Thailand Proposes Reduction for Visa-Free Stays
The Ministry of Tourism and Sports has indicated the government’s plan to reduce visa-free stays for eligible travelers from 60 days to 30 days. This proposed amendment forms part of an evolving immigration policy framework aimed at balancing Thailand’s commitment to international tourism with its obligations for border security and regulatory compliance. However, nothing is written in stone yet.
Thailand Proposes Reduction for Visa-Free Stays
Thailand is moving toward a tighter entry policy that would reduce the current 60-day visa-free stay to 30 days for citizens of 93 countries. While the proposal has been agreed upon in principle by the Ministry of Tourism and Sports and the Immigration Bureau, the change is not yet active. It currently awaits final approval from the government before being published in the official gazette.
The shift marks a pivot from the generous post-pandemic recovery policies introduced in July 2024. Officials aim to curb the misuse of tourist entries for illegal work or "nominee" businesses while prioritizing short-term travelers who typically stay for less than three weeks.
Who is impacted
The change will affect nationals from major hubs including the US, UK, EU, and Japan.
Digital nomads: Those relying on back-to-back visa-free entries will face higher scrutiny. Short-term remote work becomes riskier, making the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) a much more stable option for stays up to 180 days.
Expats: Individuals using "visa runs" to maintain residency will find this strategy increasingly difficult and should look into long-term retirement or elite visas.
Tourists: Most vacationers stay an average of 21 days, meaning the impact on standard holiday travel remains minimal.
What you need to do
Until the official effective date is announced, the 60-day stamp remains the standard at border control. Once the 30-day limit is enforced, travelers needing more time will must apply for a 30-day extension at a local immigration office. This process requires a 1,900 THB (approx. $55 USD) fee, a passport, and the TM.7 form.
Travelers should also continue using the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) for online pre-arrival registration. For those planning a stay longer than a month, securing a formal visa in advance is the best way to avoid complications at the border. Stay tuned to our nomad news for the exact date this policy goes live.
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