The Thai cabinet approved new measures to promote tourism and stimulate Thailand’s economy, including a new Destination Thailand Visa category.

Key Points:

  • As BAL previously reported, the Thai government is undertaking several new immigration initiatives designed to increase tourism and spur economic growth.
  • During the most recent cabinet meeting on May 28 the government approved additional measures, including:
    • Effective June 1, the visa-on-arrival policy will be expanded to include additional countries. The allowable stay of 30 days will be extended to 60 days for tourists and short-term business travelers from 93 countries.
    • A new visa category called the Destination Thailand Visa will be created for foreign nationals who wish to stay for work and tourism for a longer period.
    • Expanded rights for student visas and employment opportunities for foreign students who are enrolled in a bachelor’s degree program or higher and hold a nonimmigrant ED visa.
      • The new policy would allow eligible students to stay after graduation for one year to look for a job, travel or engage in other activities.
      • Individuals may also then obtain employment and apply for a work permit. The change of status would be from an education (nonimmigrant ED) to a work permit (nonimmigrant B) without having to leave the country.

Additional Information: The new Destination Thailand Visa has received cabinet approval but is pending official implementation by the Thai Immigration Bureau. Once implemented, the new category will be tailored to foreign nationals who wish to travel for longer-term tourism and remote work, including highly skilled foreign nationals and digital nomads. Currently, tourist visas allow for a 60-day stay and a single 30-day extension. The new visa category will allow for up to a 180-day stay per entry. The visa will cost 10,000 THB (about US$272) and be valid for five years. Individuals may also be able to extend their stay for an additional 180 days and change visa types within the country.

BAL Analysis: The cabinet has tasked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other relevant agencies to update and align their internal regulations and implement these measures to promote tourism and stimulate Thailand’s economy. BAL will provide further updates and confirm the official commencement and detailed procedural guidelines for the Destination Thailand Visa once available.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice Group.

Copyright © 2024 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries, please contact copyright@bal.com.

The Thai cabinet approved an extension of the visa-free policy that allows Indian and Taiwanese tourists to enter Thailand for 30 days without a visa.

‌Key Points:

  • The extension is effective from May 11, 2024, to Nov. 11, 2024.
  • The Immigration Bureau stated that visa holders are allowed an extension for an additional 30 days and can convert to a nonimmigrant B visa for work authorization if desired.

Additional Information: BAL previously reported the initial approval of this policy by the Ministry of Interior. The original policy allowed eligible passport holders or individuals with valid documents from India and Taiwan to visit Thailand for tourism purposes visa-free from Nov. 10, 2023, to May 10, 2024.

BAL Analysis: The extension is part of a wider government policy to boost tourism and facilitate additional cross-border travel and economic development.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice Group.

Copyright © 2024 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries, please contact copyright@bal.com.

The Thai government is introducing several new immigration initiatives designed to increase tourism and spur economic growth.

Key Points:

  • The Thai cabinet recently approved the extension of a policy that allows Russian tourists to enter Thailand for 60 days until July 31, 2024.
    • The Immigration Bureau stated that visa holders are allowed an extension for an additional 30 days and can convert to a nonimmigrant B visa for work authorization if desired.
  • The Sports Authority of Thailand and the Office of the Boxing Board Committee are developing a Thai boxing visa program. The boxing visa would be divided into two categories based on the type of boxing establishment where foreign nationals study to learn boxing.
    • Applicants would contact their respective embassy to obtain a nonimmigrant education visa to enter for 90 days.
    • The visa will be renewable depending on the registration authority. If an individual obtains a visa from a boxing school that holds an education license approval from the Ministry of Education, they will be able to renew their visa for a period not exceeding one year. If the visa is from a school registered with the Sports Authority of Thailand, the visa will be non-renewable, and continued study will require a new application.
    • The program is still in development. BAL will provide additional details upon approval from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
  • Finally, Thai officials are leading a push for a joint visa program similar to the Schengen visa that would include Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam.

Additional Information: Thailand’s Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin stated that the move for a joint visa program between the six nations would promote seamless mobility across the Southeast Asian countries, streamline tourist entry and boost tourism spending.

BAL Analysis: Thailand’s economic growth has slowed recently due to weaker demand and tourism. The tourism-reliant country has recently created several policy updates to reopen after strict pandemic restrictions. These policies are also part of a wider government strategy to facilitate entry and boost investment from international business interests.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice Group.

Copyright © 2024 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries, please contact copyright@bal.com.

The Thai cabinet extended a policy that allows Japanese tourists to enter Thailand for 30 days without a visa including for business visits.

Key Points:

  • The extended policy will be in effect from Jan. 1, 2024, to Dec. 31, 2026.
  • The current visa-free entry policy only applies to Japanese tourists.
  • Immigration officials stated the measure will ensure additional convenience for business representatives who represent Thailand’s top investor and third largest trade partner.

Additional Information: Immigration officials stated that visa holders are allowed an extension for an additional 30 days and can convert to a nonimmigrant B visa for work authorization if desired.

BAL Analysis: The visa exemption policy is part of a wider government strategy to facilitate entry and boost investment from Japanese business interests. BAL will continue following this matter and will provide more information as it becomes available.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice Group.

Copyright © 2023 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries, please contact copyright@bal.com.

The Thai cabinet approved a new policy that allows Indian and Taiwanese tourists to enter Thailand for 30 days without a visa.

‌Key Points:

  • The Ministry of Interior published the official announcement in The Royal Gazette on Nov. 9
  • The new policy will be in effect from Nov. 10, 2023, to May 10, 2024.
  • The Immigration Bureau stated that visa holders are allowed an extension for an additional 30 days and can convert to a nonimmigrant B visa for work authorization if desired.

BAL Analysis: The new policy is part of a wider government effort to boost tourism during the high season. BAL will continue following this matter and will provide more information as it becomes available.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice Group

Copyright © 2023 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries, please contact copyright@bal.com.

IMPACT — MEDIUM

The Thai government has updated the application process for long-term resident visas.

Key Points:

  • Individuals must now submit and receive approval for their LTR visa applications before they can apply for a work permit.
  • Once foreign nationals receive their LTR visa, they must immediately apply for their work permit through the LTR online portal. After authorities approve their work permit application, they must make an appointment with the Department of Employment to obtain their digital work permit.
  • LTR visa holders will not be allowed to begin working in Thailand until they have received their digital work permit from the Department of Employment.

Additional Information: Previously, LTR visa applicants could submit their visa and work permit applications simultaneously.

BAL Analysis: Foreign nationals should be aware of the LTR visa application process changes and plan accordingly. Individuals should expect increased waiting times throughout the LTR application process.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice Group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

Copyright © 2023 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries, please contact copyright@bal.com.

IMPACT — MEDIUM

The Thai government has announced that it will introduce landing fees for those traveling to the country without certain permits.

Key Points:

  • Beginning in June 2023, foreign nationals who travel to Thailand and do not hold a valid work permit or transit visa must pay a landing fee upon arrival.
  • Travelers entering the country by air must pay up to 300 THB (about US$8.70); travelers entering the country by land or sea must pay up to 150 THB.
  • Thai nationals and children under the age of two will be exempt from landing fees.
  • Travelers in transit, diplomatic or official passport holders, and foreigners holding Thai work permits will be exempt from landing fees.

Additional Information: A portion of the landing fee will be allocated to accident insurance for travelers. This insurance will cover up to 500,000 THB for health treatment resulting from an accident, as well as up to 1 million THB in compensation for accidental death while traveling in Thailand.

BAL Analysis: Foreign nationals should be aware of the new landing fees when entering the country and plan accordingly.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice Group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

Copyright © 2023 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries please contact copyright@bal.com.

IMPACT – MEDIUM

The Thai government has lifted its remaining COVID-19 entry requirements.

Key Points:

  • As of Oct. 1, individuals traveling to Thailand no longer have to:
    • Obtain a Thailand Pass.
    • Have proof of a negative pre-departure COVID-19 test if they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
    • Take COVID-19 tests upon or after arrival.
    • Purchase COVID-19 health insurance.
  • Travelers who are not fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and do not have proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken before departure must follow public health measure as communicated by Thai authorities upon arrival.

Additional Information: As of Oct. 1, visa-exempt travelers can stay in Thailand for 45 days instead of 30 days. Visa on Arrival (VOA) travelers can stay in Thailand for 30 day instead of 15 days.

BAL Analysis: The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and BAL will provide additional updates as information becomes available.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

Copyright © 2022 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries, please contact copyright@bal.com.

IMPACT – MEDIUM

The Thai government has updated its requirements for obtaining the COVID-19 Thailand Pass.

Key Points:

  • As of June 1, Thai nationals no longer need register through Thailand Pass when traveling to the country.
  • Fully vaccinated foreign nationals must register through Thailand Pass and provide proof of a valid passport, vaccination certificate and health insurance covering at least US$10,000 to enter Thailand.
  • Travelers who are not fully vaccinated can enter Thailand if they register through Thailand Pass and provide proof of a valid passport, health insurance covering at least US$10,000 and a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours before departure.
  • Foreign nationals will receive approval within two hours once they have submitted the required documents through Thailand Pass.

Additional Information: More information regarding the Thailand Pass is available here.

BAL Analysis: The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and BAL will provide additional updates as information becomes available.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

Copyright © 2022 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries please contact copyright@bal.com.

IMPACT – MEDIUM

The Thai government has announced that it will relax its COVID-19 entry requirements and testing policies as of May 1, 2022.

Key Points:

  • Beginning May 1, fully vaccinated international travelers will no longer be required to undergo a PCR test when entering the country.
  • Fully vaccinated travelers must still register through Thailand Pass and provide proof of a valid passport, vaccination certificate, and health insurance covering at least US$10,000 (for non-Thai nationals) to enter Thailand.
  • Travelers who are not fully vaccinated can enter Thailand if they register through Thailand Pass and provide proof of a valid passport, vaccination certificate, and health insurance covering at least US$10,000 (for non-Thai nationals) and satisfy one of the following:
    • Upload proof of a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours before departure.
    • Book an Alternative Quarantine (AQ) hotel room for five days and take a PCR test on the fourth or fifth day of quarantine.

Additional Information: More information regarding the Thailand Pass is available here.

BAL Analysis: The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and BAL will provide additional updates as information becomes available.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

Copyright © 2022 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries please contact copyright@bal.com.