In March 2026, Thailand Planned 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. At that stage the proposal still needed approval by Thailand's Cabinet before it could become 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 proposal documented here applied equally to all 93 nationalities then eligible for visa-free entry. The framework that superseded it does not: it sets a 30-day tier of 60 countries and territories, a 15-day tier of Mauritius and Seychelles, and a three-country Visa-on-Arrival list. 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 initial visa-free stay in force in March 2026, but requiring an in-country visit to immigration.

1. 1If you entered Thailand visa-free on or before 14 September 2026, the Thai government has said you may stay until the last date of your permitted period of stay shown on your immigration stamp.
2. 2The 60-day visa-free entry applies, for the nationalities on its list, to entries into Thailand up to and including 14 September 2026; from 15 September 2026, nationals of the 60 countries and territories listed in the Royal Gazette on 31 August 2026 get a 30-day visa exemption, for tourism only.
3. 3If you are planning a stay of more than 30 days with entry into Thailand from 15 September 2026, check the entry route for your passport on official Thai sources before booking.
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. At that date the proposed reduction from 60 to 30 days had NOT yet been enacted — it required Cabinet approval, no implementation date had been announced, and the 60-day visa-free stay remained 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.