Thai Government Agrees In Principle on Reverting Visa-Free Stay from 60 Days to 30 Days

In a shift in immigration policy, Thailand is reportedly planning to reduce its visa-free stay period for tourists from 60 days back to 30 days, which The Pattaya News previously noted was lobbied for by the hospitality and tourism industry at a recent conference.

This proposal, which has gained traction among Thai authorities, aims to address concerns over illegal employment, illegal condo and villa rentals, a rising number of criminal incidents involving foreigners, and the exploitation of the visa exemption scheme by foreign nationals. The change, if implemented, would mark a reversal of a tourism-friendly measure introduced in July 2024, reflecting the government’s efforts to balance economic benefits with stricter oversight.

Thailand’s visa-free entry program has been a major part of its tourism-driven economy. In July 2024, the country expanded this scheme, increasing the visa-exempt stay period from 30 days to 60 days for citizens of 93 countries, including major tourism markets like the United States, the United Kingdom, China, Russia, and India.

The policy allowed visitors to stay for up to 60 days without a visa, with a fairly simple option to extend for an additional 30 days at the discretion of immigration officials. This extension was part of a broader strategy to boost tourism, a vital sector that contributes significantly to Thailand’s GDP, especially following the economic downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The move was initially widely praised by travelers and the tourism industry, as it provided greater flexibility for visitors to explore Thailand’s beaches, cultural landmarks, and bustling cities. The government also hoped it would encourage longer stays and increased spending, projecting a target of 40 million foreign arrivals in 2024 alone.

Recent discussions among Thai authorities, including the Tourism and Sports Ministry and the Immigration Bureau, suggest a growing concern over the unintended consequences of the 60-day visa-free policy, although The Pattaya News notes many critics warned of these potential problems when the expanded program began.

According to multiple news reports, the extended stay period has allegedly been exploited by some foreigners engaging in illegal employment and shadowy business practices. These activities, often conducted under the guise of tourism, include operating unlicensed businesses or working without proper work permits—both of which violate Thai immigration and labor laws.

The proposed reduction to 30 days is seen as a preventive measure to tighten control over such activities. By shortening the visa-free period, officials aim to discourage individuals from using the exemption as a loophole to easily remain in the country for unauthorized purposes.

If the proposal is finalized, the change could have a mixed impact. For tourists planning short visits, a 30-day visa-free stay remains sufficient, aligning with the previous policy that operated successfully for years. An option to extend would also likely be available at the discretion of Immigration agents.

However, for those accustomed to the flexibility of a 60-day stay—such as digital nomads, retirees, or long-term vacationers who aren’t utilizing other visas—the reduction may require adjustments. Travelers seeking to stay longer would need to apply for a tourist visa in advance (typically allowing a 60-day stay, extendable by 30 days) or leave and re-enter the country after 30 days, potentially incurring additional costs and logistical challenges.

Proponents of the change argue that curbing illegal activities will protect Thailand’s long-term economic interests and maintain the integrity of its immigration system.

This proposal comes amid a series of immigration policy updates in Thailand. Alongside the 60-day visa exemption, the government introduced the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) in 2024, targeting remote workers and digital nomads with a five-year, multiple-entry visa allowing stays of up to 180 days per visit. Such measures indicate Thailand’s intent to diversify its visitor base while adapting to global travel trends. However, the potential rollback of the 60-day visa-free stay highlights a tension between promoting tourism and enforcing stricter regulations and some have speculated the DTV has also been abused by some criminals and those working illegally and tighter restrictions could be coming here also.

Historically, Thailand has adjusted its visa policies to reflect economic and security priorities. For instance, before the 2024 expansion, the standard visa-exempt stay was 30 days, with occasional temporary extensions during high seasons or crises (e.g., a 45-day extension in 2022-2023 to aid post-pandemic recovery). The current proposal suggests a return to this more conservative approach, prioritizing control over leniency.

As of March 17, 2025, the reduction from 60 days to 30 days has been agreed upon “in principle” by relevant authorities.

However, the policy has not yet been officially enacted, leaving room for further deliberation or adjustments. Stakeholders, including tourism associations and foreign embassies, may weigh in before a final decision is made. Travelers planning trips to Thailand in the coming months should monitor updates from the Thai Immigration Bureau or consult their local Thai embassy for confirmation.