Visa-free travel to Thailand for more international tourists

[snoop1130]

 

In a bid to revitalize its tourism sector, the Thai government has significantly eased visa restrictions for millions more international tourists.

 

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin declared that Thai tourism has entered a new era of inclusivity, outlining the remarkable transformations underway.

 

Previously confined to conventional markets like the European Union, the UK, the US, and Australia, visa-exempt travel has now expanded its horizons. Holidaymakers from Russia bask in a generous 90-day stay, without the hassle of prior approval or visa on arrival. Meanwhile, citizens of China, India, and several other nations revel in a 30-day welcome, devoid of bureaucratic entanglements, thanks to a mutually beneficial agreement.

 

Thai immigration authorities assert that eight out of 10 short-term visitors to Thailand can now journey hassle-free, heralding a new era of accessibility.

 

However, exemptions remain for nationals hailing from Africa, certain parts of Asia, and South America, underscoring the country’s commitment to balanced security measures.

 

In addition, the 61 year old Thai PM is spearheading discussions with Australia, the European Union, and other global entities to foster reciprocal visa-free arrangements, promising enhanced access for Thai citizens in return.

 

Furthermore, Thailand is exploring the concept of a regional or unification visa within ASEAN, potentially allowing seamless travel across participating member countries. This bold endeavour takes inspiration from Mexico’s existing policy, granting automatic access to most foreigners holding valid US or Schengen visas, reported Pattaya Mail.

 

Despite the strides towards visa-free travel, security remains paramount. Cutting-edge biometric and AI technologies, including fingerprint, facial recognition, and iris scans, fortify border control, ensuring thorough screening for criminal records and Interpol alerts.

 

“The Thai policy aims to reignite international travel, eradicating the Covid legacy of barriers and debt distress.”

 

While long-stay expats retain prior visa arrangements, including Elite and Long-Term Residence visas, the government is adapting to the digital age. Expect streamlined e-visas and advanced technological solutions to simplify processes, catering to the burgeoning demand for efficiency.

 

By Top

Caption: Photo courtesy of MCOT

 

Source: The Thaiger 2024-02-23

 

- Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here.

 

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[Dogbarker]

 The 45 days visa waiver made the country more attractive to me to travel .  But was withdrawn .  Maybe a reconsideration would be advantageous ? 

[SingAPorn]

Many countries in Asia or India give 12 month  or 5 year multiple entry tourist visas with max stay not more then 180 days per visit....with no red tape or hassle.Thailand is still very backward on the issue. Quality retirees who own houses on leasehold or condos on purchase should have a facilitated process to get long term visas with less absurd paperwork the embassies ask. A copy of the blue book and lease agreement should be enough. Not to forget that all residents in western europe have excellent compulsory health care that covers them abroad.

[bokningar]

Russians get 90 days on arrival. So we know who they prefer to have here.

[ROGER DUNN]

How come the Ruskies gets 90 days and not  the rest only 30 ???

Is it Quantity not Quality !

[Hakuna Matata]

 

[vukovar77]

It is very strange that russians have free visa and EU citizens not???Government prefer russians,chinese than EU,USA,UK,AUSTRALIA,CANADA people???

[topt]

2 hours ago, SingAPorn said:

Not to forget that all residents in western europe have excellent compulsory health care that covers them abroad.

Not true if including the UK in western Europe..........

[topt]

1 minute ago, vukovar77 said:

It is very strange that russians have free visa and EU citizens not???Government prefer russians,chinese than EU,USA,UK,AUSTRALIA,CANADA people???

I think you misread it -

15 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Previously confined to conventional markets like the European Union, the UK, the US, and Australia, visa-exempt travel has now expanded its horizons.

30 days only to those

[Victor Laszlo]

The Thais are very adaptable when it comes down to their favoured tourists.

[Lemsta69]

1 hour ago, Hakuna Matata said:

 

 

That dude is a gibbering idiot!

[vukovar77]

2 hours ago, topt said:

I think you misread it -

30 days only to those

Not misread.Only some EU countries have 30 days free visa with strict rules.Not all.Russia,China 90 days!!!It is not the same,right?

[findlay13]

How about 3 months for Aussies Brits Yanks etc?

[brewsterbudgen]

1 hour ago, findlay13 said:

How about 3 months for Aussies Brits Yanks etc?

Perhaps if Australia, UK and USA gave Thais visa-free entry, Thailand might relax entry requirements for them as well.  But seeing as they already get 30 days + 30 days, or 60 days + 30 days with a visa, it's unlikely Thailand will be even more generous when there is zero reciprocity.

[DonniePeverley]

So how many visitors is the head of TAT Stretta looking at ?

 

They are set to smash 40 million this year. How many more do they want ?

 

At what point will they say 'this is too much'. Or is there no such thing?

 

What happened to quality tourism ?

 

Giving long term visas is going to push rents up and hit Thai's who will find life unafforable - like what is happening in Phuket. 

 

 

[jacko45k]

On 2/24/2024 at 7:45 AM, ROGER DUNN said:

How come the Ruskies gets 90 days and not  the rest only 30 ???

Is it Quantity not Quality !

Reciprocal agreement.......Thais can visit Russia for 3 months without a Visa. Many South Americans have similar arrangements.