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Passport holders from 93 countries/regions will be eligible for visa exemptions of up to 60 days if travelling for leisure or short-term business reasons, an increase from the current 57 eligible countries/regions.
The Public Relations Department of Thailand has shared that the Thai Cabinet has approved new visa and travel measures suggested by the Department of Consular Affairs to boost Thailand's economy and promote tourism.
These measures are organised into three stages:
Short-term measures (effective late June or early July 2024)
Extended visa exemption
Thailand will extend the visa exemption period for tourists and short-term business visitors to up to 60 days, an increase from the current period of up 30 days, for passport holders from 93 countries/regions. This is up from the current 57 eligible countries/regions. The updated list includes the following:
- Australia
- Bhutan
- Brunei
- Cambodia
- China
- Hong Kong
- India
- Indonesia
- Japan
- Republic of Korea
- Laos
- Macau
- Malaysia
- Philippines
- Singapore
- Sri Lanka
- Taiwan
- Vietnam
According to an article by Reuters, government spokesperson Chai Wacharoke said this will take effect in June.
Expanded Visa on Arrival (VOA)
The number of countries or regions eligible for VOA will increase from 19 to 31. The eligibility applies to nationals from the following markets:
- Armenia,
- Belarus,
- Bulgaria,
- Bhutan,
- Bolivia,
- 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,
- Uzbekistan,
- Tunisia,
- Vanuatu, and
- Venezuela
Introduction of Destination Thailand Visa (DTV)
A new visa for long-term travellers, digital nomads, and participants in cultural activities, will allow stays of up to 180 days per visit on a multiple-entry basis within five years.
Enhanced non-immigration visa
Improvements will be made to facilitate the travel of international students and soon-to-be graduates in Thailand.
Establishment of a Visa Policy Committee
A new committee will be formed to develop entry processes and enhance the efficiency of immigration procedures.
Medium-term measures
Streamlining of non-immigrant visas
Non-immigrant visa types will be grouped and streamlined.
Lowering health insurance requirements
Health insurance requirements will be reduced, and the list of countries eligible for long-term non-immigrant visa applications will be expanded.
Implementation of an e-visa system
The e-Visa system will be implemented at all embassies and consulates by December 2024.
Long-term
Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system
An ETA system will be introduced to complement the e-Visa system.
READ MORE: Thailand extends 30-day visa exemption period for Indian and Taiwanese tourists to 11 Nov 2024
Lead image / 123RF
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