Thailand Extends Visa-Free Stays to 45 Days for 53 Countries
Thailand plans to extend visa-free stays for citizens of 53 countries—including France, Germany, and the UK—to 45 days starting October 1, 2022, as part of efforts to revive tourism amid improving COVID-19 conditions.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand has unveiled an innovative proposal to the government: extending the current 30-day visa-free stay for European citizens to 45 days. Here’s what you need to know.
The Official Announcement
The meeting, attended by members of the COVID-19 Situation Administration Center and the Prime Minister of Thailand, examined measures to better manage the country’s health crisis. Following discussions, it was agreed to lengthen the stay duration for tourists visiting the Kingdom, as announced by CCSA spokesperson Dr. Taweesin Visanuyothin during his briefing.
The decision aims to revive the economy and boost revenue from tourism, with authorities citing improving health conditions and encouraging travel to the destination. The government’s official statement confirms that visa-exempt tourists will now be allowed to stay for 45 days, effective from October 1 of this year until March 31, 2023.
Countries Affected
The extension applies to tourists from 53 countries who no longer require a Thai visa. While they may stay for 45 days, clarification is needed: authorities have not specified whether the extension grants 45 new days or adds 15 days to the existing 30-day allowance. The CCSA will provide further details during its next meeting in September.
The list of eligible countries includes South Africa, the United States, Denmark, France, Germany, Canada, and the United Kingdom. It also covers Australia, Spain, the Netherlands, Andorra, Ukraine, Italy, Austria, Turkey, Japan, Kuwait, Belgium, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, and Norway. The decision also applies to travelers from Bahrain, Slovakia, the Philippines, Estonia, the Maldives, and Portugal. Additional countries include:
Poland, Brunei, Finland, Sweden, Greece, New Zealand, Liechtenstein, Monaco, and Switzerland;
Hungary, Malaysia, Iceland, Mauritius, Qatar, San Marino;
Luxembourg, Singapore, Indonesia, the Czech Republic, Ireland, Slovenia, Lithuania, Israel, and Latvia.
Visa on Arrival Extended
The visa on arrival program—available to travelers from 18 countries—will see its duration extended from 15 to 30 days. This applies to eligible tourists seeking a Thai visa on arrival between October 1 and March 31, 2023. Eligible nationals include those from India, Saudi Arabia, Papua New Guinea, China, Bulgaria, Bhutan, Nauru, Cyprus, Mexico, Ethiopia, Romania, Vanuatu, Fiji, Malta, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Taiwan, and Uzbekistan. Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has also approved the lifting of the emergency decree and the dissolution of the CCSA, effective October 1, 2022. With this change, COVID-19 will transition from a dangerous communicable disease to a monitored communicable illness.
