In brief
Thailand is set to change its visa policy, reducing the visa-free stay from 60 to 30 days for citizens of over 90 nations, including the UK. This decision stems from security concerns and aims to clarify the visa framework in light of rising foreign crime. The new regulations will be country-specific, introducing a more tailored approach to visa exemptions.
UK citizens are among dozens of nationalities who will soon have to apply for a visa if they wish to stay in Thailand for more than 30 days.
Tourists from 93 countries have been able to visit without needing a visa for 60 days since July 2024, as part of a government effort to boost the economy following the Covid pandemic. However, on Tuesday, the government approved plans to revoke this exemption, with the length of stay now to be decided on a country-by-country basis, citing security concerns and the need to simplify a confusing visa system.
Recent high-profile arrests of foreigners in the Southeast Asian nation—related to drugs and sex trafficking—prompted this policy revision. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul stated that the government believes the changes are necessary to reflect current economic and national security situations.
Countries previously benefiting from the 60-day exemption include Australia, China, France, Germany, India, Italy, Spain, and the U.S. Citizens from these nations will now need to apply for a visa for stays longer than 30 days, though some will have different exemption periods based on reciprocal agreements.
The new visa system will take effect 15 days after it is published in the Royal Gazette. The foreign ministry's goal is to reduce confusion caused by multiple visa exemptions for the same country.
Tourism remains a crucial part of Thailand's economy, with the nation attracting nearly 40 million visitors in 2019. This figure plummeted during the pandemic but has seen some recovery with nearly 12 million visitors reported so far this year.
