Foreign visitors may be able to enjoy visa-free trips to Thailand for up to 45 days until the end of the year. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has proposed keeping the initiative in place for the whole of 2023. The original plan was to return to the previous maximum of 30 days after March
2 November 2023
| Post byThailand has announced temporary visa exemptions for tourists from India and Taiwan, effective from November 10, 2023, until May 10, 2024. Tourists from these countries will no longer need a Thai visa to enter the country, temporarily joining around 60 other visa-free nations.
This move comes after other recent changes to Thailand’s visa policy, which also granted citizens of China and Kazakhstan temporary visa exemptions. The Thai Government recently decided to make this change permanent for these countries from November 10, 2023.
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin confirmed the news to the press after a cabinet meeting, with the aim of boosting international tourism numbers.
Boosting Thailand’s Tourism Sector
India, with a robust middle-class segment of about 350 million people, has shown growing interest in Thailand as a travel destination.
In the first nine months of 2023, Thailand welcomed around 1.26 million Indian visitors. This figure is anticipated to rise to 1.55 million by the year’s end.
On average, Indian tourists spend 41,000 baht (around 1140 USD) during their 7-8 day stay in the country.
Taiwanese tourist numbers are also notable, with projections indicating that about 700,000 Taiwanese will have visited Thailand by the close of 2023. This is a slight decrease from the 780,000 who visited in 2019, pre-pandemic.
Each Taiwanese tourist typically spends around 42,000 baht (around 1170 USD) for their 8-day stay, bringing in revenues approximating 33.5 billion baht.
What Do Tourists From India and Taiwan Need to Know?
The decision to temporarily alter Thailand’s visa policy for Indian and Taiwanese travelers means that citizens of these countries will not need a visa to visit Thailand during the 6-month period.
The new visa exemption will be valid for stays of 30 days or less. Indian and Taiwanese passport holders who intend to stay in Thailand for more than 30 days will need to obtain a visa for their trip. The same applies to those who plan to work or study while in the country.
How to enter Thailand during the 6-month exemption period
Travelers from India and Taiwan will only need a valid passport from either country to enter Thailand during the temporary exemption period.
Visitors with dual nationality must ensure they use a passport which is from a visa-exempt country. This can be India, Taiwan, or any other nation that’s part of Thailand’s visa waiver program.
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