Last updated on July 12, 2024
Table of Contents
1. Starting on 15th on July 2024
Thailand has revamped its visa policies to boost tourism, allowing citizens from 93 countries to enter visa-free or obtain a visa upon arrival for a 60-day stay, effective from July 15, 2024. On top of these new visa rules in Thailand, a brand new Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) will be required starting December 2024 for most of these countries, with some exceptions like Malaysia, Cambodia, and Laos.
It was announced for June but it started on 15th July 2024. Visitors of these countries, with ordinary passports, can now arrive at international airports or other ways to Thailand for an automatic 60 days. Do note that in December 2024, the new ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) will be applicable and the 93 minus few exceptions like Malaysia, Cambodia and Laos, will need to get a previous authorization to come to Thailand. We have an article about the ETA in Thailand on our website.
2. Huge difference, more countries, longer time. Great New Visa Rules in Thailand.
This is a substantial jump from the previous limit of 30 days visa-free entry for 57 nationalities. This change positions Thailand competitively against Malaysia, which offers visa-free entry to more countries than Thailand. Thailand wishes to get back to #1 destination for tourism in South East Asia. They also started to talk in October 2024 about a visa combining 6 countries that will include Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Malaysia, Vietnam and Brunei. Do note that this new visa is not applicable yet.
3. Trying to raise the number of tourists with new visa rules in Thailand
What this means for you:
- Expect an influx of tourists: Brace yourselves for a potential surge in tourist arrivals, particularly from the newly included nationalities. This could translate to busier tourist spots and higher demand for certain services. These new visa rules in Thailand are good news for the economy.
- Potential economic benefits: The increased tourist traffic could lead to a boost in the local economy, benefiting businesses like restaurants, hotels, and transportation services.
- Visa considerations for visitors: Be prepared to advise friends and family visiting the newly included nations on the updated visa rules. They can now enjoy a longer stay without the hassle of pre-arranged visas. However, emphasize the importance of checking the latest requirements for their specific nationality on the Thai Embassy website. Do note that an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) should be required starting in December 2024 for all visitors except Laos, Cambodia and Malaysia citizens.
4. The list of 93 countries having visa-free for 60 days with these new visa rules in Thailand:
The 57 nations who were already enjoying a visa waiver and can now get a 60-day stamp on arrival are:
1. Canada
2. Czech Republic
3. Denmark
4. Estonia
5. Finland
6. France
7. Germany
8. Greece
9. Hungary
10. Iceland
11. Indonesia
12. Republic of Ireland
13. Israel
14. Italy
15. Japan
16. Kuwait
17. Latvia
18. Lichtenstein
19. Lithuania
20. Luxembourg
21. Malaysia
22. Maldives
23. Mauritius
24. Monaco
25. The Netherlands
26. New Zealand
27. Norway
28. Oman
29. The Philippines
30. Poland
31. Portugal
32. Qatar
33. San Marino
34. Singapore
35. Slovakia
36. Slovenia
37. Spain
38. South Africa
39. South Korea
40. Sweden
41. Switzerland
42. Turkey
43. Ukraine
44. United Arab Emirates
45. United Kingdom
46. United States
47. Peru
48. Hong Kong
49. Vietnam
50. Saudi Arabia
51. Andorra
52. Australia
53. Austria
54. Belgium
55. Bahrain
56. Brazil
57. Brunei
The 13 nations whose citizens were already getting a 30-day stamp upon arrival and will now be getting a 60-day stamp:
1. India
2. Kazakhstan
3. Malta
4. Mexico
5. Papua New Guinea
6. Romania
7. Uzbekistan
8. Taiwan
9. Bhutan
10. Bulgaria
11. Cyprus
12. Fiji
13. Georgia
The six new nations whose citizens now enjoy a visa waiver and a 60-day stay are:
1. China
2. Laos
3. Macau
4. Mongolia
5. Russia
6. Cambodia
The 17 new nations that are now eligible for visa on arrival and will get a 60-day stamp are:
1. Guatemala
2. Jamaica
3. Jordan
4. Kosovo
5. Morocco
6. Panama
7. Sri Lanka
8. Trinidad and Tobago
9. Tonga
10. Uruguay
11. Albania
12. Colombia
13. Croatia
14. Cuba
15. Dominica
16. Dominican Republic
17. Ecuador
5. Remember, for stays exceeding 60 days:
The relaxed visa-free entry doesn’t negate the existing long-term visa options. For visitors planning extended stays beyond 60 days, advise them to explore visa options like tourist visas with multiple entries, retirement visas, business visas, non-O visas, and LTR visa in Thailand, depending on their purpose of stay (see our immigration section under “others” in our main menu). You should also be able to have an extension from 7 to 30 days at local immigration but this is discretionary.
This policy shift is a significant development for Thailand’s expat community. These new visas rules in Thailand, including the DTV visa, the LTR visa, the ETA system are all good news for the country.
Sebastien H. Brousseau, LL.B., B.Sc.\nFounder and Managing Partner at ThaiLawOnline. A Canadian lawyer with over 30 years of practice, Mr. Brousseau has been living in Thailand since 2004. He has successfully served 4,500+ client matters for expats and Thais. His areas of focus include Prenuptial Agreements, Family Law, Property Law, Corporate Law, Litigation, Criminal Defense, and Immigration.\n\nAdmitted to the Bar of Quebec and the International Bar Association, Mr. Brousseau also holds degrees in Criminology and Political Science. He was the founder of Isaan Lawyers (Managing Director 2007-2022) and one of the first foreign lawyers in Isaan. He has written more than 500 legal articles in his career. Our team has 20 years in practice, focus on expat work.\n\nAll advice and representation are delivered through licensed members of the Lawyers Council of Thailand.