Thailand Tightens Visa-on-Arrival Rules

Thailand has decided to reduce the duration of its visa-on-arrival facility for travellers from 93 countries, marking a significant change to one of the country’s most widely used tourism entry schemes. Under the existing arrangement, eligible foreign visitors have been allowed to remain in the country for up to 60 days without applying for a visa before departure. The Thai government has now moved to shorten that period.

Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow announced the decision during a recent press conference. He said authorities had identified cases in which foreign nationals were misusing the visa-on-arrival arrangement after entering Thailand. According to the minister, the revised policy is intended primarily to prevent such misuse.

He also stated that the government plans to strengthen scrutiny not only of visa-on-arrival entries but also of other visa categories. Thai authorities want to ensure that visitors entering the country are genuinely following the purpose stated in their visa applications or entry permissions.

The minister indicated that the government is seeking stricter monitoring of travellers to confirm that visitors comply with immigration conditions during their stay. No further details were immediately provided regarding the exact revised duration of the visa-on-arrival period or when the new rules would formally take effect.

Thailand remains one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations, attracting millions of visitors annually because of its beaches, islands, cultural attractions, entertainment centres and comparatively convenient travel arrangements. Tourism plays an important role in the Thai economy, with international arrivals contributing significantly to revenue generation, employment and the hospitality sector.

Despite its popularity, recent restrictions and tighter regulatory measures have coincided with a decline in tourist arrivals. Official figures released by Thai authorities show that approximately 11.4 million foreign tourists visited the country between 1 January and 10 May this year. That figure represents a decline of 3.43 per cent compared with the corresponding period of the previous year.

The latest policy shift reflects the government’s effort to balance tourism promotion with immigration oversight. Thai authorities have increasingly focused on monitoring long-term stays, unauthorised employment and other activities considered inconsistent with tourism-related entry permissions.

Although the government has confirmed that the duration of the visa-on-arrival facility will be reduced, officials have not yet announced the revised limit. Further details are expected once the updated immigration measures are formally introduced.