Thailand is preparing to reduce its visa-free stay period for tourists from 60 days back to 30 days, reversing a temporary policy introduced in 2024 to stimulate international tourism.

The change, approved by Thailand’s cabinet, will affect citizens from more than 90 countries who currently benefit from extended visa-free entry into the country.

Officials have not yet confirmed the exact date when the new rules will take effect.

Thailand Returns To Previous Visa Rules

The 60-day visa-free programme was introduced as a temporary measure to support the tourism industry during the post-pandemic recovery period.

Thai authorities are now planning to return to the previous 30-day limit as the country’s tourism sector continues stabilising and visitor numbers recover strongly.

Before the new rules become official, the proposal must still pass through Thailand’s visa commission and be formally published in the Royal Gazette, the country’s official legal publication.

What The Changes Mean For Travelers

Once implemented, tourists entering Thailand under the visa-free programme will generally be permitted to stay for up to 30 days instead of the current 60-day allowance.

The move is expected to affect long-stay travelers, digital nomads and tourists combining Thailand with extended travel across Southeast Asia.

However, visitors wishing to remain in Thailand longer than one month will still have several legal options available.

How Tourists Can Stay Longer

One option is to apply for a 30-day extension directly through a Thai immigration office.

The official extension fee currently stands at 1,900 baht.

Another possibility remains the so-called “border run,” where travellers leave Thailand and later re-enter to receive a new visa-free stamp.

But immigration authorities have become increasingly strict about frequent short-term entries used primarily to reset stay limits.

Border Runs Face Greater Scrutiny

Thailand now limits visa-free land-border entries to two per calendar year for most travellers.

Although there is no formal limit for arrivals by air, immigration officers are reportedly paying closer attention to repeated short stays and frequent re-entries.

Travelers who appear to be using tourist exemptions for long-term residence may face additional questioning or possible refusal of entry.

Tourism Industry Watches Closely

Thailand remains one of Asia’s most popular international travel destinations, attracting millions of tourists annually with its beaches, islands, nightlife and affordable long-stay options.

The country has also become especially popular among remote workers and extended-stay travellers in recent years.

Industry observers say the planned reduction in visa-free stays could influence travel patterns for visitors who traditionally spend several months in Thailand during the winter season.