Key Points
- Thailand will introduce several short-term and long-term measures and changes to its immigration laws beginning on 1 June 2024
Overview
The government of Thailand introduced new visa and immigration rules for the coming months.
These changes include the following:
Short-term Measures (Effective June 1, 2024):
Visa-Free Entry (VOA for 30 days):
- New eligible countries: Bhutan, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Fiji, Georgia, India, Kazakhstan, Malta, Mexico, Papua New Guinea, Romania, Uzbekistan, Taiwan, China, Laos, Macau, Mongolia, Russia, Cambodia, Albania, Colombia, Croatia, Cuba, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Guatemala, Jamaica, Jordan, Kosovo, Morocco, Panama, Sri Lanka, Trinidad and Tobago, Tonga and Uruguay.
Destination Thailand Visa (DTV):
- For long-term tourists and remote workers (e.g., digital nomads, freelancers).
- Requirements: Financial proof of 500,000 THB, visa fee of 10,000 THB, valid for five years, stay up to 180 days per entry.
- Includes dependents (spouse, children under 20).
- Must be obtained from a Thai Embassy before entry.
Student Visa Improvements:
- Extend stay for graduates by one year for job search or other activities.
- Allow change of visa status from education to work without leaving Thailand.
Mid-term Measures (September-December 2024):
Visa Code Reduction:
- The codes: Non-Immigrant B (Business), ED (Education), F (Official), M (Mass Media), O (Others), L-A (Labor), and O (L-A), have been simplified from 17 to 7.
Long Stay Visa for Elderly:
- Reduce health insurance deposit for Non-Immigrant O-A visa.
- Expand eligible countries for Non-Immigrant O-X visa.
Expand e-Visa Services:
- Cover all Thai embassies and consulates worldwide by December 2024.
Long-term Measures (Fully Implemented by June 2025):
Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA):
- For visa-exempt foreigners.
- Apply for ETA before travel and use the QR code at Auto-gate upon arrival.
- No fee implementation starting December 2024, full integration by June 2025.
Looking Ahead
Continue to check the government of Thailand’s website and Envoy Global’s website for the latest updates and information.
Content in this publication is for informational purposes only and not intended as legal advice, nor should it be relied on as such. For additional information on the issues discussed, consult an attorney at Corporate Immigration Partners, P.C., or another qualified professional of your choosing. On non-U.S. immigration issues, consult your Envoy representative, or another qualified representative of your choosing.
