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Marrakech – Thailand has approved the revocation of its 60-day visa-free entry program, a move that directly affects Moroccan travelers who had enjoyed unrestricted short-term access to the Southeast Asian nation since June 2024.
The Thai Cabinet approved the changes on May 19, 2026. The new framework will take effect 15 days after publication in the Royal Gazette, Thailand’s official legal journal.
Morocco was among 36 countries added to the visa-free list in mid-2024, when Thailand expanded its program from 57 to 93 eligible nations in a bid to revive its pandemic-hit tourism sector. For nearly two years, Moroccan passport holders could enter Thailand for up to 60 days without a visa. That window is now closing.
Under the revised system, Thailand will no longer apply a blanket 60-day exemption. Instead, the government will assign each country to a specific entry category. A total of 54 countries will receive 30-day visa-free access, three will get 15-day exemptions, and only four will qualify for visas on arrival.
Morocco does not appear in any of these categories, according to the lists published by the Thai Foreign Ministry. This means Moroccan nationals will likely need to obtain a visa before traveling to Thailand once the new rules take effect.
Thailand will, however, continue to honor separate bilateral visa exemption agreements with certain countries. These arrangements operate independently from the general visa exemption list.
Under such agreements, nationals of China, Hong Kong, Macao, Kazakhstan, Laos, Mongolia, Russia, Timor-Leste, and Vietnam retain 30-day visa-free access. Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Peru, and South Korea maintain 90-day exemptions. Cambodia and Myanmar keep 14-day access for arrivals through international airports.
Read also: Congo Drops Visa for All Africans: What It Means for Moroccan Travelers
The Moroccan Embassy in Bangkok, led by Ambassador Abderrahim Rahhaly, issued a notice on May 20 warning Moroccan travelers of stricter enforcement of financial screening at Thai border checkpoints. The embassy stated that immigration officers may ask foreign visitors to present sufficient cash to cover their stay. Failure to do so could result in denied entry.
The embassy clarified that this is not a new regulation but an existing requirement now being enforced more rigorously at certain border posts. It urged travelers to prepare travel documents, return tickets, accommodation proof, and evidence of financial resources before arriving in Thailand.
The Royal Thai Embassy in Rabat confirmed on May 21 that travelers arriving in Thailand before June 7 may stay until their current permitted period expires.
Those planning to travel after that date are strongly recommended to apply for a visa through Thailand’s official e-visa portal. The embassy noted that additional updates on the effective date will be announced by the Royal Thai Government.
Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul stated that the government found the policy needed revising “to be more suitable for the current situation, both in terms of the economy and national security.” Tourism Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul confirmed that both security and economic factors would guide the new country-by-country criteria.
The rollback comes amid rising concerns over foreign nationals exploiting visa-free entry for illegal work, overstaying, drug trafficking, and other criminal activity.
Thai authorities have made multiple high-profile arrests in recent months, including cases involving drug smuggling and human trafficking. In April, police raided an unlicensed international school in Bangkok and arrested 10 foreigners working without permits.
Thailand attracted nearly 33 million foreign visitors in 2025, still below its pre-pandemic peak of nearly 40 million in 2019. Nearly 12 million visitors arrived in the first months of 2026 alone.
Under the new framework, immigration officers are expected to apply closer screening at entry points. Visitors entering under any visa-free category should be prepared to show a valid passport, return or onward travel details, accommodation information, and proof of sufficient funds.
Travelers holding current visa-free stays will be allowed to remain until their permitted period expires. Those planning future trips are advised to check the latest requirements for their nationality before booking.
