Neue Regeln im Königreich: Nur noch 30 Tage: Thailand verkürzt Visafreiheit

Thailand has reduced its visa-free stay policy for tourists, limiting stays to 30 days from next Tuesday instead of the previous 60 days. This change applies to citizens of Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, who were previously exempt from the reduction. The new rules come into effect on September 15th, following their recent publication in Thailand's official gazette.

The adjustment affects a total of 60 countries, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Those traveling to Thailand before the deadline can continue their stay under the previous regulations. The government explained that the visa-free policy was introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic to boost the crucial tourism sector. However, they are now reversing the decision due to security concerns and issues arising from the lenient entry rules.

Some visitors used the 60-day visa-free stay to engage in illegal activities or remain in the country permanently. Additionally, the ease of obtaining visas for longer stays has become more accessible through digital means via Thailand's e-Visa portal. Overstaying the permitted duration will result in fines, and in severe cases, imprisonment.

The move comes at a challenging time for Thailand's tourism industry, which has seen a decline in international arrivals this year. As of August, Thailand had received nearly 21 million foreign visitors, a 3% decrease compared to the same period in 2025. In total, fewer than 33 million guests visited Thailand throughout 2025, down from nearly 40 million in the record year of 2019, prior to the pandemic.