Thailand Reduces Visa-Free Stay to 30 Days

Thailand plans to reduce the visa-free stay for foreign tourists from 60 days to 30 days to address illegal business activities and unauthorized work by foreigners. The measure, supported by multiple ministries, aims to curtail the misuse of Thailand's visa exemption scheme, which has been exploited for illegal activities like human trafficking and unauthorized rentals, according to Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong. The Association of Thai Travel Agents and the Thai Hotels Association have raised concerns about the current 60-day period facilitating these issues. Despite potential minor negative impacts on tourism, the government remains focused on its goal to surpass 40 million foreign tourist arrivals by 2025. Thailand welcomed 7.66 million international visitors from January to early March 2025, a 4.4% increase year-on-year, highlighting its critical role in the economy. Additionally, Thailand's e-Visa will be implemented in India starting January 2025, aiming to enhance tourist inflow from one of its largest source markets.