Thailand mulls bringing back visa-on-arrival to attract more tourists

National Security Council secretary-general Nathapol Nakpanit, director of business easing committee, claimed that the committee members plan to propose the extension of the validity of visa-on-arrival from 30 days to 45 days.

The 45-day tourist visa will apply to travellers from 56 countries, where Thailand has granted a 30-day visa upon arrival. The proposal aims to attract more short-term tourists who wish to visit Thailand. The additional 15 days is to accommodate the mandatory 14-day quarantine for all arrivals.

The idea also aims to stimulate the economy and to double the number of arrivals in the country as the committee was confident that the Public Health Ministry was able to contain COVID-19.

However, do not plan a trip just yet. Currently, there are only two types of tourist Thai visa – TR and STV visa. These visas must be applied to the Thai embassy and entails several requirements such as pre-booked Alternative State Quarantine and medical insurance with USD 100,000 coverage.

If you wish to visit Thailand anytime soon, it is best to check with the Thai consulate in your home country to be sure.