In a bid to revitalize the domestic economy and further promote the tourism sector, the Thai government has recently introduced an overhaul of its visa schemes. Below is a comprehensive overview of the new measures:
Short-Term Plan (Effective from June 2024):
1. Visa Exemption and Temporary Stay: Travelers from 93 countries and territories, including prominent nations like the US, Australia, Canada, France, India, and Russia, will now benefit from visa exemption and temporary stay status for up to 60 days upon entry into Thailand.
2. Expansion of Visa on Arrival (VOA): Efforts are in progress to include additional countries in the Visa on Arrival program to further promote travel and tourism.
3. Introduction of Destination Thailand Visa (DTV): New visa categories, namely the Destination Thailand Visa, will cater to specific groups such as remote workers, digital nomads, inbound patients, and wellness seekers, encouraging diverse demographics to explore Thailand.
4. Enhanced Opportunities for International Students: Undergraduate international students holding a Non-Immigrant Visa Type ED will benefit from extended privileges, fostering talent retention and integration into the Thai workforce.
Mid-Term Plan (Effective from September 2024):
1. Consolidation of Non-Immigrant Visas: The current 17 types of Non-Immigrant Visas will be streamlined into 7 categories, facilitating clarity and ease of application. The new categories are:
✓ Non-Immigrant Type B (Business)
✓ Non-Immigrant Type ED (Education)
✓ Non-Immigrant Type F (Official)
✓ Non-Immigrant Type M (Mass Media)
✓ Non-Immigrant Type O (Others)
✓ Non-Immigrant Type L-A (Labor)
✓ Non-Immigrant Type O (L-A)
2. Revisions to Non-Immigrant Type O-A Visa Terms: Terms and conditions for Non-Immigrant Type O-A visa applicants will be adjusted to resemble pre-COVID standards, including modifications to health insurance coverage.
3. Expansion of e-Visa Services: E-Visa services will be expanded to encompass all Thai Embassies and Consulates globally, simplifying the visa application process for travelers.
Long-Term Measures:
1. Implementation of Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) System: The government aims to enhance screening efficiency by introducing the ETA system for visa-exempt foreign nationals. Key features include:
✓ ETA Conditions: Mandatory for visa-exempt foreign nationals, with QR codes facilitating auto-gate access at airports. Application can be completed before departure or at immigration checkpoints, without any fee.
✓ Implementation Phases:
⦾ Phase 1 (Expected by December 2024): Rollout of a temporary ETA system and global e-Visa system launch, with exemptions for land border crossers from Laos, Cambodia, and Malaysia.
⦾ Phase 2 (Expected by June 2025): Full integration of the ETA system with e-Visa, necessitating registration for all visa-exempt foreign nationals before entering Thailand via any route.
These measures reflect Thailand’s commitment to boosting its economy through tourism and international engagement, aligning with global trends of easing travel restrictions and promoting digital processes.