Thailand will reduce its visa-free stay for tourists from 60 days to 30 days from September 15.
The new rules were published in Thailand’s Royal Gazette on August 31 and apply to travellers from 60 countries and territories, including South Africa, the UK, US, Australia, Canada, Germany, France and Japan.
The change ends the 60-day visa exemption introduced in 2024. Travellers entering Thailand before September 15 will retain the period of stay granted to them on arrival and will not have their permitted stay automatically reduced when the new rules take effect.
Thai authorities previously cited concerns about visa misuse and national security as reasons for reviewing the 60-day exemption.
Travellers eligible for the 30-day exemption will still be able to apply for a one-time extension of up to a further 30 days, subject to approval by Thai immigration authorities.
