Thailand Begins Review of 60-Day Visa Exemption for Tourists Amid Immigration Control Concerns
Authorities confirm consultations on reducing tourist visa-free stay from 60 days as part of broader immigration and tourism policy review
Thailand’s government has officially confirmed it is reviewing the 60-day visa-exemption policy for nationals of 93 countries and is considering reverting to a shorter stay for certain travellers, even as the current scheme remains in effect.
The review was announced on October 24, 2025, by the Department of Consular Affairs under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, following a meeting chaired by Atthakorn Sirilatthayakorn, Minister of Tourism and Sports.
The 60-day visa-free regime, introduced in July 2024 to boost inbound travel and support the tourism sector, allows citizens of designated countries to enter Thailand for tourism or short-term business without a visa for up to sixty days, with the possibility of a thirty-day extension.
As Thailand positions itself as a global destination and regional hub, the policy has underpinned efforts to stimulate foreign spending and lengthen visitor stays.
However, several governmental agencies—including the Ministry of the Interior, the Immigration Bureau of Thailand and the National Security Council of Thailand—are now engaged in a cross-agency review.
The aim is to evaluate the policy’s impact on infrastructure, local communities and immigration compliance, while safeguarding the tourism industry’s recovery.
Authorities note that extended stay allowances could be vulnerable to misuse, including unauthorised work or long-term residence on tourist status.
While no formal decision has been made, the review is reported to prioritise visitors who re-enter Thailand frequently and for longer periods under the visa-exemption scheme.
Among the adjustments under consideration is returning to a 30-day stay allowance for certain categories of visitor, coupled with strengthened immigration screening, digital entry-tracking systems and cooperation with regional authorities.
Tourism industry partners remain on alert.
They emphasise that maintaining flexibility in visitor stays is critical to foreign demand and the broader economic role of tourism, which contributes significantly to Thailand’s gross domestic product and employment.
Authorities meanwhile stress that any measures will be calibrated to avoid abrupt disruption and that the existing 60-day rule remains valid until an official change is announced.
For travellers heading to Thailand under the visa-exemption scheme, the advice is to stay informed of official updates via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Tourism Authority of Thailand, especially if planning a stay near the limit or intending to engage in business-related activities.
As Thailand seeks both to expand tourism and safeguard immigration integrity, the outcome of the review will be closely watched by international visitors and the travel industry alike.
The review was announced on October 24, 2025, by the Department of Consular Affairs under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, following a meeting chaired by Atthakorn Sirilatthayakorn, Minister of Tourism and Sports.
The 60-day visa-free regime, introduced in July 2024 to boost inbound travel and support the tourism sector, allows citizens of designated countries to enter Thailand for tourism or short-term business without a visa for up to sixty days, with the possibility of a thirty-day extension.
As Thailand positions itself as a global destination and regional hub, the policy has underpinned efforts to stimulate foreign spending and lengthen visitor stays.
However, several governmental agencies—including the Ministry of the Interior, the Immigration Bureau of Thailand and the National Security Council of Thailand—are now engaged in a cross-agency review.
The aim is to evaluate the policy’s impact on infrastructure, local communities and immigration compliance, while safeguarding the tourism industry’s recovery.
Authorities note that extended stay allowances could be vulnerable to misuse, including unauthorised work or long-term residence on tourist status.
While no formal decision has been made, the review is reported to prioritise visitors who re-enter Thailand frequently and for longer periods under the visa-exemption scheme.
Among the adjustments under consideration is returning to a 30-day stay allowance for certain categories of visitor, coupled with strengthened immigration screening, digital entry-tracking systems and cooperation with regional authorities.
Tourism industry partners remain on alert.
They emphasise that maintaining flexibility in visitor stays is critical to foreign demand and the broader economic role of tourism, which contributes significantly to Thailand’s gross domestic product and employment.
Authorities meanwhile stress that any measures will be calibrated to avoid abrupt disruption and that the existing 60-day rule remains valid until an official change is announced.
For travellers heading to Thailand under the visa-exemption scheme, the advice is to stay informed of official updates via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Tourism Authority of Thailand, especially if planning a stay near the limit or intending to engage in business-related activities.
As Thailand seeks both to expand tourism and safeguard immigration integrity, the outcome of the review will be closely watched by international visitors and the travel industry alike.
