Thailand extends 60-day visa-free regime for tourists 🌴

Now tourists from Russia can come on holiday to Thailand without a visa for up to 60 days. Previously, the 60-day period was only valid during the active tourist period – from May to November, but will now be valid all year round.

Changes

But in July 2024, the country’s Prime Minister signed a decree on an indefinite extension of the 60-day visa-free entry. The new rules will apply to all countries from which the most tourists come to the kingdom. In total, the list of countries whose citizens can visit Thailand without a visa includes 93 states.

The Royal Gazette has already published the text of the new decree.

Changes in Thailand visa policy

The basis of the Thai economy and its driving force is foreign tourism. The head of the cabinet of ministers drew attention to this and proposed to simplify the entry and stay of tourists in the country.

The new decision should stimulate further development of the Thai economy and attract even more tourists, not only during the peak tourist season, but throughout the year.

In addition, the state plans to encourage the arrival of more digital nomads to the country, who mainly come to the country not to relax, but to live and work, but do not occupy domestic jobs.

Now foreigners who work remotely can stay in Thailand for 180 days a year, and then extend their permit for the same period. To do this, they will have to apply for a special five-year visa, which was established by the government.

Who can use the new visa

But the new visa is not only for digital nomads. It is suitable for a number of specialists in professions in demand in Thailand, as well as for those who want to study Thai boxing and cooking, participate in scientific conferences and music competitions, and for those who come to the country for treatment.

In addition, the state will now provide foreign students who have graduated from Thai universities with the right to stay in the country for another 1 year after graduation.

How tourism works in Thailand now

Now tourists from approved countries can come without a visa for 60 days at once. Without leaving Thailand, during this period they can apply at the migration office for an extension of stay. In this case, you can get another 30 days of visa-free travel.

If you want to stay in the country longer, you will need to obtain a visa. For example, a work, study or digital nomad visa. In fact, with a freelancer visa you will be able to freely enter and exit Thailand without restrictions for 5 years.

The government has not yet announced the new cost of extending the visa-free stay. But previously the duty was about 1900 THB⁣ (52,49$).

Tourist innovations will affect citizens of the following countries:

China,
India,
Russia,
USA,
Indonesia,

Kazakhstan,
Uzbekistan,
UAE,
South Africa,
and a number of others.

Discuss with the community