Thailand Lifts Visa Requirements for 93 Nations to Boost Tourism

The updated visa waiver list includes

 

57 nations previously allowed a 30-day visa-free stay, now extended to 60 days

• Canada
• Czech Republic
• Denmark
• Estonia
• Finland
• France
• Germany
• Greece
• Hungary
• Iceland
• Indonesia
• Republic of Ireland
• Israel
• Italy
• Japan
• Kuwait
• Latvia
• Lichtenstein
• 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
• Brunei

 

13 nations previously granted a 30-day stamp on arrival, now receiving a 60-day stamp

• India
• Kazakhstan
• Malta
• Mexico
• Papua New Guinea
• Romania
• Uzbekistan
• Taiwan
• Bhutan
• Bulgaria
• Cyprus
• Fiji
• Georgia

 

6 new nations granted a 60-day visa waiver

• China
• Laos
• Macau
• Mongolia
• Russia
• Cambodia

 

17 new nations eligible for visa on arrival, with a 60-day stay

• Guatemala
• Jamaica
• Jordan
• Kosovo
• Morocco
• Panama
• Sri Lanka
• Trinidad and Tobago
• Tonga
• Uruguay
• Albania
• Colombia
• Croatia
• Cuba
• Dominica
• Dominican Republic
• Ecuador

 

The Cabinet's decision on Tuesday reflects Thailand's commitment to revitalizing its tourism industry, which has been significantly impacted by global events. By easing entry requirements for a broader range of countries, Thailand aims to welcome a surge of international tourists, contributing to economic recovery and growth.

The Foreign Ministry encourages citizens from the newly included nations to take advantage of this opportunity and explore the diverse cultural and natural attractions that Thailand has to offer.

 

Visa Exemption and Bilateral Agreement: Who Can Enter Thailand Without a Visa?

 

Thailand has expanded its Visa Exemption Scheme and Bilateral Agreement, allowing citizens from 93 countries to enter the Kingdom without a visa for up to 60 days. This applies whether visitors arrive through an international airport or a listed checkpoint from a neighboring country.

 

Tourist Visa Exemption Scheme

To qualify for the visa exemption scheme, visitors must:

- Hold citizenship from an approved country

- Have a passport with at least 6 months of validity remaining

- Enter Thailand strictly for tourism purposes

- Provide verifiable proof of accommodation in Thailand (e.g., hotel or apartment address)

- Show proof of funds to support their stay (minimum 10,000 THB for single travelers and 20,000 THB per family)

- Present a return ticket for exiting Thailand (open tickets and tickets to neighboring countries do not qualify)

 

Visitors may be asked to show their travel ticket upon entry. If they cannot prove their exit from Thailand within 60 days, they may be refused entry.

 

There is no set entry limit for visitors arriving by air, but those entering by land or sea and holding normal (non-diplomatic) passports can enter visa-free only twice per calendar year. Malaysian citizens are exempt and can enter via land border an unlimited number of times.

 

For those seeking a long-term visa or traveling for non-tourism purposes, other visa options are available. (https://www.siam-legal.com/legal_services/thailand-visa-services.php)

 

Countries Allowed to Enter Thailand Under the Visa Exemption Rule

 

 

Some nationalities are entitled to longer stays than others. Unless otherwise indicated, the stay period is 60 days.

 

Africa : Mauritius, Morocco, South Africa

America : Argentina (90 days), Brazil (90 days), Canada, Chile (90 days), Colombia, Cuba, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Guatemala, Jamaica, Mexico, Panama, Peru (90 days), Trinidad and Tobago, United States, Uruguay

Asia : Bhutan, Brunei, Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Kazakhstan, Laos, Macau, Malaysia, Maldives, Mongolia, Myanmar (14 days), Philippines, Singapore, South Korea (90 days), 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

 

COVID and Vaccination Requirements

Visitors are no longer required to provide a Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) or Professional Antigen Test Kit (Pro-ATK) test before entering Thailand.

Travel Insurance for Visa Exempt Visitors

Thailand has removed the need for visa-exempt visitors to provide proof of a valid COVID insurance policy. However, foreign visitors are not eligible for free medical care while in Thailand and must cover any medical expenses themselves.

 

Travel insurance is highly recommended as it covers

- Medical emergencies

- Personal injury and accidents

- Missed or delayed flights

- Damage to belongings

- Lost luggage

 

For comprehensive coverage while visiting Thailand and to avoid potential exclusions or conditions, choose travel insurance designed specifically for Thailand.

 

MSIG Say Hi 10

 

"MSIG Say Hi 10" is a comprehensive insurance product designed to provide travelers with coverage for various contingencies, including medical expenses, loss of life, and personal liability. The product meets mandatory health insurance requirements for travelers applying for a Certificate of Entry (COE) or Thailand Pass, offering a worry-free travel experience. For the best travel insurance a visa-exempt traveler can have in Thailand, look and apply to [MSIG Say Hi 10].