Thailand ends 60-day visa-free stay amid security concerns

Thailand is moving to cut visa-free stays for visitors from more than 90 countries from 60 days to 30 days, citing concerns over visa misuse, illegal business activity, overstays and crimes involving foreign nationals.

Thailand’s cabinet has decided to end the 60-day visa-free stay programme for foreign visitors, reversing a policy introduced in July 2024 to support tourism and post-pandemic recovery. According to Bangkok Post, the enforcement timeline is still being finalised, while other reports say the new rules are expected to take effect after publication in the Royal Gazette.

The change affects travellers from more than 90 countries and territories that had been allowed to enter Thailand without a visa for up to 60 days. The policy is expected to return many visitors to a 30-day visa-free stay, although future entry periods may differ by country depending on bilateral agreements and security considerations.

Thai authorities say the move is not aimed at reducing tourism, but at closing loopholes in the immigration system. Officials have linked the review to concerns over foreigners using the extended visa-free period for overstays, illegal work, unauthorised business activity and other offences. The Guardian reported that the government cited cases including shoplifting, indecent exposure, visa abuse and illegal business operations.

The 60-day visa exemption had been introduced on July 15, 2024, when Thailand expanded visa-exempt entry to nationals of 93 countries and territories. Under that scheme, eligible visitors could stay for up to 60 days for tourism or short-term business and could apply for an additional extension at an immigration office.

The new approach is also connected to wider immigration-control measures. Thailand has already moved to limit repeated visa runs, with officials previously warning that foreigners using repeated visa-exempt entries without valid reasons could be denied entry. Authorities said that since early 2025, about 2,900 foreigners with similar entry patterns had been refused entry.

For the tourism sector, the measure creates a delicate balance. Thailand still depends heavily on international visitors, but the government is trying to separate ordinary short-term tourism from long-stay misuse and transnational criminal activity. Most regular tourists may see limited practical impact, but long-stay travellers, digital nomads and frequent border-run users will need to plan more carefully and may need to apply for appropriate visas instead of relying on repeated visa-free entries.