In a bid to boost the tourism industry, the Thai government has decided to introduce some modifications to benefit a number of visa holders, including digital nomads.
New changes include extending visa validity for digital nomads and foreign students, allowing many more foreign nationals to visit without a visa (up to 93), and permitting more countries to apply for a visa on arrival (up to 31).
Without further ado, let’s explore the changes Thailand has just introduced to its visas:
Visa Waiver Program: Travelers from 93 nations and territories will now be exempt from holding a visa to be allowed in Thailand. Before July 15, only 57 countries could take part in this scheme.
Visitors from those nations can now stay in Thailand for up to 60 days carrying out tourism activities and short-term business. This visa can be renewed for 30 more days at your local immigration office.
The new additions include:
- Australia
- Bhutan
- Brunei
- Cambodia
- China
- Hong Kong
- India
- Indonesia
- Japan
- Republic of Korea
- Laos
- Macau
- Malaysia
- Philippines
- Singapore
- Sri Lanka
- Taiwan
- Vietnam
Visa on Arrival (VOA): Visitors from 31 countries and territories will now be permitted to obtain their tourist visa after landing in Thailand. This visa expires 15 days after approval and has a cost of 2,000 Baht, (US 56).
Student Visa (Non-Immigrant ED Plus): Foreign nationals carrying out studies in Thailand’s higher educational institutions, will now be allowed to stay in the country for one more year, during which, they are permitted to work.
Digital Nomad Visa: Officially known as the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV), this new visa caters to digital nomads, freelancers and remote workers, as well as people interested in engaging in cultural activities like attending music festivals, seminars, or learning Muay Thai or traditional cuisine. Those seeking medical attention can also apply for this DTV visa.
Getting this visa will grant you permission to live and work in Thailand with your family dependents for up to 5 years with multiple entries. The visa has a validity of 180 days which can be extended to 180 more.
There’s a catch. Successful candidates are those who can prove the possession of a bank account with no less than 500,000 Baht (US 13,908). The visa fee is 10,000 Baht (US 277).