Thailand is preparing to revise its visa-free travel policy by reducing the amount of time many foreign visitors can remain in the country without obtaining a visa. The decision reflects growing concerns among authorities about the misuse of tourist entry privileges.

The Southeast Asian nation currently allows travelers from more than 90 countries to enter without a visa and stay for up to 60 days. However, officials now believe the system requires stricter oversight.

New Limits Expected for Most Foreign Visitors

Following cabinet approval, the government plans to introduce shorter visa-free periods for eligible travelers.

While final arrangements will vary depending on the visitor’s nationality, most tourists are expected to receive permission for stays of up to 30 days. In some cases, the visa-free period may be reduced even further to 15 days.

The revised policy will replace the current 60-day allowance that has been available since mid-2024.

Extensions Will Not Be Guaranteed

Travelers who need additional time in Thailand will still be able to request an extension through immigration authorities.

Unlike the current system, however, approval will depend on an officer’s assessment. Applicants must provide a clear explanation for remaining in the country beyond their initial visa-free period.

Authorities Link Changes to Security Concerns

Thai officials say recent law-enforcement cases played a significant role in the decision.

Investigations involving foreign nationals have included allegations related to drug crimes, trafficking networks, and unauthorized business operations. Authorities have also identified cases in which foreigners allegedly ran schools, hotels, and other enterprises without the required legal permissions.

According to the government, such incidents highlighted weaknesses in the existing entry system.

Government Says Measure Is Not Country-Specific

Officials have stressed that the policy is designed to address behavior rather than nationality.

The government maintains that the majority of international visitors comply with local laws and contribute positively to the economy. However, authorities argue that tighter controls are necessary to prevent a small number of individuals from exploiting visa-free access.

Tourism Growth Remains a National Priority

Tourism continues to serve as one of Thailand’s most important economic drivers, accounting for more than 10 percent of national economic output.

In July 2024, the government doubled the visa-free stay period from 30 days to 60 days in an effort to attract more international travelers and support economic recovery.

Despite those efforts, overall visitor numbers have not fully returned to the levels recorded before the pandemic.

Visitor Arrivals Show Signs of Pressure

Official tourism data indicates that international arrivals during the first quarter of the year fell by around 3.4 percent compared with the same period in 2025.

The decline was particularly noticeable among travelers from the Middle East, where arrivals dropped by almost one-third.

Even so, authorities expect tourism activity to improve during the remainder of the year.

Thailand Forecasts More Than 33 Million Visitors

Government projections suggest the country could welcome approximately 33.5 million international tourists this year.

That figure would represent a modest increase from last year’s total, which was close to 33 million visitors.

Officials hope the revised visa-free framework will strengthen immigration oversight while preserving Thailand’s position as one of the world’s most popular travel destinations.