Thailand cuts visa-free stays, citing crime by foreigners
The rollback follows arrests and reports of illegal work, with most visitors now limited to 30 days and some to 15.
- Tourism Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul announced in Bangkok that Thailand's cabinet approved reducing visa-free stays for visitors from more than 90 countries, reverting to shorter durations to address security concerns.
- The government had extended the visa-free period to 60 days in July 2024 to stimulate the economy, but government spokesperson Rachada Dhanadirek noted the scheme "has allowed some people to exploit it."
- High-Profile arrests involving foreign nationals linked to drug offenses, sex trafficking, and businesses operating without proper permits prompted the government to initiate this crackdown.
- Most foreign nationals will receive stays of up to 30 days, while others could receive only 15 days, Surasak said, with durations determined on a country-by-country basis.
- Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow clarified last week that the plan targets individuals abusing the visa system rather than specific nations, as Thailand manages tourism vital to the economy.
134 Articles
134 Articles
To date, holidaymakers can automatically stay 60 days without a visa in Thailand.This regulation is now to fall.Thailand is ending its generous visa-free program: On 19 May, the Cabinet in Bangkok decided to significantly reduce or partially cancel the previous visa-free stay for tourists from 93 countries and territories.Background to this decision are concerns about the misuse of the visa system and security concerns.The core of the cabinet de…
svt Nyheter
From now on, Swedes traveling in Thailand will not be able to stay in the country for more than a maximum of 30 days without a visa.
Thailand Shorts Visa-Free Stay From 60 to 30 Days for Tourists From 54 Countries, Including Portugal
The measure applies to 54 countries, including the USA, Portugal and several other Europeans. Thai government justifies decision with increased crime linked to foreigners and businesses opened in the country.
Thailand Makes Move to Address Troublesome Tourists
Two years after welcoming longer tourist stays to boost post-Covid recovery, Thailand is saying no more. The country will revoke its 60-day visa-free entry period for 93 countries and territories, with 54 nations—including the US, Canada, much of Western Europe, Japan, Singapore, and Australia—instead receiving 30-day visa-free stays,...
Without a visa, travellers are only allowed to stay in Thailand for 30 days. For most tourists, this is probably without consequences.
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