Thailand Revokes Visa-Free Stay for Over 90 Countries, Including UK

Mon Jun 01 2026 09:45:34 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Thailand reduces its visa-free stay period for nationals from over 90 countries as concerns for security and confusing visa policies rise.

The Thai government will revoke the visa-free policy for over 90 countries, including the UK, following a series of foreign-related crimes. The new visa rules will be implemented case-by-case, affecting many tourists who previously enjoyed a 60-day stay without a visa. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul cited adjustments necessary for current economic and security needs, leading to the overhaul of the visa system.

UK citizens are among dozens of nationalities who will soon have to apply for a visa if they wish to stay in Thailand for more than 30 days.

Tourists from 93 countries have been able to visit without needing a visa for 60 days since July 2024, as part of a government effort to boost the economy following the Covid pandemic.

But Thailand's government approved plans on Tuesday to revoke this exemption, determining the duration of stay on a country-by-country basis. This change is attributed to heightened security concerns and a convoluted visa process.

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul commented that the revisions are essential for current situations concerning both the economy and national security.

Countries affected include Australia, China, France, Germany, India, Italy, Spain, and the US, which previously enjoyed the same visa-free privileges. According to the Thai foreign ministry, many nationals will need to file for a visa for stays exceeding 30 days, although some may have varying exemption durations based on reciprocal agreements.

These upcoming changes are set to take effect within 15 days of the announcement's appearance in the Royal Gazette, the official publication for legal notifications. The adjustments aim to alleviate confusion related to multiple exemptions applicable to a single country.

Thailand remains a prime holiday destination in Asia, heavily reliant on tourism for economic vitality. Before the pandemic, nearly 40 million visitors flocked to the country in 2019, with recent recovery statistics showing almost 12 million arrivals this year alone.

However, the recent months have witnessed a surge in foreign nationals’ arrests on various charges, including drug trafficking and other illegal activities.