Thailand Shortens Visa Exemption Stays for 93 Nationalities, Balancing Tourism and Security

The Thai cabinet has approved a revision to its visa exemption policy, shortening the allowed stay for visitors from 93 countries and territories from the current 60 days to either 30 or 15 days, depending on the nation. This move aims to close loopholes exploited for criminal activities and to balance tourism promotion with national security. According to the Deputy Government Spokesperson, the revision addresses concerns that extended visa-free stays might be used for illegal activities or purposes contrary to tourism. The new policy, based on the principle of "one country, one right," will consider each nation's economic standing, security, international relations, and reciprocity. Under the revised measures, 59 countries and territories will be granted a 30-day visa exemption for tourism. This includes the addition of India, Croatia, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Malta, and Maldives to this category. Consequently, all 27 member states of the European Union will receive similar treatment, which is expected to foster stronger bilateral ties, aid negotiations for Schengen visa exemptions for Thai citizens, and facilitate economic agreements. Furthermore, Mauritius and Seychelles will be granted a 15-day visa exemption for tourism. India will also receive a 15-day visa exemption, acknowledging its significant economic, trade, and investment role, as well as its international relations. This aligns with the average stay of Indian tourists in Thailand, which is approximately 7.17 days per trip. Visa on Arrival (VOA) will continue to be granted to three countries: Azerbaijan, Belarus, and Serbia. India's VOA privilege will be revoked as it now benefits from the 15-day visa exemption, preventing overlapping benefits. Following this review, a total of 65 countries and territories will be covered by the various visa measures. The relevant ministerial announcements are expected to take effect 15 days after their publication in the Royal Gazette. Foreign nationals who entered Thailand under the previous measures before the new regulations come into force will be allowed to stay for the remainder of their originally permitted period. Additionally, security agencies will enhance the efficiency of the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) system to screen and verify the entry and exit records of foreigners. Inter-agency data linkage will be accelerated to enable risk assessment from the outset and to monitor compliance with the intended purpose of stays. The government emphasized that this revision is not intended to reduce tourism opportunities but to create a more appropriate, transparent, and verifiable system that balances economic stimulus, traveler convenience, international relations, and national security, while preventing visa measures from being exploited for illegal activities.