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New Visa Rules: Thailand's Cabinet has approved a number of new visa and travel measures aimed at boosting the economy and promoting tourism. This follows a proposal by the Department of Consular Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on May 28, 2024.
In the short term, according to the Thai government, five major changes are expected to take effect by late June or early July 2024:
1. Extended Visa Exemption:
The visa exemption period for tourists and short-term business visitors for passport holders of 93 countries will be increased from the current 30 days to 60 days.
2. Extended Visa on Arrival:
The number of countries whose passport holders are eligible for Visa on Arrival will increase from 19 to 31.
3. Destination Thailand Visa:
A new visa, the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV), will be introduced. This visa is for long-term travellers, digital nomads and those participating in certain cultural activities, allowing stays of up to 180 days per visit on a multiple-entry basis within five years.
4. Digital nomads and remote workers
The government has introduced a new five-year visa for remote workers. The validity of the so-called digital nomad visa for self-employed remote workers will be extended to five years from the current 60 days, and each stay will be limited to 180 days. The move is designed to attract self-employed and remote workers who want to stay in Thailand for a longer period of time while continuing their work.
5. Postgraduate students
It will be easier for foreign postgraduate students pursuing a bachelor's degree or above to stay in Thailand and seek employment after graduation. They will be allowed to extend their stay for one year to look for a job, travel or engage in other activities, provided they obtain certification from the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation.
6. Visa Policy Committee:
A new visa policy committee will be established to improve Thailand's entry procedures and enhance immigration efficiency.
Medium-term measures
Three measures are planned for the medium term:
1. Streamlined Non-Immigrant Visa: Nonimmigrant visa types will be grouped and streamlined.
2. Decrease in health insurance requirements: Health insurance requirements will be relaxed, and the list of countries eligible for long-term nonimmigrant visas will be expanded.
3. Expansion of e-Visa system: The e-Visa system will be implemented in all embassies and consulates by December 2024.
Long-term measures
In the long term, Thailand will introduce an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system. This system will be introduced in conjunction with the e-Visa system, making the entry process even easier for international visitors.
Thailand's popularity is on the rise
Thailand has become a popular destination over the past few years as it offers beautiful pristine beaches, nature reserves, rustic countryside and hill towns, charming cities with stunning temples, delicious food, exciting nightlife and high quality accommodation, all at very affordable prices.
The Tourism Ministry said last month that Thailand received 9.4 million foreign tourists in the first three months of this year, contributing an estimated 454.6 billion baht ($12.4 billion) to the economy in spending.
The island nation is targeting record tourist arrivals of 40 million this year, close to pre-pandemic 2019 figures.
Discounts for Indian tourists
Tourists from India can enter Thailand without a visa until November 11, 2024. This temporary extension follows the success of the initial relaxation in November last year.
