Thailand will reduce the visa-free stay period from 60 days to 30 days starting September 15. This change affects travelers from the UAE, India and 60 other countries. The move is part of an effort by Bangkok to strengthen immigration controls.
The Foreign Ministry confirmed the new rules will begin on September 15. People who enter Thailand under the 60-day visa exemption before that date will still be allowed to stay for the full duration granted at entry.
Thailand introduced the 60-day visa exemption in July 2024 for citizens of 93 countries and territories. It was meant to boost tourism by letting visitors stay up to two months without a visa.
Now the government says the rule change is needed because some foreigners have been misusing the system. There are growing concerns about work, unauthorized business activity and criminal behavior by people staying long-term.
The UAE and India are among the countries affected. From September 15 travelers from these countries along with the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and several others in Europe and Asia will only be allowed 30 days of visa- stay.
Those who need time can apply for a single extension of up to 30 days. This extension depends on approval from Thai immigration officials.
The new policy also limits how many times people can enter Thailand through land borders. Visa-exempt travellers will be allowed two land entries per calendar year. This is to stop what is known as “visa runs,” where people cross the border repeatedly to extend their stay.
The rules are different for air arrivals. The restriction does not apply to those entering by plane. People from Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore are also not subject to the land-entry limit.
Thailand is trying to balance tourism growth with border controls. In 2024, the country welcomed 20.9 million tourists, about 3 per cent fewer than in the same period in 2025.
Tourism remains a part of Thailand’s economy. Still, officials say they need to separate real tourists from those using visa exemptions for long stays, work, or business.
Some countries will still have arrangements. Citizens of Mauritius and Seychelles will only get a 15-day visa exemption. Bilateral agreements with Argentina, Brazil, Chile, South Korea and Peru will continue to allow longer visa-free stays.