Thailand considers removing visa-free entry for 36 nations

Thailand is evaluating a return to the previous list of 57 visa-exempt nations to curb unauthorized activities

The Thai government is reviewing its current visa-exempt list and may remove 36 countries from the visa-free program to tighten border security and shift toward high-value tourism.

This significant reduction in its visa-free entry program may potentially decrease the number of eligible countries from 93 down to 57. The Ministry of Tourism and Sports is currently reviewing the impact of the expanded scheme, which was originally launched in mid-2024 to boost post-pandemic travel.

According to the Government Public Relations Department, the review follows growing concerns regarding national security and the misuse of liberal entry rules by transnational criminal networks.

While the current 60-day visa-free stay remains in effect for now, the government's official policy statement delivered to Parliament on April 9, 2026, confirmed that a "review of the visa exemption policy and related legislation" is now a formal priority.

Shifting toward quality over quantity in Thailand tourism

The proposed change signals a pivot in Thailand's tourism strategy. By narrowing the list of visa-exempt countries, authorities hope to attract fewer, higher-spending visitors while reducing the administrative burden on immigration checkpoints.

Tourism Minister Surasak Phancharoenworrakun stated that the proposal will soon be submitted to the Cabinet for final discussion. This move aligns with other recent discussions about reducing the current 60-day stay back to 30 days for those who remain on the exemption list.

All countries potentially losing visa-free access to Thailand

These 36 nations were added to the exemption list in July 2024 and may be required to obtain a visa or Visa on Arrival (VoA) in the future:

• Europe: Albania, Croatia, Cyprus, Georgia, Malta, Romania

• Americas: Colombia, Cuba, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Guatemala, Jamaica, Panama, Trinidad and Tobago, Uruguay

• Asia & Middle East: Bhutan, Cambodia, India, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Laos, Macau, Mongolia, Sri Lanka, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan

• Oceania: Fiji, Papua New Guinea

• Africa: Mauritius, Morocco, South Africa, Tonga

Impact on travelers to Thailand

If the Cabinet approves the rollback, travelers from the 36 countries added during the 2024 expansion would once again need to apply for a visa before arrival or utilize the Visa on Arrival (VoA) scheme, depending on their nationality. It is unclear when this list will be revised officially.

"The goal is to bring that framework into line with international agreements and to cut off the financial channels used by scam networks," noted the official government statement.

To further modernize the border, Thailand has already implemented the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC), which replaced the previous paper-based TM6 form as of May 1, 2025. This mandatory digital registration must be completed within 72 hours of arrival for all foreign nationals, regardless of their visa status.

This rollback and digitalization is part of a wider trend towards tightening security and entry requirements for tourists around the world.