Thailand has announced new and relaxed visa schemes to boost tourism by implementing longer visa stay periods for tourists, digital nomads, post graduate students, and even cultural tourists.
From January to May this year, Thailand recorded 14.3 million tourists and aims to reach a record 40 million foreign arrivals for the full year, with an expected revenue of US$95 billion.
Starting in June, countries eligible for visa-free entry will grow from 57 to 93. The duration of stays under this programme has also been extended to 60 days. The countries eligible for visa-free stays include key tourism markets like China and India, as well as USA, UK, Canada, France, Germany, Spain, Turkey, Portugal, Italy, South Korea, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, UAE, Qatar, South Africa and many more.
The Thai cabinet has also approved visa-on-arrival for 31 countries, up from the previous 19.
Thailand will also introduce a new Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) for digital nomads and those participating in cultural activities, for a stay of up to 180 days per visit on a multiple-entry basis, with the visa valid for five years by paying an additional US$270. Cultural activities include Muay Thai and martial arts, cooking, studying, training, seminars art exhibitions and music. Previously, digital nomads were entitled to only two 30-day stays.
In a bid to retain talent, postgraduate students will now be able to stay in Thailand for an additional year after graduation, provided they obtain certification from the Ministry of Higher Education. This extension aims to help foreign students secure employment in the country. Currently, there are approximately 40,000 such students in Thailand.
Retirees aged 50 years or more seeking long-stay visas will benefit from reduced health insurance requirements. Currently, these visitors must have health insurance coverage worth US$82,000. The requirement is now lowered to US$12,000, effective for applicants from September to December 2024.
Additionally, the cabinet approved the expansion of e-visa application services at Thai consulates and embassies, increasing from 47 to 94 locations by December 2024.
The introduction of the Electronic Travel Authorisationn (ETA) system, will be implemented in line with the e-Visa system at international airports in the country by June 2025.
You can view the full list of countries where citizens can enjoy the new visa programme, here
