Thailand to Reduce Visa-Free Stay to 30 Days
Thailand is set to cut its visa-free entry duration from 60 to 30 days to curb illegal commercial activities under its waiver program.
Approved by Thai Authorities
Thailand will reduce the duration of visa-free stays from 60 to 30 days, amid concerns over exploitative commercial activities abusing the waiver program. The Ministry of Tourism and Sports has confirmed that relevant authorities have approved the principle of this change.
Cutting Stay from 60 to 30 Days
The Minister of Tourism and Sports, Sorawong Thienthong, said the Foreign Ministry acknowledged the issue, which has been widely discussed among stakeholders in recent weeks. They agreed to cut the visa-free stay to 30 days for citizens of waiver-granting countries. Further details will be discussed before the regulatory change is officially announced.
Industry and Authorities Engage in Discussions
Since July 2024, the government has allowed passport holders from 93 countries to enter Thailand for tourism purposes for up to 60 days, an increase from the previous 57 countries. However, travel industry professionals have raised concerns about the extended period, as long-haul tourists typically stay between 14 and 21 days while short-haul travelers spend fewer than two weeks per trip, or around seven days.
The Association of Thai Travel Agents highlighted the issue with the ministry due to the growing number of foreigners working or engaging in illegal business activities in the country. The Thai Hotels Association also attributed part of the problem to a rise in illegally rented condominiums marketed for day-use by clients. Following calls from a former Phuket MP urging the government to crack down on foreign companies using Thai nominees and to reduce the visa-free period to 30 days, Natthriya Thaweevong, Permanent Secretary of the ministry, said it had tasked the Department of Tourism with stricter enforcement of tourism business and tour guide laws.
She added that a joint operational center managed by six agencies, including the Department of Tourism and Tourism Police, is systematically investigating illicit activities in Phuket and five other popular tourist areas: Chiang Mai, Pattaya, Hua Hin, Koh Samui, and Bangkok. In 2024, the department revoked the licenses of 40 companies found guilty of secretly modifying authorized directors and shareholder proportions, disqualifying them from operating tourism businesses. In Phuket, licenses for 15 travel agencies have been revoked. She also cited the case of a Thai committee of a travel agency registered under five different corporate names.
When Will the Change Take Effect?
No official date has yet been announced by the Thai government. Discussions between tourism professionals and authorities are ongoing.
This news was published on March 17, 2025 by the local newspaper Bangkok Post.
En tant que chargée de relation client, mes missions sont la gestion et le suivi des demandes de visas. Je reste informée des actualités concernant les nouvelles formalités de voyage ainsi que les spécificités des nouveaux visas.
