Thailand Tightens Visa Regulations for International Tourists

Mon Jun 01 2026 17:15:22 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

In a significant change, Thailand reduces visa-free stay to 30 days for tourists from 93 countries, including the UK, to improve security and simplify visa policies.

Thailand has announced a reduction in the visa-free stay period for tourists from over 90 countries, including the UK. Starting soon, international visitors will now be allowed to stay for only 30 days without a visa, down from 60. This policy change, prompted by concerns about security and visa complexities, reflects the government's intention to adapt to current circumstances. Many nationals will need to apply for a visa for longer stays, and specifics will vary based on reciprocal agreements. The new regulations are set to take effect 15 days after publication in the Royal Gazette.

UK citizens are among dozens of nationalities who will soon have to apply for a visa if they wish to stay in Thailand for more than 30 days.

Tourists from 93 countries have been able to visit without needing a visa for 60 days since July 2024, as part of a government effort to boost the economy following the Covid pandemic.

But it approved plans on Tuesday to revoke this exemption, with how long travelers can stay now being decided on a country-by-country basis. It cited security and a confusing visa scheme among reasons for the change.

There have been a series of high-profile arrests of foreigners in the Southeast Asian nation, including cases linked to drugs and sex trafficking.

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul stated that the government found the policy needed revising to be more suitable for the current situation, both in terms of the economy and national security.

Nationals who previously enjoyed the 60-day exemption include those from Australia, China, France, Germany, India, Italy, Spain, and the US.

Many of these countries' citizens will have to apply for a visa for stays longer than 30 days, with some having exemption periods shorter or longer based on reciprocal agreements with individual nations.

The new visa system will come into effect 15 days after it appears in the Royal Gazette, where legal and regulatory notifications are published.

The foreign ministry aims to reduce instances of multiple visa exemptions applying to the same country, which confuse foreigners.

Thailand is one of Asia's top holiday destinations, with tourism being a critical component of the nation’s economy. It attracted nearly 40 million visitors in 2019, but that number dropped dramatically during the pandemic, recovering only over the past two years. Nearly 12 million people have already visited this year, according to official figures.

However, several foreign nationals have been arrested for various crimes in recent months, including UK citizens accused of drug smuggling.

In April, Thai police raided an unlicensed international school in Bangkok, arresting 10 foreigners who were employed there without work permits, local media reported.