Visa-Free Entry to Thailand to be Limited to 30 Days
If you plan to visit Thailand without a visa in 2025, you may need to adjust your travel plans. Despite extending the duration last year, the Thai government has decided to shorten the visa-free stay period from 60 days to 30 days. Officials believe this change will help prevent illegal business activities while still allowing tourists enough time to enjoy their trip. The details are still being finalized, but the adjustment is expected to take effect soon.
What is the current Thai Visa-Exemption Program?
As of March 2025, travelers from 93 countries can enter Thailand without a visa and stay for up to 60 days. This policy started in July 2024, when the government expanded the visa-exemption program from 57 countries to 93. Before that, visa-free stays were limited to 30 days, but the government extended them to attract more tourists.
This extension allowed a large population of visitors to stay longer without needing a visa, but most travelers only visit for two to three weeks. Data suggests that those who benefitted most from this change were illegal workers who have since taken advantage of the system. Because of this, officials are planning to cut the stay period back to 30 days.
How is the stay limit being changed for visa-free travelers to Thailand?
The Thai Ministry of Tourism and Sport has agreed to reduce the visa-free stay period from 60 days to 30 days after complaints from other sections of the government regarding illegal workers operating in the country. However, the exact date this change will take effect has not been announced. Officials are still finalizing the details, but travelers should expect the adjustment soon.
If you want to stay longer, you’ll likely still have options. Right now, visa-free visitors can apply for a 30-day extension at a Thai immigration office. There’s no sign that this option will be removed, so you may still be able to stay for up to 60 days with an extension.
The list of eligible countries also isn’t expected to change. If you’re from one of the 93 countries in the visa-exemption program, you should still be able to enter Thailand without a visa. However, your initial stay will be limited to 30 days instead of 60.
Why is the visa-free stay duration being reduced?
This change is meant to close loopholes in Thailand’s visa-exemption program. Officials are targeting foreigners who have used extended stays to run businesses without proper authorization. Some have been found working without permits or using Thai nominees to bypass business ownership laws, which is illegal.
Another reason for the change is that most tourists don’t stay for the full 60 days. Tourism data shows long-haul travelers usually visit for two to three weeks, while those from nearby countries often leave within a week. Since most visitors do not stay for the full 60 days, the government sees no need to maintain the extended stay period.
By reducing the visa-free stay to 30 days, Thailand aims to balance tourism benefits with immigration control. Officials believe this adjustment will help prevent unauthorized business activities from outcompeting local businesses while still allowing tourists enough time to explore the country.
How can you stay in Thailand for more than 30 days?
If 30 days is not enough for your trip, you still have options. A Thai tourist visa is available to most nationalities and allows you to stay for 60 days, and you can extend it for another 30 days at a Thai immigration office. This means you can legally stay in Thailand for up to 90 days without any issues.
Getting a visa before you travel gives you more control over your plans. You won’t have to worry about sudden changes to the visa-free policy, and you’ll have a clear idea of how long you can stay. If you’re unsure about the process, visa services can help with the paperwork and make things easier. A little planning now can save you a lot of stress later.
If you are a frequent traveler to Thailand and don’t want to have to worry about visa issues, there are long-term Thai visas that enable unlimited, seamless entries into the country that are valid for 5-20 years. These visas include:
Getting the right visa for Thailand is not just about convenience. Failing to meet the requirements can lead to delays, denied entry, or even being turned away after arrival. The Thai visa consulting team at Siam Legal provides expert guidance and application assistance to help you avoid costly mistakes. Contact Siam Legal today and ensure a smooth trip to Thailand free from immigration issues and delays.
Category: Thailand Visa
