Thailand's visa-free period may be shortened: From 60 to 30 days

Thai authorities have agreed to shorten the visa-free stay for tourists from 60 to 30 days. However, the change has not yet been officially decided, and an exact date for its implementation is not yet known. Authorities are still reviewing the details before formally announcing the change.

Background: Why was the 60-day visa-free period introduced?

Before 2022, Thailand allowed visa-free entry for tourists for 30 days. In the aftermath of the pandemic, this period was extended to 45 days to attract travelers back and stimulate tourism. This extension was withdrawn in April 2023, when the system reverted to 30 days.

In July 2024, a new change was implemented, allowing tourists from 93 countries to stay for 60 days without a visa. A 30-day extension on site also became available, allowing a total of 90 days without applying for a visa. The change was praised by tourists and the hotel industry, but also brought some unintended problems.

Why do the authorities want to shorten the visa-free period?

Since the introduction of the extended visa-free period, authorities have noted several problems. Among other things, there have been reports of an increase in foreigners working illegally in Thailand by taking advantage of the generous system. Examples of this include unlicensed guides, people running businesses through shell companies, or telecommuters living in Thailand without a work permit.

At the same time, the hotel industry has raised the alarm that many foreigners are renting homes and illegally subletting them to tourists via platforms such as Airbnb. This has led to an unhealthy competitive situation that is negatively affecting legal hotel operations. Authorities have also noted that some people are taking advantage of the longer stay to engage in criminal activities, which has created concerns within the legal system.

Political pressure has also played a role in the decision. Several members of parliament and industry associations have urged the government to tighten the rules to prevent abuse of the system. By returning to 30 days, the authorities hope to limit these problems and gain better control over who stays in the country for a longer period.

What is the current situation?

The authorities have agreed in principle to shorten the visa-free period to 30 days, but a formal decision has not yet been made. The change could come into effect in the coming months, depending on how quickly the authorities can complete the process. For now, the 60-day visa-free period remains in effect.

How are tourists and business travelers affected?

For most regular tourists, the change won’t make much difference. The majority of travelers typically stay in Thailand for between two and three weeks, meaning 30 days is still enough for a normal vacation. However, those who want to stay longer than a month will need to apply for an extension with the immigration authorities, which is likely to continue to be possible. Alternatively, you can plan a short trip out of the country and then return to start a new visa-free period.

Business travelers will not be significantly affected as short business visits will still be possible within the visa-free period. However, those planning longer stays will need to apply for a business visa in advance.

Exceptions and possibilities for extension

It is likely that Thailand will continue to offer the option to extend the visa-free stay by 30 days by applying to the immigration authority. This means that a tourist who initially receives 30 days can extend their stay to a total of 60 days by applying on site. Another option is to travel out and re-enter, but the rules for this may be tightened, especially at land borders where Thailand already limits the number of visa-free entries.

For certain nationalities that currently receive a Visa on Arrival (VOA), the visa-free period may be reduced from 30 to 15 days, just as happened with previous changes to the visa rules.

Will Thailand introduce an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)?

Thailand has previously discussed the possibility of introducing an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) system, similar to the US ESTA and the EU ETIAS. This would require travelers from certain countries to apply for an authorization before departure. However, the introduction of the ETA has been postponed indefinitely, but it is possible that such a solution will become relevant in the future to strengthen border control and improve monitoring of travelers' stays in the country.

What should travelers do now?

Currently, the 60-day visa-free period still applies, but it is important to stay updated on any changes. Travelers should follow information from Thailand Immigration Authority and official embassies to be sure they have the correct entry documentation.

If you are planning a longer stay in Thailand, it may be wise to investigate other visa options well in advance to avoid any potential problems upon entry or extension. While the change is primarily aimed at preventing abuse of the system, it may pose some practical challenges for people planning longer stays.

Thailand continues to be one of the world's most popular travel destinations, and even with a shorter visa-free period, the country will welcome millions of tourists each year. The change should be seen as an adjustment to ensure a sustainable and legal tourism sector rather than a restriction on genuine visitors.

Text: The editorial staff

Image license: JoshuaWoroniecki, Pixabay, original image