Thailand Reassessing 60-Day Visa Exemption Policy for 2025. Thailand has been one of Asia’s most visited countries for years, known for its beaches, temples, and warm hospitality. But the government is now reassessing the 60-day visa exemption policy, which has allowed citizens of 93 countries to stay in Thailand without a visa since July 2024.
The Ministry of Tourism and Sports and the Department of Consular Affairs have confirmed that discussions are underway about whether to continue, modify, or shorten the stay period. No final decision has been made yet, but changes could come in 2025.
Thailand 60-Day Visa Exemption
In July 2024, Thailand extended its visa-free stay from 30 to 60 days to attract more foreign visitors and help the tourism sector recover after the pandemic. The new rule allowed travelers from 93 eligible countries to visit Thailand for up to two months for tourism, short business trips, or temporary activities.
This change was part of a broader plan to make Thailand one of the easiest destinations for international tourists. The longer visa-free stay quickly boosted arrivals and spending, supporting hotels, restaurants, and local businesses across the country.
Why the Review Is Happening
On October 24, 2025, the Department of Consular Affairs under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a statement about a meeting chaired by Minister Atthakorn Sirilatthayakorn. The meeting focused on evaluating the impact of the 60-day visa-free policy.
The Ministry of Tourism and Sports said the goal is to find a balance between promoting tourism and enforcing immigration rules, ensuring that Thailand remains both attractive and secure.
Officials from several agencies—including the Ministry of the Interior, the Immigration Bureau, and the National Security Council—are part of this review. Their task is to analyze both the economic benefits and the potential risks of allowing longer stays without a visa.
Concerns Behind the Policy Review
While the 60-day visa exemption has clearly helped Thailand’s tourism recovery, it has also raised a few concerns:
- Extended stays for non-tourism purposes: Some visitors might be using the visa-free policy for business or work activities that are not allowed under tourist entry.
- Frequent re-entries: Officials have noticed a rise in travelers leaving the country briefly and then returning to restart their 60-day stay.
- Immigration control: Authorities want to prevent possible misuse while maintaining Thailand’s welcoming image.
These issues have led policymakers to consider reducing the stay period or applying stricter rules for frequent travelers who use visa-free entry repeatedly.
Possible Change: Return to 30-Day Stay
Since mid-2024, several Thai officials have mentioned the possibility of returning to the original 30-day visa exemption. This would mean tourists could visit Thailand for one month without a visa, as before, but could still apply for an extension if needed.
The Ministry of Tourism and Sports confirmed that this review is part of a regular biannual policy evaluation, which was planned from the start. Any potential adjustment would go through the Visa Policy Committee, which will then make recommendations to the Thai government.
For now, no official change has been approved. The evaluation continues, and any updates will be announced publicly before taking effect.
What Tourists Should Know Right Now
At this stage, the 60-day visa-free entry remains valid for eligible nationalities. Visitors can still:
- Stay in Thailand for up to 60 days per entry.
- Extend their stay by an extra 30 days once inside Thailand (at a local immigration office).
- Enjoy visa-free entry for tourism, short visits, or family trips.
However, travelers should stay alert for any official announcements in the coming months in case Thailand decides to shorten the visa-free stay.
Government’s Goals: Balance and Security
The Thai government is trying to balance two key goals:
- Boost Tourism: Longer stays encourage higher spending and longer travel routes, helping local economies.
- Ensure Compliance: Authorities want to make sure that all visitors use their visa-free status correctly and not for work or business without permission.
The Ministry of Tourism stated that the reassessment will help control illegal commercial activities, while still allowing enough time for genuine tourists to explore the country comfortably. Officials also believe this process will strengthen confidence among tourists and local businesses alike.
What Could Change in the Future
If Thailand decides to modify the current policy, the most likely scenarios include:
| Possible Change | Description |
|---|---|
| Shorter visa-free stay | Reduce stay period from 60 days to 30 or 45 days. |
| Stricter re-entry rules | Limit the number of times travelers can re-enter under visa exemption. |
| Enhanced monitoring | Closer checks on long-term visitors using visa-free entry. |
| Updated eligibility list | Possible changes to the list of 93 eligible countries. |
The final decision will depend on the report submitted to the Visa Policy Committee, which will analyze data from immigration records, tourism trends, and feedback from the travel industry.
Current Visa Options Still Available
Even if the 60-day exemption changes in 2025, Thailand offers other visa options:
- Tourist Visa (TR): Allows 60 days with an extension option.
- e-Visa: For travelers not eligible for visa-free entry.
- Long-Term Stay Visa (LTV): For retirees or professionals staying for extended periods.
All travelers must also complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) when entering the country.
Conclusion
Thailand’s review of the 60-day visa exemption shows that the government is serious about balancing tourism growth with immigration control. The policy has been successful in attracting millions of visitors, but it also requires close monitoring to prevent misuse.
For now, tourists can continue to enjoy up to 60 days visa-free in Thailand. Any changes will be officially announced in advance, giving travelers time to adjust their plans.
