Thailand Revamps Visa-Free Entry Policy to Foster Quality Tourism and Enhance Security

Thailand has revised its visa-free entry policy, reducing the number of eligible countries while introducing new measures aimed at supporting quality tourism, strengthening security screening, and maintaining international travel cooperation. Deputy Government Spokesperson Ploythalay Laksameesaengjan said the Cabinet approved the changes after reviewing key factors including economic benefits, tourism promotion, national security, and international relations. Under the updated framework, travellers from 59 countries and territories will qualify for Thailand’s new 30-day visa-free entry arrangement. The revised list includes six additional countries — India, Maldives, Croatia, Bulgaria, Cyprus, and Malta — which were previously under different entry categories. The government said the adjustment will also ensure that all 27 European Union member states receive the same visa-free treatment, supporting ongoing discussions on future travel agreements, including possible Schengen visa arrangements for Thai citizens. Visitors from Mauritius and Seychelles will initially receive a 15-day visa-free stay, with authorities continuing to review arrival numbers and visitor behavior before considering further changes. Meanwhile, nationals from Azerbaijan, Belarus, and Serbia have been added to Thailand’s visa-on-arrival program, while Indian travellers have been moved into the visa-free category. The revised system will bring the total number of countries and territories covered under Thailand’s updated visa framework to 65. The changes will take effect after publication in the Royal Gazette. Previously, Thailand allowed visitors from 93 countries and territories to enter under a 60-day visa-free policy. Authorities said the adjustment is intended to move Thailand toward a more balanced tourism model, focusing on quality visitors while improving immigration oversight. The Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) has also been upgraded, with security agencies strengthening background checks and travel record screening for international arrivals. For Pattaya, one of Thailand’s largest international tourism destinations, the revised visa framework is expected to influence future visitor patterns, with authorities focusing on attracting travellers who contribute to the local economy while maintaining stronger entry controls.