categories, taking into account factors such as national security and economic benefits.
Under this change, countries that previously benefited from the 60-day visa exemption scheme will return to the former entry conditions. Most travellers are expected to be allowed to stay for approximately 30 days without a visa.
Thailand previously expanded its 60-day visa exemption scheme to citizens of more than 90 countries as part of its efforts to boost tourism and support economic recovery after the pandemic. However, in recent months, Thai authorities have raised concerns that some foreign nationals may be taking advantage of the policy to stay in the country long-term or work illegally.
What Should You Prepare If You Plan to Stay Longer?
If you are planning to stay in Thailand for more than 30 days, especially from the second half of 2026 onwards, it is important to research and prepare the appropriate visa type in advance. Depending on your purpose of stay, you may consider the following options:
– Multiple-Entry Tourist Visa: Suitable for frequent travellers, allowing multiple entries into Thailand within the validity period of the visa.
– DTV Visa (Digital Nomad Visa): Designed for remote workers, allowing eligible applicants to legally stay in Thailand for an extended period.
– Business Visa / METV: Suitable for individuals travelling to Thailand for business purposes, professional meetings, or commercial cooperation.
Important Note:
Thailand has not yet announced the official implementation date of this policy change. Relevant authorities are currently being informed of the Cabinet’s resolution before the new measures are put into effect. Travellers are advised to closely monitor official updates to avoid any disruption when booking flights or planning their trips.
Thailand’s decision to cancel the 60-day visa exemption scheme reflects a shift towards tightening flexible entry policies. For Vietnamese travellers planning short trips, this change may not have a significant immediate impact. However, for those who intend to stay longer for work, extended holidays, or a deeper travel experience in Thailand, now is the right time to proactively prepare the appropriate visa documents before the new policy officially takes effect.
Visa policies can change unexpectedly. The best way to avoid last-minute complications is to stay informed and apply for the right visa from the beginning. If you need assistance with a Thailand visa, 68 Solutions team is ready to support you with a fast, proper, and time-saving process.
Reference source: Khaosod
