Thailand Plans to Halve Visa-Free Stay from 60 to 30 Days for 93 Nationalities — Including UAE

Thailand's Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow confirmed on 20 March 2026 that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is preparing a proposal to reduce the visa-free stay period from 60 days to 30 days for all 93 eligible nationalities. On 22 March, the Foreign Ministry gave the proposal a formal green light at a high-level meeting. The proposal must now be approved by Thailand's Cabinet before it becomes law.

The 60-day visa-free entry was introduced on 15 July 2024 under former Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin to boost post-pandemic tourism. However, Thai authorities have reported widespread abuse of the extended stay period. Foreign Minister Sihasak stated that 60 days is "too long for most tourists," noting that the average visitor stay is around 15 days.

Specific concerns cited by Thai officials include: foreign nationals entering as tourists but working illegally, unregistered businesses operating in tourist areas (particularly Phuket), foreigners acquiring property through Thai nominees, and individuals arrested in online scam operations who had entered on tourist visas. Tourism operators in Phuket and other destinations have formally complained about illegal foreign-run tour companies.

The proposed change applies equally to all 93 nationalities currently eligible for visa-free entry to Thailand. However, the impact varies significantly depending on which passport you hold as a UAE resident.

In practical terms, most UAE-based tourists visit Thailand for 7-21 days, well within the proposed 30-day limit. The change primarily affects those planning extended stays, remote workers, or retirees using visa-free entries for longer periods.

Under the proposed rules, visitors who need longer than 30 days can apply for a single 30-day extension at any Thai immigration office. This brings the maximum possible stay back to 60 days — the same as the current arrangement, but requiring an in-country visit to immigration.

1. 1If you are currently in Thailand on a visa-free entry, your 60-day stay is unaffected. The current rules apply until a new regulation is officially enacted.
2. 2If you are planning a Thailand trip in the coming weeks, the 60-day visa-free entry still applies. Book and travel as normal.
3. 3If you are planning an extended stay (more than 30 days) later in 2026, monitor official Thai immigration sources for the Cabinet decision and implementation date.
4. 4Consider applying for a proper tourist visa through OraVisa if you need guaranteed longer stays without relying on extensions.
5. 5Complete your Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) online before your flight — this replaced the old paper TM6 form and is now mandatory.

This update is based on publicly available statements from Thailand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and credible news reporting as of 26 March 2026. The proposed reduction from 60 to 30 days has NOT yet been enacted — it requires Cabinet approval and no implementation date has been announced. The current 60-day visa-free stay remains in effect. This analysis is provided for informational purposes to help UAE residents plan ahead. It does not constitute legal advice. For the latest official information, check the Tourism Authority of Thailand at tourismthailand.org or the Thai Immigration Bureau at immigration.go.th.