(CTN News) – To encourage travel and tourism and strengthen the country’s economy, Thailand has announced new visa policies. These consist of student visas, which go into effect on July 15, 2024, 60-day visa exemption and Visa on Arrival (VOA) programs, as well as Destination Thailand Visa (DTV).
Exemption from visa requirements
Citizens of 93 nations and territories will no longer need a visa to enter Thailand; this number has increased from 57 nations in the past. Under this program, visitors are permitted to remain for up to 60 days for touristic reasons and brief business meetings. This time may be extended at the Immigration Office for an additional 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, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Tonga,
Visa on Arrival (VOA):
Citizens of 31 nations and territories, as opposed to the previous 19 nations, are now eligible to apply for VOA at immigration checkpoints upon arrival in Thailand. Under this program, visitors may remain for a maximum of 15 days to conduct tourism. There is a 2,000-baht visa charge.
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.
*Territories and countries qualified for the 60-day visa exemption program.
Visa for Thailand (DTV) destination
Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) is a new visa policy that Thailand is adopting for freelancers, digital nomads, remote workers, and participation in events including Muay Thai lessons, Thai cookery classes, athletic training, medical treatments, seminars, and music festivals. DTV holders’ spouses and dependent children are also qualified.
To apply for this visa, foreign nationals need to provide evidence of money or a guarantee for a minimum of 500,000 Baht per stay. Ten thousand Baht is the visa cost.
DTV holders are eligible for a five-year stay with multiple entries for cumulative stays not exceeding 180 days, which may be extended for an additional 180 days. This entitlement also extends to spouses and dependent children.
Student Visa (ED Plus Non-Immigrant)
Thailand is allowing international students pursuing higher education to remain in the country for an additional year after graduation. Additionally, if they find employment locally during the extended term, they may be able to alter their visa type to Non-Immigration B without having to leave Thailand.
Please get in touch with the Thai embassy or consulate in your neighborhood for additional details.
Source: Tatnews
