Thailand starts waiving visas for tourists from 93 destinations from Monday

By VNA July 12, 2024 | 07:31 pm PT

Chinese tourists take pictures in downtown in Bangkok, Thailand, March 31, 2024. Photo by Reuters

Thailand will allow citizens of more destinations to enter the kingdom visa-free starting from July 15 as part of measures to promote tourism and encourage longer stays, according to Thailand's Interior Ministry spokeswoman Traisuree Taisaranakul.

The official said Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul signed four documents to ease travel for foreigners, all of which will take effect on July 15 pending their announcement in the Royal Gazette.

The directives include a new list of economies eligible for visa-free entry into Thailand, increasing from 57 to 93. Visitors from these places will be able to stay for no more than 60 days.

Thailand will also nearly double the number of economies eligible for visas on arrival, from 19 to 31.

In addition, the country will introduce the Destination Thailand Visa service, targeting digital nomads, freelancers, and visitors looking to perform or learn skills such as cooking and Muay Thai.

The new visa type, valid for five years, allows holders to stay up to 180 days.

Thailand has received 17.5 million foreign tourists so far this year.