‘This is a significant change’: Thailand halves visa-free travel for 60 countries, including Australia
Thailand will halve its maximum stay for visa-free travel from 60 days to 30 days in a bid to crack down on foreign-linked crime and visa abuse.
The South-East Asian nation’s 60-day visa-free allowance will be slashed by 50 per cent from September 15.
Around 700,000 to 800,000 Australians visit Thailand every year. iStock
The upcoming change will impact passport holders from 60 countries and territories, including Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States.
The 30-day visa exemption scheme is capped at two visits per year.
A separate 15-day visa-free tier will apply to tourists from Mauritius and Seychelles.
Thailand’s visa on arrival (VoA) scheme will also be reduced from 31 countries to just three: Azerbaijan, Belarus and Serbia.
This visa change is expected to impact Australian backpackers and gap-year travellers, thousands of whom frequently visit Thailand for stays beyond 30 days.
According to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), around 700,000 to 800,000 Australians visit Thailand annually.
“This is a significant change for anyone planning a longer trip to Thailand because 30 days can pass incredibly quickly when you’re travelling,” Global Work & Travel chief executive Jurgan Himmelmann said.
“Under the previous rules, someone could comfortably plan six or seven weeks exploring Thailand without needing to arrange a visa before travelling.
Street food in Bangkok. iStock
“From 15 September, that same itinerary needs more thought.”
However, Australians who enter Thailand visa-free can apply for a 30-day extension at a Thai immigration office, according the Royal Thai Embassy.
“If you’ve got a 35, 40 or 50-day Thailand trip booked for later this year, this is something I’d check now,” Himmelmann added.
Australians who enter Thailand visa-free can apply for a 30-day extension at a Thai immigration office. Pictured: Koh Samoi. iStock
“Don’t wait until you’re at the airport to discover that the entry rules have changed since you booked.
“Look at the length and purpose of your trip, check the official Thai guidance and make sure the route you’re taking is suitable before travelling.”
Thailand expanded its 60-day visa-free access to nationals of 93 countries and territories in July 2024.
Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow said in May that the visa changes were part of a larger ambition to cut foreign-linked crime.
Tourism offers “benefits, such as boosting the economy, but the current scheme has allowed some people to exploit it”, government spokesperson Rachada Dhanadirek said at the time.
