Thailand reduces visa-free stay duration for tourists from over 90 countries

Thailand has approved a plan to shorten visa-free stay periods for travellers from more than 90 countries as authorities move to address crimes involving foreign nationals.

The decision was approved by the Thai cabinet, with Tourism Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul saying the revised policy would apply on a country-by-country basis.

Under the current system, visitors from more than 90 countries, including the United States, Israel, several South American nations and members of Europe’s Schengen area, are permitted to stay in Thailand for up to 60 days without a visa.

Under the new framework, most travellers are expected to receive visa-free access for up to 30 days, while some nationalities could face a reduced limit of 15 days.

The move follows a rise in cases involving foreign nationals, including arrests linked to drug offences, sex trafficking and operation of businesses without legal permits.

Thailand had increased visa-free stays from 30 to 60 days in July 2024 to support tourism and economic activity after the pandemic slowdown.

Tourism contributes more than 10% to Thailand’s economy, though visitor numbers have yet to fully recover to pre-pandemic levels.

Official data showed foreign arrivals declined by around 3.4% during the first quarter of this year compared to the same period in 2025, while arrivals from the Middle East dropped by nearly one-third.

Thailand expects to receive around 33.5 million foreign visitors this year, slightly above the nearly 33 million recorded last year.