Thailand expands visa-free entry, doubles stay limit

Travellers hoping to deep-dive into the wonders of Thailand on an extended trip can now enjoy up to 60 days on a single visit, following a expansion of the nation’s visa exemption list and doubling of the previous 30 day limit.

The move applies to tourists and short-term business travellers from 93 countries, including Australia and New Zealand, and if 60 days isn’t long enough, up to an additional 30 can be approved at the Immigration Office.

At the same time, Thailand has added a new visa for remote workers and digital nomads, as well as people visiting for approved activities such as Muay Thai and Thai cooking classes, for a period of up to five years.

This new Destination Thailand Visa, or DVT, is available for 10,000 Baht (AUD$414) and requires proof of no less than 500,000 Baht (AUD $20,710) for the duration of stay. 

A release from the Tourism Authority of Thailand notes the DVT extends to the holder’s spouse and dependent children, entitling them to “a five-year stay with multiple entries for cumulative stays not exceeding 180 days, which can be extended for another 180 days.”

Intended to stimulate the Thai economy, the expanded visa list arrives just a month after the scrapping of a proposed – and controversial – 300 Baht (AUD$12) tourist tax, which would have applied to visitors arriving by air.