Urgent Update on Thailand Visas: 60-Day Visa-Free Stay to Be Cut to 30 Days!

Thailand Visas– Travelers from 93 countries will no longer be able to enter Thailand for 60 days without a visa. In addition to addressing worries about illegal commercial activity, the action attempts to control extended stays.

Thailand plans to lower the 60-day maximum length of time foreign visitors can enter the country without a visa to 30 days. Sorawong Thienthong, Minister of Tourism and Sports, acknowledged the decision, which aims to stop foreign visitors from working without permission and engaging in unlawful activity.

Passport holders from 93 countries will be impacted by the policy change, which will shorten their two-month (60-day) visa-free stay to 30 days. Before, they didn’t require a visa to stay for up to two months.

Significant Modifications to Thailand’s Visa Law

The action is a component of a larger initiative to control extended stays and deal with issues related to illicit economic activities. The main updates are as follows:

Visa Exemption: Previously permitting a stay of 60 days, this will now only be available for 30 days for visitors from 93 nations and territories.

Visa on Arrival (VoA): Still valid in 31 nations and territories.
Novel Visa Choices: The Non-Immigrant (Education – ED Plus) Visa and the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) were introduced to support certain travel and educational needs.

Why is the Visa-Free Stay in Thailand being reduced?

The Association of Thai Travel Agents has expressed alarm over the increasing number of foreigners involved in illegal economic activities, according to Bloomberg.

Furthermore, a rise in unlawful condominium rentals has been connected by the Thai Hotels Association to prolonged visa-free stays, which has an impact on the local tourism industry and housing market.

Effects on Digital Nomads and Tourism

With the government aiming to surpass the 2019 record of over 40 million foreign tourists in 2024, Thailand continues to be a key worldwide tourism hub. 7.66 million foreign visitors had already arrived in the nation as of March 9, 2024, a 4.4% rise from the previous year.

But the increased limitations on visas might have an effect;

Long-term visitors: Those who intend to stay for a long time may need to modify their trip plans.
Digital nomads: This will affect remote workers who were previously dependent on the 60-day stay.
Companies that serve repeat customers: Co-working spaces, rental services, and other associated businesses could observe shifts in their clientele.

When Will the Modifications Be Implemented?

The official implementation date is anticipated to be announced shortly by the authorities. In the upcoming weeks, more information regarding potential exemptions or transitional arrangements for visitors who are already in Thailand will be made available.

Implications for Upcoming Travelers

Keeping abreast of the most recent visa regulations is crucial for anyone organizing a trip to Thailand. Apply for a suitable visa, such as the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) or other long-term options, if you want to remain for more than 30 days.

Although Thailand is still a popular tourism destination worldwide, these new rules emphasize how crucial it is to keep up with changing entrance criteria.