Thailand has introduced major changes to its visa-free entry rules, reducing the maximum stay for many foreign visitors from 60 days to 30 days and removing Moroccan passport holders from its visa-exemption arrangements.
The new regulations, published in Thailand’s Royal Gazette, are scheduled to take effect on 15 September 2026, reversing part of the more generous immigration framework introduced in July 2024.
Under the revised system, Thailand will move away from a single visa-exemption arrangement covering 93 nationalities and instead divide travellers into different categories, including a 30-day visa-exemption group, a separate 15-day exemption group and a Visa on Arrival scheme.
UK, US and Canadian tourists affected
Passport holders from 60 countries and territories will continue to be able to visit Thailand without obtaining a visa in advance, but their permitted stay will be reduced from 60 days to 30 days per entry.
The countries affected include major tourism markets such as the United Kingdom, United States, Canada and Australia.
Travellers who enter Thailand before the new rules take effect on September 15 will not have their existing permission shortened. Those admitted under the previous system will retain the 60-day period granted when they entered the country.
The change represents a significant reversal of Thailand’s 2024 decision to expand visa-free access and increase the standard permitted stay to 60 days as part of efforts to stimulate international tourism.
Morocco removed from visa-free programme
One of the biggest changes affects Moroccan passport holders.
Morocco has been excluded not only from Thailand’s new 30-day visa-exemption list but also from the 15-day exemption and Visa on Arrival categories.
As a result, Moroccan nationals travelling to Thailand from 15 September 2026 will generally need to obtain an appropriate Thai visa before departure rather than receiving visa-free admission or a Visa on Arrival.
The changes mean travellers affected by the new requirement will need to arrange their visas through Thailand’s visa application system before travelling.
Thailand targets visa runs and overstays
Thai authorities have cited immigration enforcement and national-security concerns among the reasons for tightening the rules.
Officials have raised concerns about foreigners using repeated visa-exempt entries — commonly referred to as “visa runs” — to remain in Thailand for extended periods without applying for a suitable long-term visa.
The government has also pointed to cases involving overstays, illegal employment and foreign nationals operating businesses without the appropriate immigration status.
Reciprocity has also played a role in the restructuring, with Thailand reassessing visa privileges offered to countries that do not provide comparable visa-free access to Thai passport holders.
The changes could particularly affect frequent visitors and long-term travellers who have relied on consecutive 60-day visa-free entries since the expanded exemption programme was introduced in 2024.
From 15 September, travellers planning trips to Thailand will therefore need to check which of the country’s new entry categories applies to their nationality before departure.
Discover more from Niyi Daram
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
