Thailand Cuts Visa-Free Stays from 60 to 30 Days
by Briana Bonfiglio
Photo: Thailand Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Thailand has reduced the length of time that tourists can remain in the country without a visa from 60 days to 30 days.
The Southeast Asian country previously offered a 60-day visa-free entry program for visitors from 93 countries, including the United States, which it started in 2024, according to CNN. Now, the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs is revising that program to 30 days. Thai officials announced the change on May 19 and said the new rules would take effect 15 days after the announcement.
The government said the decision was made based on “national security, tourism and economic interests, reciprocity, the reduction of overlapping visa exemption privileges, which may otherwise create confusion for foreign visitors; and the convenience currently provided by the e-Visa system.”
CNN also reported that bad tourist behavior led to the change, citing stories of vandalism and bar fights that have gone viral on social media.
