Thailand has reduced the length of visa-free stays for travelers from more than 90 countries, including South Africa, Seychelles, Mauritius, and Canada, citing concerns over overstaying, illegal work, and other criminal activity.
The Thailand Cabinet approved the change on May 19, 2026, reducing stays to 30 days for 54 countries and territories, while reclassifying several others for visa on arrival.
Authorities said the revision responds to reports of tourists overstaying, engaging in criminal activity, and vandalism, as well as broader national security concerns, according to briefings from the Tourism and Sports Ministry and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The move also streamlines entry rules and prevents tourists from using short-term stamps as long-term work permits.
The decision follows a 2024 policy easing that had extended visa-free stays to 60 days to revive the tourism sector after the coronavirus pandemic severely affected the economy.
