Thailand Announced Visa Extension For Tourists Starting October 01

Good News for those planning a trip to Thailand during the upcoming high season, the Southeast Asian country has just announced visa extensions for tourists from countries/territories eligible for visa exemption and visa on arrival to Thailand, which will be effective from 1 October 2022, to 31 March 2023.

Thailand’s Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration approved the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s (TAT) proposal to extend the period of stay for tourists from visa-exempt countries/territories to 45 days, and to 30 days for those eligible for a Visa on Arrival (VOA).

This means that visitors from more than 80 countries will be able to stay in Thailand for an additional 15 days, giving them more time to explore the country.

Stay Period For Tourists

Foreign tourists from 18 countries who enter Thailand under the visa-on-arrival scheme can now stay for up to 15 days. Those from more than 50 Visa-Free countries can stay for up to 30 days.

Previously, the entry stamp was extended by 15 days to compensate for the two weeks of quarantine or “Sandbox” time that guests had to endure before they could travel freely throughout the kingdom.

Tourist Visa Extension

The length of stay per time will be increased from 30 days to 45 days during the specially granted 6-month visa extension period for passport holders of the following countries/territories who may enter Thailand under a tourist visa exemption scheme.

Thailand Visa Exemption Countries

Also, during the same 6-month period, the length of stay per time will be extended from 15 days to 30 days for passport holders of the following countries/territories who may apply for a Visa On Arrival:

Thailand Visa On Arrival (VOA) Countries

1. Bhutan
2. Bulgaria
3. China
4. Cyprus
5. Ethiopia
6. Fiji
7. Georgia
8. India
9. Kazakhstan
10. Malta
11. Mexico
12. Nauru
13. Papua New Guinea
14. Romania
15. Saudi Arabia
16. Taiwan
17. Uzbekistan, and
18. Vanuatu

Furthermore, under a bilateral agreement, passport holders from the following countries may enter Thailand without a visa:

• Cambodia (14 days)
• Myanmar (14 days)
• Hong Kong (30 days)
• Lao PDR. (30 days)
• Macau (30 days)
• Mongolia (30 days)
• Russia (30 days and VOA)
• Vietnam (30 days)
• Argentina (90 days)
• Brazil (90 days)
• Chile (90 days)
• Korea (ROK) (90 days)
• Peru (90 days)

Thailand Visa For Other Countries

Please keep in mind that nationals of certain countries/territories are only permitted to apply for a visa at the Royal Thai Embassy or Royal Consulate-General in their country of residence, or at the designated Royal Thai Embassy/Consulate-General. As a result, travellers should contact the nearest Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate-General to determine whether they are eligible to file the application.

The location and phone numbers of Royal Thai Embassies and Consulate-Generals can be found at www.thaiembassy.org.

Visitors can check their eligibility to apply online at www.thaievisa.go.th, the official website of the Thailand Electronic Visa.

Guidelines For Travellers

Travellers from all countries/territories who have proof of either a vaccination certificate or, in the case of unvaccinated individuals, a negative RT-PCR or professional ATK test result within 72 hours of departure. These can be printed or digitally. Arrivals at Thailand’s international airports or land border checkpoints will be subject to random checks (in 22 provinces).

Both vaccinated and unvaccinated/not fully vaccinated visitors to Thailand are advised to strictly adhere to health and safety standards. Travellers who exhibit COVID-like symptoms should be tested. If they test positive, they must seek medical attention.