Thailand Weighs Cutting Visa-Free Access From 93 Countries to 57

Thailand Weighs Cutting Visa-Free Access From 93 Countries to 57

BANGKOK, April 23, 2026 — Thailand is considering scaling back its visa-free entry program and could reduce the number of eligible countries from 93 to 57, officials said, in a move aimed at attracting higher-spending tourists and addressing criticism of the current scheme.

The Ministry of Tourism and Sports is reviewing the policy introduced in July last year, which allows visitors from 93 countries and territories to stay in Thailand for up to 60 days without a visa.

Tourism Minister Surasak Phancharoenworrakun said a proposal to revise the program would soon be submitted to the Cabinet for consideration, according to local media reports.

Before the expansion, Thailand granted visa-free access to travelers from 57 countries.

The possible rollback comes as Thai authorities reassess tourism strategy after concerns that longer visa-free stays have not always translated into stronger spending or broader economic benefits.

Officials have increasingly emphasized a “quality tourism” model focused on visitors with higher purchasing power rather than record arrival numbers alone.

It was not immediately clear which countries might be removed if the previous framework is restored.
Analysts said European countries with traditionally strong tourism flows to Thailand, including Nordic nations such as Denmark, Sweden, Norway and Finland, would likely remain on any revised visa-exempt list.

Tourism is a key pillar of Thailand’s economy, accounting for a major share of employment and foreign exchange earnings. The sector has been recovering steadily since the pandemic, though authorities continue to seek a balance between visitor volume, infrastructure strain and spending quality.

No timeline for a final Cabinet decision has been announced.