Thailand’s new 60-day visa-free entry policy for 93 countries has come into effect, and a new 5-year Destination Thailand visa has been introduced.
Thailand’s new visa-free entry policy came into effect on Monday, significantly expanding the list of countries whose citizens can visit the Kingdom without a visa. Ninety-three countries and territories have been granted visa-free entry to Thailand, a significant step in boosting the country’s tourism industry.
The list of countries and territories covered by the new policy was published in the official Royal Gazette on Monday evening and came into effect immediately. Under the new rules, passport holders of the listed countries can stay in Thailand for up to 60 days, with the possibility of extending their stay for another 30 days.
The decision came after Interior Minister Anuthin Charnvirakul and Prime Minister Seththa Thavisin signed directives. The visa-free regime was earlier valid for only 57 countries, and the extension aims to revitalise the country’s economy, especially the tourism sector, which was hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The new policy does not limit itself to expanding the list of countries for visa-free entry. The Thai government is also promoting a new visa category, Destination Thailand, to attract digital nomads, freelancers, and those who want to study Thai art and culture.
The announcement of the ‘Destination Thailand’ visa was also published in the official Royal Gazette and is effective immediately. This visa is valid for five years and allows up to 180 days in the country, with the option to extend for another 180 days. The requirement is 500,000 baht in a Thai bank account, the visa fee is 10,000 baht, and employment (except for overseas companies) is prohibited.
These measures demonstrate Thailand’s desire to restore and strengthen its position as one of the world’s leading tourist destinations. The expansion of visa-free travel and the introduction of new visa categories offer great opportunities for travellers, businessmen, and creative people from all over the world.
A complete list of countries and territories whose passport or travel document holders are exempt from visa requirements upon entry into Thailand and can stay in the Kingdom for up to 60 days:
- Republic of Albania
- Principality of Andorra
- Commonwealth of Australia
- Republic of Austria
- State of Bahrain
- Kingdom of Belgium
- Kingdom of Bhutan
- Federal Republic of Brazil
- State of Brunei Darussalam
- Republic of Bulgaria
- Cambodia
- Canada
- People’s Republic of China (including Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan)
- Republic of Colombia
- Republic of Croatia
- Republic of Cuba
- Republic of Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Kingdom of Denmark
- Commonwealth of Dominica
- Dominican Republic
- Republic of Ecuador
- Republic of Estonia
- Republic of Fiji
- Republic of Finland
- Republic of France
- Georgia
- Federal Republic of Germany
- Republic of Guatemala
- Hellenic Republic (Greece)
- Hungary
- Republic of Iceland
- Republic of India
- Republic of Indonesia
- Ireland
- State of Israel
- Italian Republic
- Jamaica
- Japan
- Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan
- Republic of Kazakhstan
- Republic of Korea
- Republic of Kosovo
- State of Kuwait
- Lao People’s Democratic Republic Lao People’s Democratic Republic
- Republic of Latvia
- Principality of Liechtenstein
- Republic of Lithuania
- Grand Duchy of Luxembourg
- Malaysia
- Republic of Maldives
- Republic of Mauritius
- Republic of Malta
- The Republic of Mexico, United States
- Principality of Monaco
- Mongolia
- Kingdom of Morocco
- Kingdom of the Netherlands
- New Zealand
- Kingdom of Norway
- Sultanate of Oman
- Republic of Panama
- Independent State of Papua New Guinea
- Republic of Peru
- Republic of the Philippines
- Republic of Poland
- Republic of Portugal
- State of Qatar
- Romania
- Russian Federation
- Republic of San Marino
- Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
- Republic of Singapore
- Slovak Republic
- Republic of Slovenia
- Republic of South Africa
- Kingdom of Spain
- Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka
- Kingdom of Sweden
- Swiss Confederation
- Kingdom of Tonga
- Republic of Trinidad and Tobago
- Republic of Turkey
- Ukraine
- United Arab Emirates
- United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
- United States of America
- Eastern Republic of Uruguay
- Republic of Uzbekistan
- Socialist Republic of Viet Nam
For travellers, this means a more effortless and faster entry process. From its golden beaches and emerald jungles to its majestic temples and bustling cities, people can now enjoy Thailand’s beauty without spending time and effort applying for a visa.
This news is particularly relevant ahead of Thailand’s high tourist season, which usually starts in November. The new policy is expected to attract more visitors and help the country’s tourism industry recover from the difficult period of the pandemic.
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