Thailand has drastically reduced the length of visa-free stays for tourists from more than 90 countries, including the United Kingdom, in an effort to combat crime by foreign nationals. The move scraps the previous 60-day visa exemption that had been agreed with 93 countries, replacing it with a 30-day stay for a reduced list of eligible nations.
Government spokesperson Rachada Dhanadirek said on Tuesday that tourists provide economic benefits but that the current scheme had allowed some people to exploit it. Frequent incidents involving foreigners committing crimes such as shoplifting and indecent exposure have drawn public attention, while authorities are also concerned about overstaying and illegal business operations.
Thailand’s tourism sector, which accounts for 10 to 20% of GDP, has struggled to recover to pre-pandemic levels. Foreign arrivals fell 3.45% year-on-year in the first four months of 2026, with UK arrivals dropping 22.8% to 85,059 tourists. The government has revised its tourist arrival target for this year down from 35 million to 32 million.
Under the new rules, which take effect immediately, visitors granted a 30-day visa exemption will be able to renew once by visiting an immigration office. However, the renewal is not automatic and will be subject to an officer’s decision. The number of countries eligible for the 30-day exemption has been reduced from 57 to 54, though the full list has not yet been specified.
Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow said last week that Thailand was not targeting any specific country but rather individuals abusing the visa system. The tightening follows a relaxation of visa rules in 2024, when the maximum stay was extended to 60 days to boost tourism recovery after the Covid pandemic.
