Thailand has approved plans to significantly reduce the length of visa-free stays for travelers from more than 90 countries, citing concerns over foreign nationals abusing the system and engaging in illegal activities.
The move marks a major reversal of the Southeast Asian nation’s efforts to attract international visitors after the COVID-19 pandemic, when authorities expanded visa-free entry to support the tourism sector, a key pillar of the economy.
Visa-free stays reduced from 60 days to 30 days
Thailand’s cabinet approved the changes on May 27, with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs proposing that the visa-free stay period for most foreign tourists be reduced from 60 days to 30 days.
Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkaeow said the ministry had submitted the plan as part of broader efforts to tighten oversight of foreign visitors.
Under the current scheme, travelers from more than 90 countries and territories, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and countries within Europe’s Schengen area, can stay in Thailand for up to 60 days without a visa.
The revised system will determine visa-free durations on a country-by-country basis. Most foreign nationals are expected to receive visa-free stays of up to 30 days, while some countries could be limited to 15 days.
According to reports, Australia is among the countries expected to retain a 30-day visa-free entry period.
The new visa framework is scheduled to take effect 15 days after it is published in Thailand’s Royal Gazette, although authorities have not confirmed when that publication will occur.
Authorities tighten oversight of foreign visitors
In addition to reducing visa-free stays, Thai authorities plan to review other visa categories to ensure travelers comply with the purpose of their visas.
Tourists seeking to remain in Thailand beyond the initial visa-free period will still be able to apply for an extension through immigration offices. However, approval will no longer be automatic.
“The 60 days was automatic, but the renewal will be decided by the officer and tourists will have to explain why they are staying longer,” a government spokeswoman told AFP.
Visitors already in Thailand under the existing rules will be allowed to remain until their authorized stay expires.
Government cites security and crime concerns
Thai officials said the changes are aimed at addressing concerns that some foreign nationals have been exploiting the country’s relaxed entry policies.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said the government found the policy needed revising “to be more suitable for the current situation, both in terms of the economy and national security”.
Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkaeow said the plan forms part of a wider crackdown on transnational crime and stressed that Thailand was not targeting any specific nationality.
Authorities have pointed to a series of high-profile arrests involving foreign nationals in recent months. Cases have included allegations related to drug offenses, sex trafficking, human trafficking, and foreigners operating businesses such as hotels and schools without the required permits.
In April, Thai police reportedly raided an unlicensed international school in Bangkok and arrested 10 foreign nationals accused of working without permits.
Government spokesperson Rachada Dhanadirek said tourists provided “benefits, such as boosting the economy, but the current scheme has allowed some people to exploit it”.
The Foreign Ministry also said the reforms are intended to reduce confusion caused by multiple visa exemptions applying to the same country.
Tourism remains vital to Thailand’s economy
The policy change comes despite a strong recovery in Thailand’s tourism sector.
Known for its beaches, islands, mountains, and cultural attractions, Thailand remains one of the world’s most popular travel destinations.
The country welcomed nearly 40 million visitors in 2019 before the pandemic caused international travel to collapse. Visitor numbers have gradually recovered over the past two years.
According to official figures, nearly 12 million people have already visited Thailand this year, while approximately 33 million foreign tourists traveled to the country in 2025.
Authorities had expanded visa-free access in July 2024 to encourage tourism and support economic growth. However, growing concerns over illegal employment, visa overstays, and criminal activity have prompted the government to scale back the program.
The move follows other instances in which Thai authorities have tightened regulations after initially adopting more liberal policies. Observers have compared the decision to the government’s efforts to impose stricter controls on cannabis after recreational use surged following its decriminalization in 2022.
With the new rules set to take effect in the coming weeks, travelers planning extended stays in Thailand may soon need to apply for visas or seek approval for longer visits through immigration authorities.