Since July 15, 2024, nationals of 93 countries (including France) can now stay in Thailand for up to 60 days without a visa. The visa exemption is one of the latest measures implemented by Thai authorities to facilitate travel, attract more visitors, and boost the national economy. Here's what you need to know...

Thailand's Visa Exemption Extended to 60 Days

Since mid-July, Thai authorities have announced the official expansion of Thailand's Visa Exemption period. Previously limited to 30 days, the period now extends to 60 days. Additionally, it is now possible to travel to Thailand without a visa for a duration of 60 days.

This new measure applies to nationals of 93 countries, up from 57 previously. Here is the list of countries exempt from visa entry requirements to Thai territory for a period of 60 days:

• South Africa,

• Albania,

• Germany,

• Andorra,

• Saudi Arabia,

• Australia,

• Austria,

• Bahrain,

• Belgium,

• Bhutan,

• Brazil,

• Brunei,

• Bulgaria,

• Cambodia,

• Canada,

• China,

• Cyprus,

• Colombia,

• South Korea,

• Croatia,

• Cuba,

• Denmark,

• Dominica,

• United Arab Emirates,

• Ecuador,

• Spain,

• Estonia,

• United States,

• Fiji,

• Finland,

• France,

• Georgia,

• Greece,

• Guatemala,

• Hong Kong,

• Hungary,

• India,

• Indonesia,

• Ireland,

• Iceland,

• Israel,

• Italy,

• Jamaica,

• Japan,

• Jordan,

• Kazakhstan,

• Kosovo,

• Kuwait,

• Laos,

• Latvia,

• Liechtenstein,

• Lithuania,

• Luxembourg,

• Macau,

• Malaysia,

• Maldives,

• Malta,

• Morocco,

• Mauritius,

• Mexico,

• Monaco,

• Mongolia,

• Norway,

• New Zealand,

• Oman,

• Uzbekistan,

• Panama,

• Papua New Guinea,

• Netherlands,

• Peru,

• Philippines,

• Poland,

• Portugal,

• Qatar,

• Dominican Republic,

• Czech Republic,

• Romania,

• United Kingdom,

• Russia,

• San Marino,

• Singapore,

• Slovakia,

• Slovenia,

• Sri Lanka,

• Sweden,

• Switzerland,

• Taiwan,

• Tonga,

• Trinidad and Tobago,

• Turkey,

• Ukraine,

• Uruguay,

• Vietnam.

Other New Visa Policy Updates

In addition to doubling the visa exemption period and expanding the measure to more countries, Thai authorities have also announced other updates to visa policies.

As Thailand's Interior Ministry spokesperson, Traisulee Traisoranakul, explains: "These four announcements are part of PM Srettha Thavisin's government policy to stimulate the tourism economy by taking measures to attract foreign tourists, particularly by facilitating travel".

These new updates include:

The Launch of the "Destination Thailand Visa" for Digital Workers and Freelancers

The Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) is a new visa category designed for independent workers and digital nomads. It may also interest foreigners wishing to study various Thai arts such as Muay Thai (Thai boxing), Thai cuisine, medical treatments, training courses, seminars, and artistic and musical exhibitions.

This new visa allows you to stay in Thailand for up to 180 days per visit over a 5-year period. Its unique feature? It offers multiple entry. In other words, you can enter and exit the country several times during the visa's validity.

Extension of the Non-Immigrant (ED) Visa for International Students

The other new measure concerns the extension of the stay duration for students under the Non-Immigrant (ED) visa. Indeed, the novelty allows students to obtain an extended stay of 1 year after obtaining their diploma in order to allow them to find work and remain in Thailand.