In an effort to boost tourism, Thailand has implemented new visa rules that allow people to vacation in the Land of Smiles for up to 60 days. Currently, 57 countries benefit from the rules, but this increases the number to 93. Additionally, the revised rules allow international students to stay in Thailand for one year after graduation, grant visa extensions to digital nomads, ease insurance requirements for foreigners looking to retire in Thailand, and allow more tourists to obtain visa on arrival.
Check out our Thailand Visa Guide to explore Thailand hassle-free.
Thailand’s visa extension, along with other newly announced changes for tourists and digital nomads, will take effect in June 2024. As Southeast Asia’s second-largest economy and a hotbed of job opportunities, the decision is aimed at boosting Thailand’s tourism industry by making it more accessible than ever before.
Thailand extends warm welcome: tourists’ visa stay extended
Thailand is supporting its steadily growing remote work culture by extending the length of stay for on-arrival tourist visas and visa-free passports from 30 to 60 days, as well as extending the validity of “digital nomad” visas (for remote workers and the self-employed) from 60 days to five years, with a maximum stay per visit of 180 days.
Which countries will benefit from Thailand’s tourist visa extension?
China, Laos, Macau, Mongolia, Russia and Cambodia are new countries added to Thailand’s visa-free list, making their passport holders eligible for a 60-day stay. New countries that can obtain a visa on arrival in Thailand and will be stamped with a 60-day stamp include Guatemala, Jamaica, Jordan, Kosovo, Morocco, Panama, Sri Lanka, Trinidad and Tobago, Tonga, Uruguay, Albania, Colombia, Croatia, Cuba, Dominica, Dominican Republic and Ecuador. Countries whose passports already received a 30-day visa stamp on arrival and will now be stamped with a 60-day stamp include India, Kazakhstan, Malta, Mexico, Papua New Guinea, Romania, Uzbekistan, Taiwan, Bhutan, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Fiji and Georgia. Countries that already have visa-free travel to Thailand and will now be allowed to stay for 60 days include Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Indonesia, Republic of Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritius, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, South Africa, South Korea, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Peru, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Saudi Arabia, Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bahrain, Brazil and Brunei.
Before the pandemic, Thailand welcomed 39.9 million tourists in 2019, generating revenue of 1.91 trillion baht. In 2024, it is already welcoming 14.3 million tourists, and the country aims to reach a record 40 million by the end of the year, generating revenue of 3.5 trillion baht.
Must-have destinations for your Thailand travel itinerary
Loh Samar Bay, Phi Phi Islands, Thailand | Image credit: Balate.Dorin/Shutterstock
Enjoy the natural beauty at Thi Lo Su Waterfall in Umphang Wildlife Sanctuary, Tham Lot Cave in Pangmapha District, and the Great Thai Canyon at Sam Phan Bok. Thailand is not only surrounded by beautiful landscapes, but is also a dream destination for beachcombing, marine adventures, and touring national parks. Thailand has over 1,400 islands along its coastline, with the most recommended ones being Koh Yao, Koh Phi Phi, Koh Tao, Koh Samui, and Phuket.
If you’re planning a holiday in Thailand, get some itinerary inspiration from our guide to the best places to visit in Thailand.
(Feature image credit: Day2505/Shutterstock)
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