Thailand to revert visa-free list to 57 countries, scrap 60-day scheme for 93 nations
Thailand is scrapping its 60-day visa-free scheme for 93 countries and reverting to a list of 57 eligible nations to improve immigration screening and shift toward high-value tourism rather than visitor volume.
BANGKOK — Thailand plans to roll back its visa-free policy to a list of 57 eligible countries and territories, replacing the expanded 60-day exemption for 93 countries introduced in 2024, as part of efforts to tighten visitor screening and shift toward quality tourism.
Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul said the ministry is proposing to cancel the 60-day visa-free scheme introduced during the previous government in July 2024 and return to the earlier framework.
Under the proposal, Thailand would reinstate the original list of 57 countries and territories eligible for visa exemption. Any future additions would be considered on a case-by-case basis depending on suitability and travel behaviour.
Surasak said the policy shift is aimed at improving immigration screening and addressing concerns over long-stay visitors using tourism privileges for non-tourism purposes.
He said the revised approach is part of a broader restructuring of Thailand's tourism sector, focusing on high-value, sustainable tourism rather than visitor volume, with an emphasis on safety, confidence and long-term sustainability.
The minister said the proposal has been coordinated with the Foreign Ministry and is expected to be submitted to the Cabinet for approval soon.
He added that the policy review follows concerns over rising issues linked to foreign visitors after the 60-day visa-free scheme took effect, citing tourism police data.
Authorities also argue that most foreign tourists already stay in Thailand for less than 30 days, while those needing longer stays can apply under existing visa categories such as business, education or long-term residence schemes.
The ministry said the shift is also intended to ensure visa policy better reflects actual travel behaviour while reducing administrative and security risks associated with extended stays.
