Thailand changes its visa rules for tourists and students?

Wednesday, June 5, 2024 Thailand has announced changes to its visa rules for tourists and students in a significant move aimed at boosting tourism and enhancing educational opportunities. These changes, effective from July 1, 2024, are designed to simplify the visa application process, extend the duration of stay, and make Thailand a more attractive destination for both short-term visitors and long-term residents. For Tourists: Tourists will now benefit from an extended visa-on-arrival period.

Previously capped at 30 days, the new rules allow tourists from eligible countries to stay in Thailand for up to 45 days without needing to apply for an extension. This change is expected to encourage longer vacations and more in-depth exploration of Thailand’s diverse regions. Additionally, tourists seeking to stay longer than 45 days can now apply for a new long-stay tourist visa, which grants a 90-day stay with the possibility of extending it for an additional 90 days.

This new visa is particularly appealing for retirees and digital nomads looking to spend extended periods in Thailand without the hassle of frequent renewals. For Students: Students will also see significant improvements under the new visa rules. International students enrolled in recognized educational institutions in Thailand will be eligible for a student visa valid for one year, as opposed to the previous six-month period.

This change aims to reduce the administrative burden on students and educational institutio.