Thai Cabinet votes on May 19 to cut 60-day visa exemption back to 30 days for 54 countries

On May 19, 2026, the Thai Cabinet voted to roll back the country's 60-day visa exemption, returning the standard entry stamp to 30 days for citizens of roughly 54 countries.

According to Thai Visa Services, the 60-day exemption was originally introduced as a tourism stimulus in July 2024. The expanded entry allowance lasted 22 months before the Cabinet decided to reverse the policy.

Impact on Travelers and Expats

If you rely on visa-exempt entries to visit or live part-time in Thailand, your initial time permitted in the country per entry is about to be halved.

Based on the Cabinet vote, the changes break down as follows:

• 54 countries affected: Visitors from these nations will receive a 30-day stamp upon arrival, down from the previous 60 days.
• Policy reversal: The Cabinet vote officially ends the 22-month tourism stimulus period.

Preparing for the 30-Day Limit

Because the Cabinet has already voted on the measure, the change is imminent. If you are flying into Thailand in the near future, you should plan your itinerary around a 30-day stay.

Expats doing border runs will need to travel twice as often to maintain their status. If you require a longer uninterrupted stay, you will need to apply for a formal Tourist Visa at a Thai embassy or consulate before you travel.