Thailand is tightening its tourist rules, apparently after a string of high-profile crimes involving foreign nationals.
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Officials are planning to slash visa-free stays for millions of travellers, a move which could see holidaymakers from more than 90 countries, including across Europe, limited to just 30 days in the country instead of the current 60.
While tourism is crucial for the stability of the country’s economy, there have been frequent reports of arrests of foreigners linked to drug offences and sex trafficking, as well as non-residents opening businesses without appropriate permits.
From March 2025, the visa-free period was extended from 30 days to 60 days as part of the government’s plans to boost tourism to the popular holiday destination.
While the visa change has yet to be fully confirmed, it’s rumoured that the government will look at countries individually. Some will have their citizens allowed to stay for 30 days, visa-free, while others might only be granted a 15-day period without one.
Thai tourism hasn’t recovered to pre-pandemic levels
In Thailand, tourism accounts for more than 10% of the country’s GDP, AFP reported, and it remains one of the most visited countries in Asia.
Nevertheless, visitor numbers have not yet returned to pre-pandemic levels, and data from the Thai tourist ministry shows that foreign arrivals dropped by about 3.4% in the first quarter of this year when compared to the same period in 2025.
It appears that the number of visitors from the Middle East was down by nearly a third in the same period.
The government remains hopeful that tourism will pick up, though, and says they expect to receive around 33.5 million foreign visitors in 2026, up from just under 33 million last year.
If the visa changes do go ahead, the previous method of offering tourists on 30-day visas a 30-day extension could come back into force. It currently costs 1,900 baht, or about €50.
Visitors who want to stay longer can also opt for the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV), which is a five-year multiple-entry visa designed for digital nomads and remote workers as well as those pursuing so-called "soft power" activities like Muay Thai or Thai cooking.
The DTV permits stays of up to 180 days per entry, and that can be extended on one occasion only by an additional 180 days.
There is a slight catch: applicants must show evidence that they have at least 500,000 baht – or €13,000 – in a bank account, as well as proof of employment outside of Thailand for remote workers.