Thailand tightens visa rules for tourists, citing crime by foreigners
Thailand has announced a reduction in the visa-free stay duration for tourists from over 90 countries, citing concerns over crime committed by foreign nationals. The new regulations will allow stays of up to 30 days for most travelers, with some receiving only 15 days. This decision comes as the country seeks to balance tourism benefits with the need to address issues related to transnational crime.
- ▪Thailand is cutting the length of visa-free stays for tourists from more than 90 countries to curb crime involving foreign nationals.
- ▪The new visa-free duration will be determined on a country-by-country basis, with most tourists receiving up to 30 days.
- ▪Tourism accounts for over 10% of Thailand's GDP, but foreign arrivals are still below pre-pandemic levels.
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Thailand introduced a 60-day visa exemption in 2024, which has now been revoked, to boost tourism and spur growth in an economy that has struggled to recover since the pandemic. Photograph: Rungroj Yongrit/EPAView image in fullscreenThailand introduced a 60-day visa exemption in 2024, which has now been revoked, to boost tourism and spur growth in an economy that has struggled to recover since the pandemic. Photograph: Rungroj Yongrit/EPAThailandThailand tightens visa rules for tourists, citing crime by foreignersMove brings an end to a 60 day visa-free stay that was agreed with 93 countries, including the UK, US and much of EuropeAgence France-PresseTue 19 May 2026 20.58 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleThailand is drastically cutting the length of visa-free stays for tourists from…
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