Thailand Advances Visa Overhaul to Stimulate Tourism and Economic Revival
In a strategic move to enhance tourism and drive economic recovery, Thailand has taken significant steps to reshape its visa framework. Ms. Airin Phanrit, Deputy Spokesperson for the Prime Minister’s Office, recently announced that the Cabinet has formally recognized a series of comprehensive visa policy guidelines proposed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. These guidelines encompass short-term facilitation, medium-term structural reforms, and long-term digital upgrades, all designed to streamline entry procedures, expand visa exemptions, refine non-immigrant categories, and modernize arrival systems.
Completed Measures: Immediate Changes Implemented in 2025
The Cabinet's acknowledgment formalizes several changes already enacted in 2025, reflecting a proactive approach to visa modernization. Key accomplishments include:
- Visa Exemption (Form 60): A list of 93 countries and territories has been established, allowing passport holders to enter Thailand temporarily for tourism, work, or short-term business without a visa, with stays permitted for up to 60 days as a special case.
- Visa on Arrival (VoA): A separate list of 31 countries and territories has been designated, enabling passport holders to apply for a Visa on Arrival at immigration checkpoints.
- Destination Thailand Visa (DTV): Introduced to allow foreigners to stay in Thailand for tourism and remote work under a special category, catering to the growing trend of digital nomads.
- ED Plus Visa (Non-Immigrant): A new category has been launched, permitting foreigners to stay in Thailand for study or combined study-and-work purposes under special provisions.
- Visa Policy Committee: Appointed in 2025, this committee has held two meetings, with the Prime Minister signing an order to appoint a new committee for further deliberations led by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Medium-Term Measures: Structural Reforms for Efficiency
To further streamline processes, Thailand has implemented medium-term reforms aimed at reducing complexity and enhancing accessibility:
- Reduction of Visa Codes: The number of temporary residence (Non-Immigrant) visa codes has been reduced from 17 categories to 7, effective from August 31, 2025. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has updated the electronic visa (e-Visa) system and notified relevant agencies to ensure smooth implementation.
- Expansion of e-Visa Services: Starting January 1, 2025, Thailand expanded its electronic visa service to cover all 94 embassies and consulates-general worldwide through the official portal, making visa applications more convenient globally.
Long-Term Measures: Digital Transformation of Arrival Systems
In pursuit of long-term modernization, Thailand has focused on digital upgrades to improve arrival experiences:
- Electronic Travel Authorization and TDAC: The Immigration Bureau has developed the TM.6 online system, known as the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC), which replaces the earlier Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system. This system has been operational since May 1, 2025, facilitating faster and more efficient entry processes.
Ongoing Measures: Future Enhancements Under Consideration
Thailand continues to explore additional improvements to its visa policies, with several measures currently under review:
- Additional VoA Expansion (Phase Two): Authorities are considering adding 8 more countries to the Visa on Arrival list, allowing their passport holders to apply for VoA at immigration checkpoints, further broadening access.
- Long-Stay Visa Adjustments: The criteria and conditions for long-stay visas, particularly for elderly individuals seeking to retire in Thailand, are being reviewed and modified to attract more long-term visitors.
Broader Policy Direction: Goals and Impacts
Collectively, these measures aim to achieve several key objectives:
- Simplify visa procedures to reduce bureaucratic hurdles.
- Expand visa-free and visa-on-arrival openings to attract more tourists.
- Support remote workers and students through specialized visa categories.
- Streamline visa categories to enhance clarity and efficiency.
- Improve arrival systems with digital solutions for a smoother experience.
By leveraging the expansion of visa exemptions, the digitalization of processes, and adjustments to long-stay visas, Thailand is positioning itself for increased tourism, longer visits, and heightened economic activities. This comprehensive visa overhaul reflects a forward-thinking strategy to bolster the nation's global appeal and economic resilience in the post-pandemic era.
