Brits are being warned of a potential 10-year ban from a popular country as new travel rules are being introduced.
British tourists will face shorter trips to Thailand under new rules that cut the maximum visa-free stay from 60 days to just 30.
The change, announced by Thai authorities, will take effect from Tuesday (September 15) and affects travellers from 60 countries, including the UK.
It reverses an extension introduced in July 2024 that allowed visitors from 93 countries to stay for up to 60 days without a visa.
New Thailand visa rules for UK travellers
The 30-day visa exemption applies to stays for tourism, business, and urgent or ad-hoc work.
Travellers entering before September 15 will typically be allowed to remain for the period originally granted on arrival.
Those wishing to stay longer will need to apply for the appropriate visa in advance or, if eligible, request an extension from Thai immigration authorities.
Visitors may be asked to show they meet entry requirements, including proof of sufficient funds - at least 10,000 Thai baht per person or 20,000 Thai baht per family - and evidence of onward or return travel.
British nationals have previously been denied entry for failing to provide this information.
Officials said: "The list was revised to reflect current circumstances, taking into account national security and economic considerations as well as the promotion of tourism."
What is the punishment for breaking the new Thailand visa rules?
The Foreign Office has warned travellers to comply with the rules, or risk punishment, the worst of which can be a ban from entering the country for up to 10 years.
The Foreign Office said: "If you overstay your permission to stay in Thailand, you could be fined, detained, deported or banned from re-entering the country.
"Make sure you understand the conditions of your stay and get any visa extension you need before your permission expires.
"If you plan to work, study, retire or live in Thailand, you must get the appropriate visa before you travel."
If you overstay the period of your visa, you will get a fine of 500 Thai baht a day up to a maximum of 20,000 baht, and risk being:
- held in detention
- deported at your own expense
- banned from re-entering Thailand for up to 10 years
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Other travel rules for Thailand
Additional requirements include a passport valid for at least six months from the date of entry and at least one blank page for stamping.
Travellers must also complete a digital card at least three days before arriving in Thailand.
Have you visited Thailand before? Let us know in the comments.
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