Thailand changes the rules for European tourists: they can stay much shorter without a visa

Tajland has announced changes to its visa-free stay rules for European tourists, allowing them to remain in the country for up to 30 days instead of the current 60-day limit. The new policy will take effect on September 15, according to reports from Euronews. This adjustment follows a series of high-profile cases involving foreign nationals accused of criminal offenses, including drug-related activities, human trafficking, and operating businesses without proper licenses. Local media have highlighted several instances of foreigners being detained over these issues in recent months. Tourism plays a crucial role in Thailand's economy, contributing more than 10% of the country’s GDP. It remains one of the most visited Asian destinations, drawing millions of international visitors annually. Under the revised rules, citizens of over 90 countries, including members of the Schengen Area and the European Union, will see their visa-free stay shortened from 60 to 30 days. However, this change does not mean European tourists must leave the country after a month. They can apply for an extension, though the decision will be made by immigration officials. Additionally, travelers from Peru, Brazil, and South Korea will benefit from longer stays, with a maximum of 90 days without a visa, up to the end of September. The Thai Consulate’s Department of Immigration has yet to specify the status of travelers from around two dozen other countries. For those seeking extended stays, the “Destination Thailand” (DTV) visa offers a 180-day stay per entry, with the possibility of further extensions. To qualify, applicants must provide proof of having at least 500,000 bahts (approximately €13,000) in their bank account. Remote workers must also demonstrate employment outside Thailand. Despite the economic importance of tourism, visitor numbers have not fully recovered since the pandemic. In the first half of 2026, nearly 21 million foreign tourists visited Thailand, which represents a three percent decrease compared to the same period last year. While the number of arrivals has remained relatively stable, it has not yet reached pre-pandemic levels. In Croatia, particularly in the coastal town of Makarska, local restaurateurs are reporting a challenging tourist season. According to reports from Slobodna Dalmacija, the summer season has been less profitable than previous years, with some estimating a decline of up to 20% in restaurant consumption. The structure of visitors has also changed significantly, with many guests adopting unconventional dining habits, such as sharing meals among groups of five or seven. This trend has led to concerns among business owners who describe the season as unusually poor. Restaurateur Ivo Andrić, owner of the restaurant “Mirakul,” noted that the peak season was worse than last year, especially in July. He described the behavior of some guests as overly cautious, focusing on cost-saving measures. Similarly, in neighboring restaurants such as “Ozu,” owner Stipe Carević observed that many visitors sought free accommodation and parking, often waiting for hours before stores opened. Some guests ordered minimal portions, such as one pizza and multiple plates of food, which were shared among several people. At another establishment, “Boss,” owner Mirko Antunović reported that the season was notably weaker than last year, with a drop of between 15 and 20%. He explained that customers either saved money or had limited purchasing power, leading to a preference for cheaper items like ice cream. The introduction of cocktails at reduced prices was a response to this trend, with some priced at just €8. However, even this measure did not attract large crowds. Marin Čović, owner of the restaurant and fast-food chain “La Strada,” confirmed that while August showed improvement over the intense July, the overall season remained similar to previous years. He emphasized that the success of the season depends heavily on weather forecasts and local authorities' decisions regarding seasonal operations. He suggested that organized events, such as concerts, could help boost tourism during off-peak times. As the tourist season continues, both Thailand and Croatia face challenges in balancing economic recovery with evolving consumer behaviors and regulatory adjustments. The impact of these changes will likely shape future strategies in the hospitality and travel industries.