Thailand Adjusts Visa-Free Entry Rules for 93 Countries

Thailand’s government has approved a significant change to its visa-free entry policy, reducing the allowed stay from 60 days to 30 days for travelers from 93 countries. This adjustment, which affects a broad range of nationalities including Moroccans, aims to manage immigration and prevent visa abuse. The new rules will take effect 15 days after their official publication in the Royal Gazette.

The decision, made by Thailand’s Cabinet on May 19, 2026, reverses the previous, more generous 60-day visa-free allowance. This change is part of a broader effort to tighten immigration controls and address concerns about illegal work and transnational crime. While the Cabinet has approved the policy shift, travelers and authorities must await the official announcement in the Royal Gazette and the subsequent 15-day waiting period before the new regulations are enforced.

Impact on Moroccan Travelers and Others

Moroccan passport holders are included in the group of 93 countries whose visa-free entry period will be shortened. This means that once the new policy is active, Moroccans will be allowed to stay in Thailand for 30 days without a visa, rather than the current 60 days. This change is not specific to Morocco but applies to a wide list of nations, aligning their entry terms with a more standardized, shorter duration.

The practical effect for travelers from these 93 countries is a need to plan shorter trips or arrange for visa extensions if they intend to stay longer than the new 30-day limit. This adjustment requires careful attention to travel dates and entry requirements, especially for those who had planned longer stays based on the previous 60-day allowance.

Understanding the Implementation Timeline

It is important for travelers to understand that the new visa-free entry rules do not take effect immediately upon the Cabinet’s approval. The policy change is legally enacted 15 days after its publication in the Royal Gazette. This means there is a period where the old rules still apply, followed by a transition to the new 30-day limit.

Travelers who enter Thailand before the Royal Gazette publication and the subsequent 15-day waiting period will still be subject to the existing 60-day visa-free entry rules. Similarly, any stays that have already been granted under the current framework will remain valid until their original expiry dates. This distinction is crucial for those with existing travel plans or those who have already entered the country.

Reasons Behind the Policy Change

Thai authorities have cited the need to curb visa abuse and illegal employment as primary drivers for reducing the visa-free stay period. By shortening the duration of visa-exempt entry, the government aims to gain better control over who stays in the country and for how long. This measure is intended to help manage the flow of tourists and workers, thereby reducing potential strain on resources and addressing security concerns.

The rollback from 60 days to 30 days is a strategic move to enhance immigration oversight. It signals a shift towards more controlled entry for a large number of nationalities, aiming to balance tourism promotion with national security and economic interests. The government’s focus is on ensuring that the visa-free system serves its intended purpose without being exploited.

What Travelers Need to Know

For travelers planning a visit to Thailand from any of the 93 affected countries, including Morocco, it is essential to monitor the publication date in the Royal Gazette. Once the announcement is made, the 30-day visa-free period will become active after an additional 15 days. This means that any arrival after this effective date will be subject to the new, shorter stay limit.

Those who have already secured a stay permit under the previous 60-day rule will not be affected and can complete their visit as planned. However, any new entries made after the policy change takes effect will fall under the 30-day visa-free allowance. Travelers should verify the exact date of publication and calculate their entry accordingly to avoid any misunderstandings regarding their permitted stay in Thailand.