Thailand has extended its visa exemption for UK visitors to 60 days to boost holiday durations and sales opportunities for travel agents.
Previously Brits could only stay in the destination visa-free for 30 days while the new visa extension of 60 days also includes an option to further lengthen visitors’ stays to 90 days.
In addition, a new Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) has been launched for digital nomads.
Both changes are now in place, having been introduced from July 15.
The visa exemption has also been expanded from 57 countries, which include the UK and Ireland, to 93. Visitors can stay for tourism purposes and short-term business engagements while the 30 day extension can be sought through the Immigration Office.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand is in the process of sending out newsletters to the trade and updating training and social media information to alert agents to the new visa rules, which it believes could boost tourism to the destination.
Sadudee Sangnil, director of the TAT London office, said: “The UK and Ireland have always been visa exempt but we are excited to see the validity extend to 60 days with the option of 90 days.
“Thailand is such a diverse country with so much to explore and the option to stay for up to three months provides an opportunity for visitors to travel at a more leisurely pace and see and experience more.”
She was hopeful the new visa option would particularly appeal to travellers over the age of 50, the destination’s strongest tourism market, over the warm winter months.
She added: “This is a great sales opportunity for agents, to sell longer trips filled with more experiences and tours.”
The new destination visa DTV, which has a fee of 10,000 Baht, is aimed at remote workers, digital nomads, and freelancers as well as people taking part in courses such as Thai cooking classes, sport training, medical treatments, seminars and music festivals.
It is valid for five years, allows multiple entries for cumulative stays not exceeding 180 days, which can be extended by another 180 days. Spouses and dependent children of DTV holders will also be eligible and applicants must have proof of funds or a guarantee of not less than 500,000 Baht for the duration of their stay.
Sangnil added: “Remote working and freelance lifestyle is increasing, but so is the cost of living in the UK. Thailand offers a warm, welcoming and affordable place to live and work.
“With the DTV visa being valid for the holder’s spouse and children too, it opens up the opportunity for family travel bookings. The family market in particular will be seeking the peace of mind, security and destination expertise that booking with an agent brings for long haul and long stay travel.”