Aussies will be able to stay in Thailand for longer, after the country expanded its visa-free entry scheme this week. Visa-free travel enables passport holders to enter a country without the need to obtain a visa before, or upon, arrival. That said, they must still pass through an immigration control facility where their passports are checked for validity.
The changes were made with the hope of boosting tourism. Thailand recorded 17.5 million foreign tourists arrivals in the first six months of 2024, up 35 per cent from the same period last year, according to official data.
However, the numbers are still much lower than pre-pandemic levels. READ MORE: These are the best cruise lines according to social media users Here's what you need to know. Visitors can now stay in the South-East Asian nation for up to 60 days under the new scheme that came into effect on Monday.
Previously, Australian passport holders were permitted to stay in Thailand for a period not exceeding 30 days on each visit. Travellers from Australia are not required to obtain a visa when entering Thailand for tourism purposes, with the expanded scheme now including 93 countries. That's up from 57 countries, that were previously allowed to enter without a visa.
READ MORE: Mainland Greece is an affordable way to have a Euro summer - here's where you need to go "Travellers from these qualified nations can visit Thailand for tourism or short-term business purposes, Ministry spokeswoman Traisuree Taisaranakul," said in a statement. The changes also saw the introduction of new visa options. A new "Destination Thailand Visa" has been introduced, targeting digital nomads, freelancers, and those looking to learn new skills such as cooking and martial arts.
This visa allows holders to stay for up to 180 days and is valid for five years. Here is the list of the 93 countries and territories exempt from visa entry into Thailand for a period of 60 days:.
