In a significant move to rejuvenate its tourism sector, Thailand has expanded its visa-free entry scheme to include 93 countries and territories. This new policy allows visitors from these nations to stay in the Southeast Asian country for up to 60 days.
Previously, passport holders from 57 countries enjoyed visa-free access to Thailand. The expansion aims to attract a broader range of international tourists as the country seeks to recover from the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has severely impacted its tourism industry—a crucial component of its economy.
Thailand’s tourism sector has shown signs of recovery with 17.5 million foreign tourists arriving in the first half of 2024, marking a 35% increase from the same period last year. Despite this rebound, the numbers remain below pre-pandemic levels. The majority of these tourists came from China, Malaysia, and India. Tourism revenue for the first half of the year reached 858 billion baht ($23.6 billion; £18.3 billion), falling short of the government’s target.
The new visa policy also introduces additional benefits, including a five-year visa for remote workers, allowing them to stay for up to 180 days annually. Furthermore, students who complete a bachelor’s degree or higher in Thailand will be granted a one-year extension to stay post-graduation for job hunting or travel.
Thailand’s stunning golden temples, pristine beaches, and scenic mountains continue to draw millions of visitors. The expanded visa-free access aims to further boost the nation’s appeal as it rebuilds its tourism sector.
Here is the complete list of the 93 countries and territories now exempt from visa entry into Thailand for up to 60 days:
- Albania
- Andorra
- Australia
- Austria
- Bahrain
- Belgium
- Bhutan
- Brazil
- Brunei
- Bulgaria
- Cambodia
- Canada
- China
- Colombia
- Croatia
- Cuba
- Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Dominica
- Dominican Republic
- Ecuador
- Estonia
- Fiji
- Finland
- France
- Georgia
- Germany
- Greece
- Guatemala
- Hong Kong
- Hungary
- Iceland
- India
- Indonesia
- Ireland
- Israel
- Italy
- Jamaica
- Japan
- Jordan
- Kazakhstan
- Kosovo
- Kuwait
- Laos
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Macau
- Malaysia
- Maldives
- Malta
- Mauritius
- Mexico
- Monaco
- Mongolia
- Morocco
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
- Norway
- Oman
- Panama
- Papua New Guinea
- Peru
- Philippines
- Poland
- Portugal
- Qatar
- Romania
- Russia
- San Marino
- Saudi Arabia
- Singapore
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- South Africa
- South Korea
- Spain
- Sri Lanka
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Taiwan
- Tonga
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Turkey
- Ukraine
- United Arab Emirates
- United Kingdom
- United States
- Uruguay
- Uzbekistan
- Vietnam
The move is expected to stimulate tourism and contribute to Thailand’s economic recovery efforts.
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