As part of a push to bring in more tourist money and encourage travelers from different parts of the world to spend more time in the country, the Southeast Asian nation of Thailand raised the number of days that those whose passport grants them visa-free access can spend in the country from 30 to 60 in 2024.
But after two years of the pilot program, Thai politicians have been drawing attention to the rise of foreigners using the long visa-free period to enter and then run illegal businesses as well as several high-profile crimes committed by foreigners on tourist visas.
After weighing the proposal to cut the visa-free period back to the original 30 days, Thai lawmakers have now passed the change to the country’s border rules.
Thailand cuts how long Americans can stay in the country visa-free to 30 days
The change comes into effect on Sept. 15 and affects travelers from the 93 countries to which Thailand grants visa-free access: the U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom, the countries making up the European Union as well as many Asian countries.
Countries like South Korea, Peru and Argentina have reciprocal 90-day agreements with Thailand, which remain unaffected. Citizens of Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore will also retain the 60-day allowance. Citizens of countries with weaker passports who are not granted visa-free access to Thaialnd will need to apply for traditional visas at an embassy or consulate as before.
Related: Thailand may crack down on visa-free access for Americans
“The objective was to promote tourism, which is important, as tourism generates significant revenue and contributes to Thailand’s GDP,” Thai Minister of Foreign Affairs Sihasak Phuangketkeow said at a news briefing back in March. “However, today, the ministry, through the visa committee that we chair, believes that 60 days may be too long.”
Those who entered Thailand before the new rules take effect do not have to cut their trip short and will be able to stay the full 60 days but anyone who enters after Sept. 15 needs to leave after 30 days.
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What the changed Thailand visa rules mean for travelers (what to do if you want to travel for longer)
Options for those who want to stay longer is to ask for another 30 days at a local Thai Immigration Bureau office (this can be done once in a 365-day period) or leave an re-enter Thailand (travelers can do this multiple times a year but frequent exits and reentries within one calendar year will eventually get flagged by an immigration officer).
The other option is to apply for the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV), which is commonly used by digital nomads and those who have income from another country for stays of up to 180 days at a time (as well as the potential to extend by a further 180 days).
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Since the start of 2026, Thailand has welcomed 21 million foreign travelers. While a small drop from 2025, it remains one of the most popular countries in Asia and the world for tourists.
Related: U.K. and Ireland crack down on some entry rules for travelers
