Thailand reduces visa-free stay for 93 countries to 30 days
En resumen
- Thailand is cutting its visa-free stay period from 60 to 30 days for 93 countries and regions, including Taiwan, Japan, and the US.
- The change, aimed at national security and economic interests, takes effect 15 days after publication in the Royal Gazette.
Resumen generado por IA
Thailand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the cancellation of the 60-day visa-free policy for 93 countries and regions, restoring it to a 30-day stay limit.
According to the Bangkok Post, citing an unofficial list released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Taiwan remains on the list of countries eligible for a 30-day visa-free stay.
Director General of the Department of Consular Affairs Mungkorn Pratoomkaew stated at a regular press conference yesterday that the termination of the 60-day visa-free policy and other measures will take effect 15 days after its publication in the Royal Gazette. Travelers who have already entered or will arrive in Thailand before the new policy takes effect can still stay according to their original visa conditions until their expiry date.
The Bangkok Post reported that the 93 countries and regions originally eligible for 60-day visa-free stays will no longer enjoy this extended period.
Citing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' unofficial list, the report indicated that among the 54 countries and regions retaining a 30-day visa-free stay are Taiwan, Japan, the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Singapore, Indonesia, and the Philippines.
Additionally, Thailand will add three new countries or regions eligible for a 15-day visa-free stay: Seychelles, Maldives, and Mauritius. The number of countries eligible for visa on arrival has been reduced from 31 to 4, including only India, Serbia, Belarus, and Azerbaijan.
The report mentioned that according to visa policies set by bilateral agreements, citizens of Myanmar (air entry only) and Cambodia enjoy 14-day visa-free stays; China, Hong Kong, Macau, Laos, Mongolia, Russia, Kazakhstan, East Timor, and Vietnam enjoy 30-day visa-free stays; and Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Peru, and South Korea enjoy 90-day visa-free stays.
The Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs previously explained that the adjustment of the visa policy was made considering national security, tourism and economic benefits, and the principle of reciprocity. It also aims to eliminate duplicate visa-free treatments and facilitate the operation of the digital visa system. (Editor: Gao Zhaofen) 1150520
