Thailand visa news
Here are some recent updates on Thailand visa news:
Visa Exemptions
- In 2020, Thailand introduced a visa exemption policy for citizens of 55 countries, allowing them to stay in the country for up to 30 days without a visa.
- In 2022, Thailand extended the visa exemption policy to citizens of 21 more countries, including the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
Visa on Arrival (VOA)
- Thailand offers a VOA for citizens of 18 countries, including China, India, and Russia. The VOA allows travelers to stay in Thailand for up to 15 days.
- In 2022, Thailand increased the VOA fee from 2,000 THB to 2,000 THB + 1,900 THB (approximately $65 USD) for citizens of certain countries.
Electronic Visa (e-Visa)
- Thailand introduced an e-Visa system in 2019, allowing citizens of 49 countries to apply for a visa online.
- In 2022, Thailand extended the e-Visa system to citizens of 10 more countries, including Australia and New Zealand.
Long-Stay Visas
- Thailand offers long-stay visas for citizens of certain countries, including the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
- In 2022, Thailand introduced a new long-stay visa policy for digital nomads, allowing them to stay in the country for up to 1 year.
COVID-19 Travel Restrictions
- Thailand has implemented various COVID-19 travel restrictions, including a mandatory 14-day quarantine for travelers arriving from certain countries.
- In 2022, Thailand relaxed some of its COVID-19 travel restrictions, allowing fully vaccinated travelers to enter the country without quarantine.
Other Updates
- In 2022, Thailand introduced a new immigration law, which allows foreigners to own property in Thailand and to work in certain industries.
- Thailand has also introduced a new "Smart Visa" program, which allows foreigners to work in the country for up to 4 years.
It's always a good idea to check with the Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate in your home country or with a reputable visa agency for the most up-to-date information on Thailand visa requirements and regulations.