Popular holiday destination cuts visa access to South Africans over behaviour
Thailand is cutting back visa-free access for tourists from 93 countries, including South Africa, as authorities crack down on foreign nationals accused of poor behaviour, crime, and abusing the country’s immigration system.
The Thai government confirmed that the current 60-day visa exemption period will be reduced to 30 days for many visitors, reversing a policy introduced in 2024 to help revive tourism.
The move comes amid growing concern among Thai authorities over crimes involving foreign visitors, including shoplifting, indecent exposure, drug-related offences, and sex trafficking.
There are also growing cases of foreigners overstaying their visas while operating businesses illegally in popular tourist areas.
Government spokespersons said tourists continued to provide major economic benefits to Thailand, but warned that the extended visa-free system had also created opportunities for abuse.
“Benefits, such as boosting the economy, but the current scheme has allowed some people to exploit it,” a government spokesperson said.
Thailand’s Prime Minister, Anutin Charnvirakul, said the government believed the visa policy needed to be revised “to be more suitable for the current situation, both in terms of the economy and national security”.
The changes will affect travellers from countries that currently enjoy 60-day visa-free access.
This includes South Africa, the United Kingdom, China, Australia, India, France, Germany, Italy, and Spain, as well as countries within Europe’s 29-member Schengen area.
Under the revised system, many travellers who wish to stay longer than 30 days will need to apply for visas.
Thai authorities noted, however, that some countries could receive shorter or longer exemption periods depending on reciprocal agreements.
Thailand’s foreign minister, Sihasak Phuangketkeow, stressed that the changes were not aimed at any particular nationality, but rather at individuals exploiting the visa system.
The new rules are expected to take effect 15 days after publication in Thailand’s Royal Gazette, which is used for official legal and regulatory announcements.
Top holiday destination
Thailand is one of Asia’s top holiday destinations, with tourism a key component of the nation’s economy.
Thailand welcomed nearly 33 million foreign tourists in 2025, with overseas visitors generating 1.53 trillion baht in tourism revenue.
Malaysia was Thailand’s biggest tourism source market in 2025, contributing more than 4.5 million visitors, followed closely by China at 4.47 million. India, Russia, and South Korea rounded out the top five.
However, South Africa is becoming an increasingly important long-haul tourism market for Thailand.
Tourism Authority of Thailand governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool said the country is targeting 36.7 million foreign arrivals in 2026.
While most visitors are expected to come from Asia and the South Pacific, Thailand is also focusing on attracting travellers from Europe, the Americas, and South Africa.
Despite concerns from tourism operators about the stricter visa rules, Thai officials insist the changes will not damage the country’s tourism industry.
Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul said the cancellation of the 60-day visa-free scheme for the 93 countries and territories would not negatively impact tourism numbers.
He added that Thailand was reviewing separate arrangements for key markets. Indian travellers could potentially receive a 15-day visa-free period.
Chinese tourists are expected to continue receiving 30-day visa-free entry under an existing reciprocal agreement between Thailand and China.
For South Africans planning holidays in Thailand, the changes mean shorter stays without visas and potentially more paperwork for longer trips.
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