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 offers a special benefit to those with passports granting visa-free access. In 2024, it raised the number of days these tourists can spend in the country from 30 to 60.
But after two years of the pilot program, Thai politicians have drawn attention to several high-profile crimes committed by foreigners on tourist visas, as well as the rise of foreigners using the long visa-free period to enter and then run illegal businesses.
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 takes effect on Sept. 15 and affects travelers from the 93 countries to which Thailand grants visa-free access, including the U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom, the countries making up the European Union, and many Asian countries.
Countries such as 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 Thailand 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 rule takes 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 will need 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 exist for those who want to stay in Thailand longer. First, visitors can go to a local Thai Immigration Bureau office and request another 30 days. This can be done once in a 365-day period.
Tourists can also leave and then re-enter Thailand. Although they can do this multiple times a year, frequent exits and reentries within one calendar year will eventually be flagged by an immigration officer.
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Another option is to apply for the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV), commonly used by digital nomads and those who have income from another country, for stays of up to 180 days at a time (and the potential to extend by an additional 180 days).
Since the start of 2026, Thailand has welcomed 21 million foreign travelers. While this is a small drop from 2025, it remains one of the most popular countries in Asia and the world for tourists, The LaGrange Daily News shared.
Related: U.K. and Ireland crack down on some entry rules for travelers
