Thailand Rejects Claims of New Two-Time Visa-Free Entry Limit, Reaffirms Open Travel Policy
Bangkok clarifies there is no cap on visa-free entries for foreigners despite heightened immigration screening and misinformation circulating online
Thailand’s government has officially denied circulating reports suggesting that foreign visitors are now limited to only two visa-free entries per year, reaffirming that no such restriction has been enacted and urging travellers to rely on authorised sources for accurate information.
The Anti-Fake News Center, speaking on behalf of the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society after verification with the Immigration Bureau, described the social media claims as false and confirmed that existing immigration rules remain unchanged, allowing visa-exempt travellers to enter the kingdom multiple times provided they meet standard entry requirements.
Authorities emphasised that updates to visa policy will be communicated through official channels, including the Immigration Bureau and the National News Bureau of Thailand.
The clarification comes amid broader immigration enforcement efforts introduced in late 2025 that focus on preventing abuse of Thailand’s visa-exemption scheme rather than imposing hard caps on entry.
Under recent practices, immigration officers may more closely scrutinise repeat arrivals — especially those with back-to-back visa-free entries without clear travel intent — and can deny entry if patterns suggest exploitation of the system for long-term stays or unauthorised work.
These measures form part of a comprehensive strategy to protect national security and maintain the integrity of the visa-exemption programme while still welcoming legitimate tourists.
Travel experts note that Thailand’s visa-free regime continues to operate as before for eligible nationalities, typically offering stays of up to 60 days under the current exemption scheme, with extension options available in certain circumstances.
Meanwhile, separate proposals under discussion — such as potential revisions to the length of visa-free stays and enhanced digital arrival tracking systems — aim to balance tourism growth with effective border management.
Thai authorities have encouraged visitors and local businesses alike to verify all visa-related information through official government portals to avoid confusion and misinformation ahead of peak travel periods.
The Anti-Fake News Center, speaking on behalf of the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society after verification with the Immigration Bureau, described the social media claims as false and confirmed that existing immigration rules remain unchanged, allowing visa-exempt travellers to enter the kingdom multiple times provided they meet standard entry requirements.
Authorities emphasised that updates to visa policy will be communicated through official channels, including the Immigration Bureau and the National News Bureau of Thailand.
The clarification comes amid broader immigration enforcement efforts introduced in late 2025 that focus on preventing abuse of Thailand’s visa-exemption scheme rather than imposing hard caps on entry.
Under recent practices, immigration officers may more closely scrutinise repeat arrivals — especially those with back-to-back visa-free entries without clear travel intent — and can deny entry if patterns suggest exploitation of the system for long-term stays or unauthorised work.
These measures form part of a comprehensive strategy to protect national security and maintain the integrity of the visa-exemption programme while still welcoming legitimate tourists.
Travel experts note that Thailand’s visa-free regime continues to operate as before for eligible nationalities, typically offering stays of up to 60 days under the current exemption scheme, with extension options available in certain circumstances.
Meanwhile, separate proposals under discussion — such as potential revisions to the length of visa-free stays and enhanced digital arrival tracking systems — aim to balance tourism growth with effective border management.
Thai authorities have encouraged visitors and local businesses alike to verify all visa-related information through official government portals to avoid confusion and misinformation ahead of peak travel periods.
