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.

IMPACT – MEDIUM

The Thai government has eased its COVID-19 entry and testing requirements.

Key Points:

  • As of April 1, travelers, regardless of their vaccination status or departure country, do not need a pre-departure COVID-19 test to enter the country.
  • Thai authorities are no longer requiring individuals to have a negative PCR test that was taken within 72 hours before departure.
  • Travelers are still required to obtain a Thailand Pass QR-code before traveling to Thailand and take a PCR test on their first day of arrival until further notice.

Additional Information: Thai authorities are expected to ease other entry requirements in the coming months, including the requirement of taking a PCR test on the first day of arrival.

BAL Analysis: Entry and health requirements may change with little or no notice. 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.

The Thai government has announced it will ease its COVID-19 entry requirements for those entering the country under the “Test & Go” scheme.

Key Points:

  • Beginning March. 1, travelers arriving through the “Test & Go” scheme will no longer be required to quarantine upon arrival.  To use the scheme, travelers must:
    • Take a PCR test on the first day after arrival and a rapid test on the fifth day after arrival.
    • Have proof of a prepaid one night stay in a government-approved hotel to wait for the results of the PCR test taken on the first day after arrival.
    • Have an insurance policy that covers at least $20,000.

Additional Information: Thai authorities will still require travelers to have proof that they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and of a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours before departure to enter Thailand. More information regarding the Thailand Pass is available here.

BAL Analysis: Travelers are reminding that entry requirements can change with little or no notice. 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.