Thailand ends 60-day visa-free stay for 90+ countries – including Canada

Canadians will soon need to apply for a visa if they plan to remain in Thailand for more than 30 days.

Since July 2024, tourists from 93 countries had been allowed to enter Thailand visa-free for up to 60 days under a government initiative aimed at stimulating the economy after the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, the government approved plans last Tuesday (May 19) to end the blanket exemption, with permitted lengths of stay now set individually by country.

Officials said the decision was driven by security concerns and the complexity of the existing visa system.

The move follows several high-profile arrests involving foreign nationals in Thailand, including cases related to drug offences and sex trafficking.

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said the policy required adjustment to better reflect "the current situation, both in terms of the economy and national security".

Countries whose citizens had benefited from the 60-day visa-free arrangement included Canada, Australia, China, France, Germany, India, Italy, Spain and the United States.

Under the revised rules, travellers from many of these nations will need visas for stays exceeding 30 days, although some countries may have shorter or longer exemption periods under reciprocal agreements.

The updated visa policy will take effect 15 days after its publication in the Royal Gazette, Thailand’s official publication for legal and regulatory announcements.

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