Home to paradisiacal islands where sugary white sands are hugged by teal-colored seas, vibrant cities with famous for their riotous nightlife, and a breathtaking natural landscape, arguably some of the most impressive in the world, Thailand is a bucket list destination for many.
The only downside? Thai authorities have only issued one-month entry permits to U.S. and most European nationals, one of the shortest tourist visas worldwide; while this policy has never affected short-term visitors, the same cannot be said of long-term travelers.
Those hoping to travel the length of Thailand, and see as many islands as possible during a single visit were required to cap their stay at 30 days only—were, past tense, as the country is now relaxing their visa policy:
Thailand Is Finally Extending The Tourist Visa
From June 1, 2024, American travelers and nationals of 92 other countries, including Canadians, Brits, Australians and New Zealanders, will be able to stay in Thailand for two months now, instead of just one: still not the three-month standard, but an improvement, nonetheless.
The move is sure to attract more slow travelers and remote workers, who typically stay in a single country for longer than just 30 days, and it’s not the only trick the Thai Government has up its sleeve: the Digital Nomad Visa (DNV) is also being reformed, with provisions for a five-year validity.
In sum, if you fulfill the requirements, which are yet to be formally set out, you can be issued a five-year-long visa enabling you to stay in Thailand for 180 days per entry, not continuously; in other words, you must still resort to the infamous visa runs at least twice a year.
More information is needed regarding the DNV, so we’ll stick to the tourist visa for now:
American Tourists Can Now Stay Two Months In Thailand Instead Of One
Starting this summer, if you’re a U.S. passport holder, you can stay 60 continuous days in Thailand, and if you’re intent on staying longer even, taking a trip to another country for a day, and then re-entering Thailand on the next to receive an additional two months is in theory possible.
The best thing is, you don’t need to apply for eVisas, or even fill out one of those annoying entry forms prior to arrival: you can land in Thailand visa-free, and you’ll be issued a two-month entry leave upon arrival.
U.S. and Europeans represent some of the biggest tourism markets in Thailand, and for years now, there has been a push for the relaxation of visa rules, so this is a major development, and one that’s certain to appease the travel community.
Thailand is not the only country to have loosened entry rules recently, though: Vietnam also extended their visa validity from 30 days to 3 months, and even China, the most restrictive of all, now allows some Europeans to enter visa-free for 15 days.
America’s are not on China’s list, but on the other hand, the visa application process has been greatly simplified: you’re still expected to request a visa at a consulate and provide biometrics, but confirmation of round-trip flights, proof of accommodation or invitation letter are no longer mandatory.
As Asia opens up further, Thailand remains one of the most tourist-friendly destinations in the continent:
Why Do Tourists Love Thailand?
Bangkok is a one-of-a-kind city break, combining culture, gastronomy and entertainment: hiding in plain sight amid the busy streets and endless sea of towering high-rises, you’ll find historic temples dating back centuries, traditional street markets lining a scenic riverfront and magnificent royal palaces.
It’s perhaps the most vibrant capital in all of Asia, or how we like to call it, the Asian Berlin, with a club-lined Khan Sao Road catering to a diverse clientele, straight, gay, and everyone in between, offering unhinged fun and one-dollar beers.
On the shores of the azure South China Sea, there’s a beautifully-chaotic Pattaya, with bars (and adult entertainment venues) straddling the waterfront, whereas off the coast, in tourist-packed Phuket, it’s luxury resorts, picturesque temple sites, and lively beach zones that await you.
Thai islands are literal paradise on Earth, and whether you’re looking for highly-developed beaches, where there are five-star hotels galore and spa facilities, or recluse, nature-dominated alternatives yet to be spoiled by tourism, there’s a myriad of options to choose from.
Now, if you’re keen on experiencing Thailand’s ancient culture, it’s the temple-dotted Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai in the mountainous North that should be at the top of your list: one boasts a UNESCO-listed, walled Old Town, the other’s best known for its landmark, Insta-favorite White Temple.
The way you see it, we could spend a lifetime in Thailand and still not see all that it has to offer.
The diverse tourist offer is not the only reason why this is a destination worth staying the full 60-day period: it is one of the cheapest sunny getaways out there, and with living costs averaging $1,341 per month, it’s no wonder digital nomads are flocking here and advocating for longer stays!
Well, two months is not a whole year—here’s hoping Thai officials take a page out of fellow nomad haven Georgia‘s book—but it’s a start.
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