Thailand Reduces Visa-Free Stay Period
Thailand's government has announced a reduction in the visa-free stay period for travelers from over 90 countries as part of efforts to combat crimes committed by foreigners. Previously, visitors from these nations could stay in the country without a visa for up to 60 days. Now, most foreigners are permitted to stay for up to 30 days, while some may only be allowed 15 days. As a government representative stated,
“From now on, the length of the visa-free stay will be determined individually for each country.”
Countries Affected by the Change
The countries impacted by this policy shift include:
- Ukraine
- The United States
- The United Kingdom
- 29 Schengen Area countries
- Australia
This reduction in the visa-free stay period stems from the government's aim to curb offenses frequently committed by foreigners, particularly in areas like drug trafficking, sex trade, and unauthorized business operations. As Surasak Pancharoenworakul noted,
“Thailand is not targeting any specific country, but rather individuals who exploit the visa system to commit crimes within the nation.”
Additionally, in 2025, Russian citizens submitted over 670,000 applications for Schengen visas, an 8% increase from 2024. European Union countries issued more than 620,000 visas to Russians, reflecting a 10.2% rise in 2025. Of these, over 477,000 were tourist visas. This highlights a growing interest among Russian travelers in overseas trips, despite changes in visa policies in certain countries.
The shortening of the visa-free period for tourists in Thailand could significantly impact the country's tourism industry, as a reduced stay allowance may deter potential visitors planning longer trips. This change is evidently part of a broader strategy to combat criminal activity, which has raised concerns among authorities. At the same time, the increase in Schengen visas issued to Russians indicates that demand for international travel remains high, even amid shifting visa policies elsewhere.