Thai authorities have announced the cancellation of the special 60-day visa-free regime for foreign travelers, which has been in effect since the summer of 2024. Starting September 15, the permitted visa-free stay for citizens of eligible countries will be reduced to 30 days.

The official notification from the Ministry of Interior was published in the Royal Gazette, the government's official journal. The document states that the decision was made to align immigration rules with the current situation, strengthen national security, and manage tourist flows more effectively.

The new rules will take effect 15 days after the notification's publication, i.e., on September 15. However, they will not affect Thailand's bilateral agreements with other states — citizens of those countries will continue to enjoy the entry conditions stipulated in such agreements.

Travelers requiring a longer stay will still have the option to extend their visit once for an additional 30 days. To do so, they must apply at a local immigration office.

The changes will only apply to those entering Thailand on or after September 15. Tourists arriving before that date will be able to fully use the 60-day stay granted upon entry.

In May, the Thai government had already approved a proposal to cut the visa-free stay from 60 to 30 days. The restriction was expected to affect citizens of more than 90 countries. At the time, the head of Thailand's Ministry of Tourism and Sports stated that the decision was linked to a rise in violations by foreigners, including illegal work, fraud, and other offenses.

Source: podrobno.uz