Thailand's Cabinet endorsed the cancellation of its 60-day visa exemption scheme for 93 countries, reverting to standard visa terms in a policy shift that balances tourism revenue against security concerns.
Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul announced the decision following the Cabinet meeting, ending a privilege granted two years ago as Thailand sought to revive its tourism industry following pandemic-related collapse. The extended visa-free period will be replaced by the standard 30-day visa exemption or visa-on-arrival arrangements that existed before the policy change.
The 60-day scheme was introduced in 2024 as part of aggressive efforts to restore tourism numbers to pre-pandemic levels. Thailand welcomed nearly 40 million foreign visitors in 2019, generating approximately 3 trillion baht ($85 billion) in revenue, making tourism crucial to the economy. The pandemic reduced arrivals to under 1 million in 2021.
While the government has not provided detailed rationale for the policy reversal, officials have cited both security screening concerns and what they described as "resource management" issues. The longer visa-free periods made it difficult for immigration authorities to track visitors who overstayed or engaged in unauthorized work.
The policy change affects major tourist markets including most European countries, Australia, South Korea, and Japan. Travelers from these nations will still receive visa-free entry, but for 30 days rather than 60, or can apply for tourist visas allowing longer stays.
For Thailand's tourism industry - which employs millions and accounts for roughly 12% of GDP - the change represents a recalibration of priorities. While the 60-day exemption attracted long-term visitors and digital nomads who contributed to local economies, it also drew complaints from residents in popular areas like Chiang Mai and Phuket about overtourism and housing price inflation driven by foreign long-term stays.
The decision reflects the balancing act facing tourism-dependent economies. They need foreign revenue but also face pressure to manage the social impacts of mass tourism and maintain security oversight. and face similar tensions as they expand visa exemptions to attract visitors.
