Thailand Tourism Soar with Double Visa Stays Now 60 Days

Wednesday, May 29, 2024

Starting June 1, 2024, Thailand will double tourist visa stays from 30 to 60 days, aiming to boost tourism and attract long-term visitors with new visa schemes.

Thailand has some exciting visa news for travelers aiming for extended stays, with new rules starting on June 1, 2024. The government has announced that visa waiver entries for tourists will now be doubled from 30 to 60 days. Additionally, new visa schemes will be available for long stays, including digital nomads and those interested in Thai boxing and cooking courses.

The government has previously stated its intention to introduce new immigration measures to boost foreign investment. These measures target both tourism and work-related stays, as well as retirees.

Of particular interest to our readers is the extension of tourist entries under the visa waiver program from 30 to 60 days for most countries. However, the specific list of eligible countries has yet to be published, which can be frustrating. It’s not uncommon in Thailand for new regulations to be approved by the cabinet and then formalized with a publication in the Royal Gazette.

By December 2024, the e-Visa service will expand from 47 to 94 Thai embassies, consulates, and trade and economic offices worldwide. This expansion will streamline the process and reduce the workload and foot traffic at diplomatic missions.

By June 2025, Thailand plans to develop an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system for foreign nationals eligible for visa exemption. This system is expected to include a fee, potentially ending the ongoing discussion of a tourism fee by charging travelers in advance. ETAs are already used in countries like South Korea, Canada, and the U.S., with the European Union developing a similar system.

This isn’t the first time Thailand has used extended entry stamps to stimulate the economy. After COVID-19, there was a 45-day entry stamp to encourage longer stays, although its success is unclear.

Starting June 1, 2024, visitors from certain nationalities (exact list yet to be released) entering Thailand under the Visa Waiver Program will receive a 60-day entry permit instead of the usual 30 days. Additionally, the number of visa waiver-eligible countries and Visa on Arrival-eligible countries will increase. We will provide the exact list once available.

Thailand has also introduced long-term visa options for Digital Nomads and those interested in Muay Thai fighting or Thai cookery.

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