Bangkok, Thailand. Photo source: Tourism Authority of Thailand
Thailand is easing visa requirements to boost its national economy through travel and tourism, with new measures including 60-day visa exemption and Visa on Arrival (VOA) schemes. The new visa provisions took effect on July 15.
Thailand is easing visa requirements to boost its national economy through travel and tourism, with new measures that include a 60-day visa exemption and Visa on Arrival (VOA) schemes. The new visa provisions took effect on July 15.
Visa-free travel
Photo source: Tourism Authority of Thailand
According to an announcement by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), 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 up to 60 days, which can be extended at the Immigration Office for an additional 30 days.
Greece is included in those countries along with (in alphabetical order): 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, 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.
On-the-spot visa for tourists of up to 15 days
Phuket, Thailand. Photo source: Tourism Authority of Thailand
Another possibility to aquire a Visa for Thailand, as long as you stay as a tourist for only up to 15 days, is the visa on arrival sheme (VOA). Thailand now extends this possibility to nationals of 31 countries and territories, up from 19 countries previously. Visitors will apply for VOA at the immigration checkpoints on arrival and the visa fee is 2,000 Baht.
VOA is now available to tourists to Thailand from: 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 60-day visa exemption scheme.)
New visa type for digital nomads, remote workers
Thailand is also introducing a new type of visa, the 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, along 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.
Foreign students may extend their stay
Mu Ko Ang Thong National Marine Park. Photo source: Tourism Authority of Thailand
Moreover, Thailand is extending the stay to foreign students of higher education 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.
The government of Thailand is encouraging future visitors to contact the Thai Embassy or consulate in their area of residence for further information. It should also be noted that on July 17, 2024 one Euro equaled to 39.34 Thai Baht.
