Thailand Enhances Visa Measures to Boost Tourism and Economy

Thailand has introduced new visa measures aimed at stimulating the economy through increased travel and tourism. The updated policies include extended visa exemptions, expanded Visa on Arrival (VOA) options, a new Destination Thailand Visa (DTV), and improved student visas. These measures take effect from 15 July 2024.

Visa Exemption:

Thailand will extend visa exemptions to nationals of 93 countries and territories, up from 57 previously. Visitors under this scheme can stay for tourism and short-term business purposes for up to 60 days, with the possibility of a 30-day extension at the Immigration Office.

Countries eligible for the 60-day visa exemption include Albania, Andorra, Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Bhutan, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Canada, China, Colombia, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Estonia, Fiji, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Korea (ROK), Kosovo, Kuwait, Laos, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macao, Malaysia, Maldives, Malta, Mauritius, Mexico, Monaco, Mongolia, Morocco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Türkiye, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States of America, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam.

Visa on Arrival (VOA):

The VOA option is now available to nationals of 31 countries and territories, up from 19. This visa allows stays for tourism purposes for up to 15 days, with a visa fee of 2,000 Baht.

Countries eligible for VOA include Armenia, Belarus, Bhutan*, Bolivia, Bulgaria*, China*, Costa Rica, Cyprus*, El Salvador, Ethiopia, Fiji*, Georgia*, India*, Kazakhstan*, Kyrgyzstan, Malta*, Mexico*, Namibia, Nauru, Papua New Guinea*, Paraguay, Romania*, Russia*, Saudi Arabia*, Serbia, Seychelles, Taiwan*, Tunisia, Uzbekistan*, Vanuatu, and Venezuela.

(*Countries/Territories also eligible for the 60-day visa exemption scheme.)

Destination Thailand Visa (DTV):

Thailand introduces the DTV, designed for remote workers, digital nomads, freelancers, and participants in activities such as Muay Thai courses, Thai cooking classes, sports training, medical treatments, seminars, and music festivals. Spouses and dependent children of DTV holders are also eligible.

Applicants must provide proof of funds or a guarantee of at least 500,000 Baht for the duration of their stay. The visa fee is 10,000 Baht. DTV holders and their families can stay for up to five years with multiple entries, for cumulative stays not exceeding 180 days per entry, extendable for another 180 days.

Student Visa (Non-Immigrant ED Plus):

Thailand will now allow foreign students of higher education to stay for an additional year after graduation. During this period, they can seek employment and, if hired locally, convert their visa to Non-Immigrant B without leaving Thailand.

For further information, please contact the Thai Embassy or consulate in your area of residence.

Source: https://www.tatnews.org