Thailand Announces Longer Visa Stays to Boost Economy

Thailand has announced new stimulus visa measures to boost Thai economy through travel and tourism. These include 60-day visa exemption and Visa on Arrival (VOA) schemes, Destination Thailand Visa (DTV), and student visas, which took effect from 15 July 2024.

Visa Exemption 

Thailand will grant visa exemption for nationals of 93 countries and territories, up from 57 countries previously. Visitors under this scheme will be allowed to stay for tourism purposes and short-term business engagements for a period not exceeding 60 days, which can be extended at the Immigration Office for another period not exceeding 30 days.

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)

Thailand will allow nationals of 31 countries and territories, up from 19 countries previously, to apply for VOA at the immigration checkpoints on arrival. Visitors under this scheme will be allowed to stay for tourism purposes for a period not exceeding 15 days. The visa fee is 2,000 Baht.

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 eligible for 60-day visa exemption scheme.

Destination Thailand Visa (DTV)

Thailand is introducing a new visa measure, Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) for remote workers, digital nomads, and freelancers as well as participants of activities – Muay Thai courses, Thai cooking classes, sport training, medical treatments, seminars, and music festivals. Spouses and dependent children of DTV holders will also be eligible.

Foreigners who wish to apply for this visa must have a proof of funds or a guarantee of not less than 500,000 Baht for the duration of stay. The visa fee is 10,000 Baht.

DTV holders, together with spouses and dependent children, will be entitled to a five-year stay with multiple entries for cumulative stays not exceeding 180 days, which can be extended for another 180 days.

Student Visa (Non-Immigrant ED Plus)

Thailand is extending the stay for foreign students of higher education to stay for one more year after graduation. They can also find work during the extended period and, if employed locally, could change the type of visa to Non-Immigration B without having to leave Thailand.

For more information, please contact the Thai Embassy or consulate in your area of residence or check out Official Website of Thailand Electronic Visa (thaievisa.go.th)