BANGKOK – Thailand’s parliament has backed a wide set of visa changes from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), part of a push to lift tourism after the pandemic and support the wider economy.
The package builds on steps introduced since mid-2024 and includes visa-free entry for 93 countries for up to 60 days, a larger Visa on Arrival (VoA) list that now covers 31 territories, the new Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) for remote workers and people joining cultural activities, and the Non-Immigrant ED Plus visa that lets eligible foreign students work part-time while studying.
Together, these updates are meant to bring in longer-stay travelers, raise spending across hotels, restaurants, retail, and services, and strengthen Thailand’s appeal to digital nomads and other international talent.
Lawmakers see the approval as a major checkpoint in the government’s plan to make entry easier for visitors. Tourism remains a key driver of Thailand’s economy, with a strong role in GDP. While arrivals have continued to recover, officials say simpler entry rules matter as Thailand competes with nearby destinations such as Vietnam and Indonesia.
Visa-Free Entry and a Larger Visa on Arrival Program
Under the revised rules, travelers from 93 countries can enter Thailand without applying for a visa in advance when visiting for tourism, short-term business, or urgent work reasons. The list includes major travel markets such as the United States, the United Kingdom, EU countries, Australia, Japan, China, India, and Russia.
Visitors typically receive up to 60 days on arrival. They can also request a 30-day extension at local immigration offices, with a fee. This change, introduced in July 2024, increased the stay limit for many nationalities that previously received 30 days. Officials say it has supported longer trips and higher visitor spending.
Thailand has also expanded its Visa on Arrival program to 31 territories, up from 19. Eligible travelers can get a visa at immigration checkpoints when they arrive. Depending on nationality, the stay is usually between 15 and 60 days. The broader list makes it easier for last-minute travelers and visitors from emerging markets to enter without a long application process.
Officials have linked these entry changes to rising arrival numbers, especially from visa-waiver countries, and to Thailand reaching, and in some cases passing, pre-pandemic tourism levels in recent years.
Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) for Remote Work and Cultural Stays
One of the headline updates is the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV), a five-year multiple-entry visa created for remote workers, freelancers, digital nomads, and people taking part in approved “soft power” activities. After cabinet approval, it launched in July 2024.
The DTV allows stays of up to 180 days per entry. It can be extended once for another 180 days, with a fee of about 10,000 THB, handled through immigration offices.
The visa is aimed at people who earn income from outside Thailand, such as those working remotely for foreign employers or clients. In that case, a Thai work permit isn’t required. Applicants need to show they can support themselves, often with bank records showing at least 500,000 THB (about $14,500 USD) in savings over recent months.
They also need proof of remote work, such as an employment contract, a freelance portfolio, or similar documents.
The DTV also covers certain Thai cultural and activity-based programs. Examples include Muay Thai training, Thai cooking classes, sports programs, medical treatments, seminars, and music festivals. Applicants typically need acceptance letters from the organizations running those activities.
By giving remote workers a clear way to stay longer, the DTV supports the “workcation” style of travel, where visitors live and work in Thailand while spending locally on housing, food, and services. Early interest has been strong, with many travelers viewing it as a lower-cost option than some long-term residency paths.
Non-Immigrant ED Plus Visa Adds Part-Time Work Options for Students
Thailand has also introduced the Non-Immigrant ED Plus visa, which builds on the standard Non-Immigrant ED education visa. It allows eligible foreign students at approved Thai schools to work part-time while studying.
In the past, many student visa holders faced strict limits on employment. That made it harder to cover living expenses or gain work experience during their programs. With ED Plus, students can take on limited work, often in roles related to their studies or on-campus jobs, as long as they follow immigration and labor rules.
Supporters say the change can help Thailand compete as a study destination for international students who want both education and real workplace experience.
Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) Replaces Paper Entry Forms
Alongside the visa updates, the Immigration Bureau has introduced the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC), an online pre-arrival registration requirement. Since May 2025, all non-Thai nationals entering Thailand by air, land, or sea must complete the TDAC within three days before arrival through the official website, tdac.immigration.go.th.
TDAC replaces the paper TM6 form. The online system reduces paperwork at entry points, supports security screening, and helps speed up processing. It’s free to use and asks for basic personal and trip details, with no need for paid services or third-party agents.
Supporters of the visa reforms expect clear economic gains. Longer stays often lead to more spending on hotels, rentals, dining, transport, and activities. Remote workers also add steady local spending while still earning income from abroad. The government expects added revenue tied to tourism and related industries.
Some lawmakers and officials have also raised concerns about misuse, including overstays and illegal activity. In response, enforcement and monitoring continue to be adjusted. Even so, the MFA and many in parliament say the current package balances easier access with oversight.
As Thailand fine-tunes its immigration approach, these updates reflect a clear focus on welcoming more travelers and long-stay visitors. Travelers planning a trip are advised to check the latest rules through official MFA and Immigration Bureau sources before departure.
