Thailand has significantly tightened its visa rules for tourists, ending a 60-day visa-free stay that was previously granted to citizens of 93 countries, including the UK, US, and much of Europe. The move, announced on Tuesday, is aimed at curbing crime involving foreign nationals, officials said.
New Visa Regulations
Under the revised policy, visitors will now be granted a 30-day visa exemption instead of the previous 60 days. The number of countries eligible for this shorter exemption will also be reduced from 57 to 54, according to Mungkorn Pratoomkaew, director-general of the foreign ministry's consular affairs department. The specific list of eligible countries has not yet been released.
Government spokesperson Rachada Dhanadirek explained that while tourists provide economic benefits, the current scheme has been exploited by some individuals. Frequent incidents involving tourists committing crimes ranging from shoplifting to indecent exposure have drawn public attention online, and there is particular concern about foreigners overstaying and illegally operating businesses in tourism hotspots without proper permits. Thai authorities have also cited concerns over transnational criminal groups abusing immigration laws.
Background and Economic Impact
Thailand relaxed its visa rules in 2024, expanding the number of countries qualifying for visa exemption and extending the maximum stay to 60 days to boost tourism recovery after the Covid pandemic. Tourism is a crucial industry, accounting for between 10% and 20% of Thailand's GDP. However, visitor numbers have not returned to pre-pandemic levels, and the industry is also suffering from the impact of the US-Israel war on Iran, which has driven up jet fuel and airfare costs.
Foreign arrivals to Thailand fell 3.45% year-on-year in the first four months of 2026, the Bangkok Post reported this month, with arrivals from the UK dropping 22.8% to 85,059 tourists. Arrivals from the Middle East have also declined sharply. The target for tourist arrivals this year has been revised down from a February forecast of 35 million to 32 million, according to the National Economic and Social Development Council.
Simplified Rules and Renewal Process
Officials say the new rules will be simplified to avoid confusion among tourists. Tourists will be able to renew visas once by visiting an immigration office, but the renewal is not automatic. A government spokesperson told Agence France-Presse: "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."
Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow said last week that Thailand was not targeting any specific country but rather individuals abusing the visa system by committing crimes in the country.
