In a strategic move to further cement its position as a premier destination in Southeast Asia, Thailand has extended its e-Visa services to 16 additional countries, surprisingly absent from the previous exclusive list.
Over the past few years, several Asian destinations have introduced a myriad of work permits, travel authorizations, e-visas, and digital nomad visas, all in an effort to attract a greater number of international travelers and bolster their economies.
Earlier this week, the Philippines announced actions to streamline its digital nomad visa process, aiming to stay a step ahead of its regional competitors.
Now, it’s Thailand’s turn, as the government has announced the expansion of its e-Visa services to citizens of 16 new countries, bringing the total to 39.
This expanded service now covers a broader range of embassies and consulates across regions such as the Americas, Europe, Asia, Oceania, and Africa.
New Thailand’s Expanded e-Visa Service Locations
North America: 6 cities
Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, Ottawa, Vancouver, and Washington D.C.
Europe: 20 cities
Athens, Berlin, Bern, Brussels, Bucharest, Budapest, Copenhagen, Frankfurt, Helsinki, Lisbon, London, Madrid, Munich, Oslo, Paris, Prague, Rome, Stockholm, The Hague, and Vienna.
Latin America: 2 cities
Brasília and Santiago.
Asia: 19 cities
Astana, Beijing, Colombo, Dili, Guangzhou, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh, Hong Kong, Kota Bharu, Kuala Lumpur, Kunming, Nanning, Penang, Phnom Penh, Qingdao, Seoul, Shanghai, Xi’an, and Xiamen.
Africa: 1 city
Pretoria.
Middle East: 6 cities
Ankara, Cairo, Doha, Jeddah, Manama, and Riyadh.
Oceania: 3 cities
Canberra, Sydney, and Wellington.
While e-Visas are intended to be applied for, online, the “expansion” to these cities serves three main purposes:
Visa Processing Coordination: embassies and consulates still play an important role in processing, reviewing, and approving visas behind the scenes, ensuring faster processing times.
Traveler Support: These diplomatic offices provide crucial support to travelers who might experience technical issues or difficulties with document verification during the process.
Global Trust: By involving embassies and consulates, the Thai government showcases its robust global diplomatic network, reinforcing confidence in its systems.
Other Thai Visas and Services
Thailand has introduced a new visa scheme known as the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) for digital nomads and remote workers who wish to use Thailand as their temporary home base.
The DTV allows travelers to stay for up to 180 consecutive days, and it’s valid for five years. It is also a great fit for those interested in learning traditional Thai cuisine, martial arts, or similar cultural activities.
The country has also expanded its visa-free entry program to 93 countries, making it easier for travelers from these nations to visit for up to 60 days.
Last but not least, travelers from visa-exempt countries will soon be subject to the new Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system, which seeks to better track those visiting Thailand. The ETA will be available starting in June 2025.