Thailand Plans to Cut Visa-Free Stay to 30 Days – What Travelers Need to Know

Thailand Plans to Cut Visa-Free Stay to 30 Days – What Travelers Need to Know

Planning a long trip to Thailand? You might need to rethink your itinerary.

Thailand is tightening its visa policies by cutting the visa-free stay from 60 days to 30 days. The move aims to curb travelers misusing the waiver for illegal business activities, according to Tourism and Sports Minister Surawong Thienthong.

This decision comes as Thailand pushes for a record-breaking 40 million tourist arrivals in 2025—but will the visa changes slow down the country’s booming tourism industry?

Thailand’s Visa-Free Stay: What’s Changing?

Last year, Thailand expanded its visa waiver to 93 countries and territories, allowing tourists to stay for up to 60 days. Now, the government has agreed in principle to shorten the stay to 30 days, as reported by local media.

While the exact implementation date remains unclear, the decision could impact long-term travelers, remote workers, and retirees who frequently rely on visa-free stays.

Will This Affect Thailand’s Tourism Boom?

Despite the visa cutback, Thailand remains one of the world’s most sought-after travel destinations. The tourism sector is a key driver of the country’s economy, accounting for nearly 18 percent of GDP before the pandemic.

Thailand is seeing a strong tourism rebound in 2025:

• 7.66 million foreign tourists arrived by March 9, 2025, marking a 4.4 percent increase compared to the same period in 2024.
• Top visitor nationalities include China, Malaysia, India, Russia, and South Korea.
• The shorter visa-free period could impact Thailand’s appeal to long-term travelers, but its world-famous beaches, vibrant cities, and cultural heritage are expected to keep drawing millions of visitors.

For those affected by the new visa limits, here are some alternative options:

• Tourist Visa – Can be extended for a total stay of up to 90 days.
• Thailand Elite Visa – Offers long-term residency perks for high-net-worth individuals.
• Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visa – Available for retirees, remote workers, and investors.
• Digital Nomad Visa (under consideration) – Thailand is exploring a special visa for remote workers, similar to those in Indonesia and Malaysia.

For short-term travelers, Thailand remains a dream destination with its island paradises, buzzing nightlife, and rich history. However, digital nomads, retirees, and long-term visitors may need to rethink their visa strategies.

As the government finalizes these changes, stay updated on official visa announcements to plan your trip hassle-free.