New Thailand Visa Exemption and Visa on Arrival Now in Effect
Starting from July 15, 2024, the new policy on Thailand Visa Exemption and Thailand Visa on Arrival is now in effect. The government hopes the rule updates will greatly improve the tourist economy by allowing more foreigners than ever to temporarily enter and stay in Thailand without first acquiring a visa.
This post will provide information on the updates to the Thailand visa exemption and Visa on Arrival programs, which countries are eligible, and how to apply.
Thailand Visa Exemption
The Thai government has announced new changes to its existing Thailand visa exemption scheme. The number of countries included in the scheme increased from 57 to 93, allowing more foreigners than ever before to travel to the Land of Smiles and stay up to 60 days visa-free, with an option to renew (see below). They also now have the opportunity to find urgent or temporary employment and interact with tourism businesses.
The 93 qualified countries are:
- Africa: Mauritius, Morocco, South Africa
- Americas: Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Cuba, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Guatemala, Jamaica, Mexico, Panama, Peru, Trinidad and Tobago, United States, Uruguay
- East/Central Asia: Bhutan, Brunei, Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Kazakhstan, Laos, Macao, Malaysia, Maldives, Mongolia, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Uzbekistan, Vietnam
- Europe: Albania, Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Kosovo, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, San Marino, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, United Kingdom
- Middle East: Bahrain, Cyprus, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, United Arab Emirates
- Oceania: Australia, Fiji, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Tonga
Foreign nationals flying to Thailand from Argentina, Chile, or Myanmar are also eligible for the visa-exemption application. However, they can only apply at Thai International Airports.
How to Enter Thailand on the Visa Exemption Program
To proceed, eligible foreigners simply have to present their passport to the immigration officer on arrival at the border to receive a “visa-exempt” stamp. This is their official travel document granting a 60-day stay in the country. As the border officer might request additional documents from the traveler, it is also recommended to bring:
- A return trip ticket
- Proof that the visitor possesses sufficient funds to support themselves:
- 10,000 baht (per individual)
- 20,000 baht (if arriving with family)
- Proof of temporary accommodation in Thailand (such as a hotel itinerary)
Foreigners can also extend their visa-exempt status for another 30 days before their exemption period is up by applying at the immigration office. However, approval for this is entirely at the discretion of the immigration officer reviewing their request. Travelers seeking to prolong their stay beyond 90 days can apply for a Thailand visa before the end of their exemption period.
Thailand Visa on Arrival
Starting July 15, 2024, the expanded list of countries that qualify for the Thailand Visa on Arrival (VOA) program is now in effect, rising from 19 to 31.
Successfully applying for a VOA grants foreigners with a single-entry visa and up to 15 days of stay. VOA holders can experience Thailand and partake in similar activities that a Thailand Tourist Visa holder can take part in.
Foreign nationals with citizenship from the following countries are eligible for a VOA:
- Africa: Ethiopia, Namibia, Seychelles, Tunisia
- Asia: Bhutan, China, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Taiwan, Uzbekistan
- Central America: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Mexico
- Europe: Armenia, Belarus, Bulgaria, Georgia, Malta, Romania, Russia, Serbia
- Middle East: Cyprus, Saudi Arabia
- Oceania: Fiji, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu
- South America: Bolivia, Paraguay, Venezuela
Applying for a VOA is fast and intuitive. Applicants can either apply online at the Thai Immigration Bureau’s website or collect it at the border provided they have all of the following:
- Proof of payment of the 2,000 baht fee (or the international equivalent)
- Visa on Arrival application form (can be obtained at the border or filled out online on the Immigration Bureau’s website)
- Valid passport (must have no less than 1 month validity remaining)
- Recent passport-sized photograph (must have been taken in the past 6 months)
- A return travel ticket
- Proof of temporary accommodation in Thailand (such as a hotel itinerary)
- Proof that the visitor possesses sufficient funds to support themselves:
- 10,000 baht for each individual
- 20,000 baht for each family
Unlike the visa exemption program, VOA holders cannot extend their visa and will need to either leave Thailand before their 15 days are up or submit an application for a Thai visa.
Contact Siam Legal for Visa Assistance
If you want to travel to Thailand visa-free and have any additional questions about these two options, consult Siam Legal for support. Our lawyers have over 20 years of experience helping foreigners with their immigration needs. Because of this, our Thai visa team has the skills and knowledge to address your concerns and assist you with your application.
However, if you find that these temporary visas aren’t enough and you want to enjoy more of Thailand, Siam Legal’s visa consultants can help you locate the ideal Thai visa solution for your needs. We’ll also help you expedite your Thai visa application, provide a step-by-step guide on how to complete it, and gather the right documentation. Our cooperation with you ensures that you can extend your stay and acquire your new long-term visa with as minimal delays as possible.
Contact Siam Legal today to launch your Thailand journey.
Category: Thailand Visa
