Thailand plans to reduce visa-free stays to 30 days: a balance between tourism and security

24-03-25

Thailand, Southeast Asia's second-largest economy, is considering halving the visa-free stay period for tourists from certain countries, reducing the current 60-day limit to 30 days. The move, which could come into effect in the coming months, seeks to balance a boost to international tourism with growing concerns about security and illegal immigration.

Currently, visitors from 93 countries can enter Thailand without visas, many of them thanks to more relaxed policies adopted after the pandemic to stimulate economic recovery through tourism. However, this greater openness has also brought with it some unintended side effects, such as an increase in extended stays for illegal work or criminal activities.

According to Thai officials, the move to reduce visa-free stays to 30 days aims to maintain the country's attractiveness as a tourist destination, while at the same time strengthening control mechanisms over those who try to take advantage of the system. In particular, cases have been identified of foreign nationals using visa extensions to stay in the country for long periods and engage in activities not permitted by their immigration status, such as working without permission or participating in illegal networks.

The proposal also comes against a backdrop of increasing pressure on immigration authorities to strengthen national security and respond to social concerns. In recent months, incidents involving foreign nationals have captured the public's attention, intensifying the debate on the limits of mass tourism and the risks of excessive openness.

Despite this potential reduction, Thailand remains committed to its goal of attracting more than 35 million international tourists by 2025, a number close to pre-pandemic levels. To achieve this, the government is exploring complementary measures such as bilateral agreements with key countries, improvements in tourism infrastructure and the promotion of short-term stays with customised itineraries that encourage spending without the need for extended stays.

In this context, the authorities are also evaluating new strategies to balance tourism flows with responsible management of local resources. One of the options on the table is to encourage quality tourism over volume tourism, promoting Thailand not only as an affordable beach destination, but also as a cultural, gastronomic and natural landmark with authentic and sustainable experiences.

The proposed measure will not affect all visitors equally. According to official sources, the government may apply the new 30-day limit only to certain countries or regions, depending on diplomatic relations and historical patterns of compliance with immigration regulations by their citizens. In this sense, the policy is expected to be flexible and tailored to strategic criteria.

The debate over the length of visa-free stays reflects a reality common to many international tourist-receiving nations: the need to protect the country's interests without discouraging the flow of visitors who boost the economy. Thailand, with its unique blend of ancient culture, hospitality and paradise beaches, remains one of the world's most desirable destinations, and the challenge is to preserve that image while adapting migration policies to the changing times.

The final announcement on the reduction of the visa-free period is expected in the coming weeks, once economic impact reports and security analyses have been considered. In the meantime, the tourism industry and international travel operators are watching closely as Thailand redefines its strategy in a key sector for its economic future.