Thailand is planning changes: fewer visa-free days for foreign tourists!

Thailand is planning changes: fewer visa-free days for foreign tourists!

There is exciting news in Thailand for all tourists who like to travel: the responsible Ministry of Tourism and Sports and the Department of Consular Affairs have started consultations to review the rules for the 60-day visa-free entry program. Since July 15, 2024, people from 93 countries, including Germany, Austria and Switzerland, have been allowed to stay in the Kingdom for up to 60 days without a visa - a welcome relief compared to the previous 30 days. This measure was part of a comprehensive strategy to revitalize the tourism sector after the pandemic, as buch-dein-visum.de reports.

But there could be changes coming for travelers! The possibility of shortening the length of stay for certain foreign nationals is currently being discussed. On the Thai government's side, the Interior Ministry, the Immigration Office and the National Security Council are taking part in the negotiations. It is emphasized that a balance must be found between increasing tourism and migration control. An official statement on possible changes is expected to be published in the near future, until then the existing regime will remain in force.

Details about entry and new regulations

If you want to enter Thailand, you still have to comply with a few requirements. In addition to the 60-day stay, a one-time extension of 30 days is possible at the local immigration offices, which costs 1,900 baht. In addition, the Thai government has introduced an online entry procedure since May 2025, in which travelers must fill out a digital entry form. It should also be noted that the passport must be valid for at least six months upon entry and a return/onward travel ticket may need to be presented.

There is also the so-called “Destination Thailand Visa” (DTV), which is valid for five years and extends the period of stay for digital nomads up to 360 days. As Spiegel.de recently noted, these measures demonstrate Thailand's efforts to promote international tourism and adapt to the changing needs of travelers.

What travelers should know

An important point is that in order to enter Thailand without a visa, proof of sufficient financial resources may also be required. Individuals should be able to show proof of 10,000 baht and families 20,000 baht. Travelers can also remain visa-free for 60 days when entering the country by land or sea, but must use a digital entry card, which has been in effect since May 2025 instead of the old paper card, as faszination-suedostasien.de explains.

The decision to revise the existing regulations clearly shows that Thailand continues to strive to keep its country high as a tourist destination. Anyone planning to visit the kingdom should therefore regularly inform themselves about the current regulations and keep an eye on developments!