To invigorate the Thai economy via travel and tourism, Thailand has unveiled new visa policies. Effective from July 15, 2024, these measures include a 60-day visa exemption, Visa on Arrival (VOA) programs, the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV), and specialized student visas.

Visa Exemption
Thailand is expanding its visa exemption policy to cover 93 countries and territories, up from the previous 57. This new scheme allows visitors to stay for up to 60 days for tourism and short-term business purposes. An additional 30-day extension can be obtained from the Immigration Office.

The eligible countries and territories include Albania, Andorra, Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Bhutan, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Canada, China, Colombia, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Estonia, Fiji, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Korea (ROK), Kosovo, Kuwait, Laos, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macao, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Türkiye, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States of America, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam.

Visa on Arrival (VOA)
Thailand is expanding its Visa on Arrival program to include nationals from 31 countries and territories, an increase from the previous 19. Travelers eligible for this scheme can apply for their visa at immigration checkpoints upon arrival, allowing them to stay for up to 15 days for tourism purposes. The visa fee is 2,000 Baht.

Countries and territories eligible for VOA are Armenia, Belarus, Bhutan*, Bolivia, Bulgaria*, 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*, Tunisia, Uzbekistan*, Vanuatu, and Venezuela.

Destination Thailand Visa (DTV)

Thailand is unveiling the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV), a fresh visa initiative tailored for remote workers, digital nomads, and freelancers. This visa also caters to individuals participating in various activities such as Muay Thai courses, Thai cooking classes, sports training, medical treatments, seminars, and music festivals.

In addition to the primary applicants, the DTV extends eligibility to the spouses and dependent children of visa holders, ensuring that families can stay together while enjoying the benefits of this program.

This visa aims to attract a diverse group of international visitors, promoting long-term stays and participation in Thailand’s rich cultural and educational offerings.

Student Visa (Non-Immigrant ED Plus)

Thailand has introduced the Non-Immigrant ED Plus visa, designed to extend the stay of international students pursuing higher education. This new measure allows graduates to remain in the country for an additional year post-graduation, providing them with ample time to explore opportunities and gain valuable work experience.

During this extended period, graduates are permitted to seek employment within Thailand. This provision not only supports students in gaining practical experience but also helps them integrate into the local workforce, contributing to the economy.

A significant benefit of the Non-Immigrant ED Plus visa is the flexibility it offers. Graduates who secure employment during their extended stay can transition to a Non-Immigrant B visa without needing to leave the country, streamlining the process of changing their visa status.

Overall, the Non-Immigrant ED Plus visa aims to make Thailand an attractive destination for international students, offering them a seamless transition from education to employment and encouraging them to build their careers within the country.