Thailand to cut visa-free stay from 60 to 30 days for 60 countries
Thailand will officially end its 60-day visa exemption scheme and reduce the visa-free stay period to 30 days for travellers from 60 countries and territories.
The new provisions will take effect from 15 Sept.
This comes after recent crimes involving foreigners in the country, reported CNA.
Source: allPhoto Bangkok on Unsplash, for illustration purposes only.
The new regulations were published in Thailand’s Royal Gazette on 31 Aug.
60 countries to receive 30-day visa exemption
The new regulation repeals the special 60-day visa exemption introduced on 15 July 2024.
Previously, citizens from 93 countries and territories were permitted to stay in Thailand for up to 60 days for tourism, certain short-term work activities, and business purposes.
Source: Geoff Greenwood on Unsplash, for illustration purposes only.
From 15 Sept, eligible travellers from 60 countries will instead receive visa-free entry for up to 30 days.
The countries include:
- United States
- United Kingdom
- Canada
- Australia
- Singapore
- Malaysia
- Japan
- South Korea
- China
- India
- New Zealand
- France
- Germany
- Italy
- Switzerland
- United Arab Emirates
Under the newly published regulations, the initial visa-free stay granted to eligible passport holders — including citizens of the US, UK, Canada, and Australia — will be halved from 60 days to 30 days.
The new regulation specifically states that the exemption applies for tourism purposes.
Unlike the 60-day scheme, it removes provisions that allow short-term work activities and business engagements without a formal visa.
Travellers who entered Thailand before the new rules take effect will keep the length of stay granted upon arrival.
Land border entries limited for most travellers
Under the new rules, visa-exempt travellers entering Thailand through land border checkpoints will also be limited to two entries per calendar year.
Source: Thai Embassy
However, this restriction will not apply to nationals of:
- Brunei
- Indonesia
- Malaysia
- Singapore
Thailand’s Interior Minister may also exempt additional nationalities from the restriction in the future.
The limit applies only to land border crossings and does not restrict travellers entering by air.
Travellers can still apply for 30-day extension
Although the initial visa-free stay will be reduced to 30 days, eligible travellers can still apply for a one-time extension of up to another 30 days, subject to approval by Thai immigration authorities.
Source: Google Maps
This means eligible visitors may still be able to stay for up to 60 days in total if their extension application is approved.
Mauritius and Seychelles receive 15-day exemption
A separate regulation introduces a shorter visa exemption period for nationals of two countries.
Citizens of Mauritius and Seychelles will receive visa-free stays of up to 15 days.
Like the 30-day scheme, land border entries will generally be limited to two times per year unless further exemptions are granted.
Visa on Arrival (VOA) reduced to three countries
Thailand will also significantly reduce the number of nationalities eligible for Visa on Arrival (VOA).
From 15 Sept, Visa on Arrival (VOA) will only be available to:
- Azerbaijan
- Belarus
- Serbia
India, which was previously considered for inclusion under the Visa on Arrival scheme, has instead been moved to the 30-day visa exemption list.
Bilateral visa agreements remain unchanged
Despite being excluded from the lists, certain countries have bilateral visa exemption agreements with Thailand. This means they will not be affected by the new regulation.
Source: Michelle_Raponi from Pixabay via Canva, for illustration purposes only.
Existing bilateral arrangements will continue, including:
- 14 days: Cambodia and Myanmar (Myanmar arrivals limited to international airports)
- 30 days: China, Hong Kong, Kazakhstan, Laos, Macao, Mongolia, Russia, Timor-Leste and Vietnam
- 90 days: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, South Korea and Peru
Travellers from countries not covered by the new exemption schemes or existing bilateral agreements will need to apply for a Thai visa before travelling.
Thailand’s e-Visa system, which allows travellers to apply online through Thai diplomatic missions, will continue to be available.
Some nationalities need to apply for visa
Previously included under the temporary 60-day scheme, many nations have been left off the updated rosters for the 30-day exemption, 15-day exemption, and Visa on Arrival programmes.
Travellers from those countries will need to apply for a visa unless another visa-free arrangement is set up for them.
Also read: Thailand to review visa-free policy after locals complain of ‘non-quality’ tourists
Thailand to review visa-free policy after locals complain of ‘non-quality’ tourists
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Featured image adapted from Markus Winkler on Unsplash, for illustration purposes only.
