Thailand Halves Visa-Free Stays to 30 Days for 93 Countries as Crime Concerns Rise
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · May 20
Thailand Halves Visa-Free Stays to 30 Days for 93 Countries as Crime Concerns Rise
13 articles · Updated · The Guardian · May 20
Thailand said tourists from 93 countries will no longer get automatic 60-day visa-free entry, cutting the stay to 30 days and trimming eligible jurisdictions to 54 from 57.
Officials said the rollback targets overstays, illegal businesses and transnational criminal groups after repeated cases involving foreign nationals, while insisting no specific country is being singled out.
A single extension will still be possible at an immigration office, but officers will decide case by case and travelers must justify stays beyond 30 days.
The move reverses a 2024 easing meant to revive tourism, even as the sector contributes 10% to 20% of GDP and foreign arrivals fell 3.45% in the first four months of 2026.
That tourism slowdown has already pushed Thailand's 2026 arrivals forecast down to 32 million from 35 million, with higher airfares and weaker UK and Middle East demand adding pressure.
Is Thailand sacrificing its economic recovery by ending its popular 60-day visa-free program?
Will tighter visa rules solve Thailand's crime problem or just drive away genuine tourists?