Thailand Halves Visa-Free Stay to 30 Days for Travelers from the Gulf and Over 60 Countries

Thailand has halved the length of visa-free stays for tourists from regions including the Gulf to 30 days. The updated rules affect visitors from more than 60 countries, encompassing the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, and Saudi Arabia. Additionally, citizens of India, the Philippines, the US, China, the UK, and the 29-member Schengen area are subject to this new measure.

The Foreign Ministry of Thailand stated that the reduction is intended to prevent abuses of the visa system and address crimes allegedly involving individuals from certain foreign nations. Recent arrests of visitors for suspected offenses such as drug-related crimes and operating unauthorized businesses triggered a public backlash, according to reports from AFP.

For travelers from the UAE, the change reduces the previous 60-day visa-free allowance granted since July 2024 down to 30 days for tourism and short business visits. Entry requirements dictate that UAE citizens must hold a passport valid for at least six months, alongside return or onward flight tickets and a hotel reservation. These regulations apply based on the traveler's passport rather than their residency status, meaning UAE residents must adhere to the rules designated for their home country.

Despite the reduction, tourists retain the option to apply for a single 30-day extension at the discretion of an immigration officer, for a fee of 1,900 Thai baht ($57), bringing the maximum potential visa-free duration to 60 days. Official online visa applications must be processed through the official portal, as consulates no longer accept in-person submissions.

Furthermore, Thailand has adjusted its visa-on-arrival policies for various nations, providing 15-day stays for countries like Belarus, Serbia, and Azerbaijan, while Seychelles and Mauritius receive a 15-day visa exemption, and travelers from Cambodia and Myanmar are granted 14-day visa-free entry. Official figures indicate that Thailand has welcomed 20.9 million foreign tourists so far this year, marking a three per cent decrease compared to the same period in 2025.