Thailand’s Cabinet approved several visa and travel facilitation measures to stimulate the country’s economy and promote its tourism, following a proposal by the Department of Consular Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on May 28, 2024.
The measures are divided into three stages.
Five short-term measures expected to take effect in late June or early July 2024 include the following:
Extending visa exemption for tourists and short-term business visitors for a period of up to 60 days (from the period of 30 days) for passport holders from 93 countries.
Increasing the number of countries whose passport holders qualify for Visa on Arrival (VOA) from 19 to 31
Introducing the new Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) for long-term travel, “digital nomads,” and participants in certain cultural activities, with a period of stay up to 180 days per visit, on a multiple-entry basis within 5 years;
Improving the non-immigration visa to facilitate the travel of international students and those nearing graduation in Thailand;
Establishing a “Visa Policy Committee” to develop Thailand’s entry processes and improve the efficiency of immigration procedures.
Three medium-term measures are as follows:
Grouping and streamlining non-immigrant visa types;
Lowering health insurance requirements and expanding the list of countries eligible for long-term non-immigrant visa applications;
Implementing the e-Visa system at all embassies and consulates by December 2024.
One long-term measure includes the introduction of the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system, which will be implemented in line with the e-Visa system.
Source: https://www.financialexpress.com/business/investing-abroad-thailand-improves-non-immigration-visa-rules-for-international-students-introduces-destination-thailand-visa-3513705/
