Thailand has drastically reduced the visa-free stay period for tourists from over 90 countries to 30 days in an effort to curb foreign-related crime, officials announced on Tuesday. Tourism is crucial for the Southeast Asian nation’s economy, but the number of foreign arrivals has yet to reach pre-pandemic levels. Recent high-profile arrests of foreigners have included cases related to drugs, human trafficking for sexual exploitation, and unauthorized business operations like hotels and schools.

Under the current Thai tourist regime, travelers from over 90 countries, including the U.S., the UK, the 29-country Schengen zone, and Australia, could stay up to 60 days without a visa. The Thai cabinet approved the reduction on Tuesday.

The new visa-free stay period will vary by country, with most foreign nationals receiving approval for up to 30 days, while some may only get 15 days, according to Tourism Minister Surasak Pancharoenvorakul.

Tourists will be allowed to extend their visa once by visiting an immigration office, a government spokesperson told Agence France-Presse.

"The 60 days were automatic, but now the extension will be decided by an officer, and tourists will have to explain why they are staying longer," she said.

Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangsura noted last week that the plan to reduce visa-free stays is part of a strategy to combat transnational crime. Thailand, he said, does not target any specific country but individuals who abuse the visa system by committing crimes in the country.

Tourists bring "benefits, such as boosting the economy, but the current system has allowed some people to abuse it," a government spokesperson told reporters on Tuesday.

The visa-free stay period was previously limited to 30 days but was extended to 60 days in July . The move was part of the government’s efforts to stimulate tourism and the economy. Tourism accounts for over 10% of Thailand’s gross domestic product, though the number of visitors still remains below pre-pandemic levels.

The number of foreign arrivals fell by about 3.4% in the first quarter of this year compared to the same period in 2025, while the number of visitors from the Middle East dropped by almost a third, according to government data.

Thailand expects around 33.5 million foreign tourists this year, compared to nearly 33 million last year, the government announced.

Recall that citizens of the Republic of Serbia require a visa to enter Thailand. Since July 15, 2024, Serbian citizens who are traveling for tourism purposes can apply for a visa on arrival, which is valid for 15 days, with one entry/exit, and cannot be extended. Serbian citizens planning to stay in Thailand for more than 15 days must apply for an e-visa.