European travellers planning extended holidays in Thailand will need to adjust their itineraries. Bangkok has confirmed that from 15 September, visa-free stays for citizens of more than 60 countries – including all EU member states – will be halved from 60 days to 30 days.
The decision, first floated in May, has now been formally announced by the Thai foreign ministry. It applies to visitors from the Schengen Area and other nations that previously enjoyed the two-month allowance. The move is widely seen as a response to a string of recent incidents involving foreign nationals, ranging from drug offences and sex trafficking to running businesses – such as hotels and schools – without proper permits.
Tourism remains vital, but numbers are slipping
Thailand's economy leans heavily on tourism, which accounts for more than 10% of GDP. The country welcomed nearly 21 million foreign visitors in the first eight months of 2026, a 3% drop compared with the same period last year. Arrivals have yet to return to pre-pandemic levels, and the new restriction could further dampen demand from Europe, one of its key source markets.
While the cut affects most visa-exempt nationalities, a few exceptions stand out. Travellers from Peru, Brazil and South Korea will actually see their visa-free stays extended to 90 days, up from 60. The Thai foreign ministry has not yet clarified the status of around 20 other countries whose citizens currently enjoy visa-free access.
Options for longer stays remain
For Europeans who want to spend more than a month in Thailand, there are still pathways. Visa-free visitors can request a single extension of up to 30 days at the discretion of an immigration officer. Alternatively, the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) allows stays of up to 180 days per entry, extendable by another 180 days. However, applicants must show a bank balance of at least 500,000 baht (about €13,000) and proof of employment outside Thailand for remote workers.
The change comes as Thailand continues to grapple with balancing security concerns and its reliance on international tourism. For EU travellers, the shorter window may push some to explore other Southeast Asian destinations or to plan shorter, more frequent trips. Those considering a longer stay should weigh the DTV option carefully, as it requires financial documentation and a clear remote-work arrangement.
Meanwhile, European travellers heading to other parts of the world may notice similar shifts in visa policies. For instance, new passport rules for Britain-Ireland ferry travel take effect in September, affecting a different kind of cross-border movement. And as summer heat persists, Mediterranean heat is raising flash-flood risks across southern Europe, a reminder that travel conditions are evolving in many regions.
For those who prefer to combine travel with learning, a growing trend of skillcations might offer an alternative to long stays in one place. But for now, the key takeaway for EU citizens is clear: Thailand's generous 60-day visa-free window is closing, and planning ahead is more important than ever.
