Starting July 15, 2024, Thailand allows citizens from 93 countries to stay visa-free for up to 60 days, aiming to boost tourism. The Ministry of Interior updated measures to attract tourists and stimulate the economy by exempting passport holders from 93 countries from visa requirements and increasing the number of countries eligible for Visa on Arrival from 19 to 31. A new Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) is also introduced for remote workers, valid for five years, allowing 180-day stays.
This initiative includes:
- Visa-free stays for citizens of 93 countries.
- Expansion of Visa on Arrival eligibility to 31 countries.
- Introduction of the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) for remote work, valid for 180 days per stay and five years overall.
The DTV caters to skilled foreigners, digital nomads, and those involved in activities like Muay Thai, cooking, sports training, medical treatments, seminars, and art and music events. It also extends to spouses and children under 20 years of DTV holders. Proof of financial support of at least 500,000 baht is required.
For students, the initiative allows international students pursuing a bachelor’s degree or higher to stay for an additional year after graduation for job searches, travel, or other activities with certification from the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation.
Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul approved the measures, effective from July 15, 2024.
Eligible Countries for Visa-Free Entry:
Europe (40 countries): Albania, Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Kosovo, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, San Marino, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, United Kingdom
Asia (28 countries): Bahrain, Bhutan, Brunei, Cambodia, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Laos, Macao, Malaysia, Maldives, Mongolia, Oman, Philippines, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Vietnam
Americas (12 countries): United States, Canada, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Guatemala, Mexico, Panama, Peru, Uruguay
Oceania (4 countries): Australia, Fiji, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea
Africa (9 countries): South Africa, Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mauritius, Namibia, Seychelles, Zambia
This initiative follows a practical methodology to enhance data quality, accessibility, and governance through workshops and new policies.
News Source: Thailand Business News
