Thailand has taken a significant step in expanding its e-Visa service, now making it available in 16 additional countries, bringing the total number of nations offering this service to 39. Previously available in 23 countries, this expanded access includes a wider range of embassies and consulates across five continents, including the Americas, Europe, Asia, Africa, and Oceania. The addition of 16 countries reflects Thailand’s efforts to streamline visa processes, making it easier for international travelers to visit the country.
Expanded e-Visa Service
Thailand’s e-Visa service was initially limited to fewer locations, but the government’s new rollout ensures that 59 embassies and consulates now participate in the program. This is a significant improvement from the original 38 locations, creating more opportunities for travelers from all over the world to benefit from a hassle-free online visa application process. The e-Visa system allows visitors to complete their visa applications remotely, eliminating the need for in-person visits to consular offices, which is especially convenient for tourists and business travelers alike.
With the expansion of e-Visa availability, Thailand aims to attract more international tourists by simplifying the entry process. This move comes as part of Thailand’s broader strategy to promote tourism and stimulate its economy, which heavily relies on the influx of foreign visitors.
Introduction of Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) System
In addition to the e-Visa service expansion, Thailand is gearing up to implement a new Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system. This system is designed for travelers from visa-exempt countries and will further expedite the entry process. The ETA will enhance the ability of immigration officials to track travelers entering the country under visa exemptions, providing more streamlined access and faster processing times at immigration checkpoints.
Thailand’s ETA system is expected to launch by June 2025, when it will be fully integrated with the e-Visa platform, creating a seamless application process for all travelers. Applications for the ETA will be made through the official e-Visa website, and while the ETA will require separate approval for each visit, it is expected to be free of charge, allowing smoother and quicker entry into the country.
Thailand’s Expanded e-Visa Service Locations Full List
North America
Canada: Ottawa, Vancouver
United States: Washington D.C., Chicago, Los Angeles, New York
Latin America
Brazil: Brasília
Chile: Santiago
Europe
Austria: Vienna
Belgium: Brussels
Czech Republic: Prague
Denmark: Copenhagen
Finland: Helsinki
France: Paris
Germany: Berlin, Frankfurt, Munich
Greece: Athens
Hungary: Budapest
Italy: Rome
Netherlands: The Hague
Norway: Oslo
Poland: Warsaw
Portugal: Lisbon
Romania: Bucharest
Spain: Madrid
Sweden: Stockholm
Switzerland: Bern
United Kingdom: London
Middle East
Bahrain: Manama
Egypt: Cairo
Qatar: Doha
Saudi Arabia: Riyadh, Jeddah
Turkey: Ankara
Asia
Cambodia: Phnom Penh
China: Beijing, Guangzhou, Kunming, Nanning, Qingdao, Shanghai, Xiamen, Xi’an, Hong Kong
Kazakhstan: Astana
Malaysia: Kuala Lumpur, Kota Bharu, Penang
South Korea: Seoul
Sri Lanka: Colombo
Timor-Leste: Dili
Vietnam: Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh
Africa
South Africa: Pretoria
Oceania
Australia: Canberra, Sydney
New Zealand: Wellington
Visa-Free Entry Expanded to 93 Countries
The Thai government has also expanded its visa-free entry policy, allowing citizens of 93 countries to enter Thailand without a visa for up to 60 days, compared to the previous 57 countries. This policy change is designed to encourage even more international tourists to visit Thailand, especially as the country works to rebuild its tourism sector.
New Visa Category: Destination Thailand Visa (DTV)
Adding to the array of options for travelers, Thailand has introduced a new visa category called the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV). This new visa is aimed at digital nomads, freelancers, and those interested in skill-based learning such as cooking, martial arts, or language courses in Thailand. The DTV allows for stays of up to 180 days and is valid for five years, providing flexibility for remote workers and those seeking to immerse themselves in Thai culture.
Booming Thailand Tourism
Thailand’s recent expansion of its e-Visa service is expected to significantly contribute to the growth of foreign tourists, building on the impressive numbers from 2023. Last year, the country welcomed over 28 million international visitors, with the top five nationalities being Malaysia, China, South Korea, India, and Russia. With the e-Visa now available in 39 countries, including key markets such as the US, Canada, Brazil, Germany, and the UK, the Ministry of Tourism and Sports anticipates a further increase in international arrivals. The government’s continued efforts, including promoting lesser-known destinations and positioning Thailand as an all-season tourist destination, are expected to drive these numbers even higher in 2024, making it easier and more appealing for travelers to visit Thailand.
Future Tourism Boosts: Joint Tourist Visa Initiative
Thailand is also exploring the creation of a joint tourist visa in collaboration with neighboring countries such as Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Vietnam, and Malaysia. This initiative, still in the negotiation phase, would allow travelers to move freely between these nations on a single visa, making Southeast Asia even more accessible for international tourists.
Source: https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/thailand-expands-e-visa-to-39-countries-including-us-canada-brazil-germany-and-uk/
