Thailand is set to reduce the visa-free stay period for travellers from more than 90 countries, including the UK, as the government moves to tighten entry rules while maintaining its position as one of Asia’s most visited destinations.
The current arrangement, introduced in July 2024, allows nationals from 93 countries and territories to enter Thailand without a visa and remain for up to 60 days. It was part of a wider effort to revive tourism after the Covid-19 pandemic, when international arrivals collapsed and businesses across the country’s hotels, restaurants, airlines, and tour operators suffered heavy losses.
Thai officials have now approved plans to revise the scheme, with many visitors expected to be allowed to stay visa-free for only 30 days. Those who want to remain in the country for longer would likely need to secure the appropriate visa before or during their trip, depending on the final rules. The government has said the length of stay will be reviewed on a country-by-country basis, meaning some nationalities may receive shorter or longer exemptions depending on reciprocal agreements.
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.”
The affected countries include major tourism markets such as the UK, Australia, China, France, Germany, India, Italy, Spain, and the United States. The new rules are expected to take effect 15 days after they are formally published in the Royal Gazette.
Officials have said the changes are partly intended to make Thailand’s visa system clearer, after overlapping exemption arrangements caused confusion for some foreign travellers. Authorities have also raised concerns about foreign nationals using visa-free entry to stay for extended periods, work illegally, or engage in criminal activity.
The policy shift follows several recent arrests involving foreigners, including cases linked to drugs, suspected trafficking, and employment without proper permits. In April, Thai police reportedly raided an unlicensed international school in Bangkok and detained 10 foreign nationals accused of working illegally.
Tourism remains vital to Thailand’s economy. The country welcomed nearly 40 million international visitors in 2019, before the pandemic brought global travel to a near standstill.
Arrivals have since recovered strongly, with nearly 12 million visitors recorded so far this year. The government now faces the task of protecting that recovery while tightening oversight of longer-stay travellers.