Thailand Welcomes Travelers With 90-Day Tourist Visas
Orange sunset in Phuket.
Incentivizing tourism for international travelers has become the newest trend since countries started gradually reopening their borders after the initial wave of COVID-19. Thailand may have one of the most welcoming deals to attract visitors and potential residents of all.
The seated Maravija Buddha statue in Phuket.
The government is currently offering a 90-Day Visa that allows visitors to continually renew it up to a maximum of 270 days using the special tourist visa (STV). Yes. That’s nine whole months for anyone looking to explore all of Thailand. There is some fine print that cannot be overlooked with this amazing offer. Whether the stay is for three months or the full nine, travelers must undergo a mandatory 14-day self-quarantine that can take place either at a hospital or at one of the luxury hotels/properties officially-sanctioned to welcome international travelers to eliminate any possible carriage of the virus. No private residential quarantines are allowed. The country is expecting to welcome an average of 100-300 visitors a week which amounts to 1,200 a month. Thailand’s proactive measures on internally lowering the rampant effect of COVID-19 have sped up the country’s reopening within six months since its closure. This best reflects the country’s overall approach to ensuring the well being of citizens and visitors since the start of the pandemic.
Bangkok glowing at night.
"Visitors can arrive for tourism or health services, and they can stay at alternative state quarantine facilities, specific areas or at hospitals that function as quarantine facilities," Thailand’s Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha announced in a cabinet meeting according to The Bangkok Post. "Our public health system is amongst the best in the world and people can have confidence in it."
Another provision is that travelers must present financial evidence of their lodging. This can be a receipt from a hotel or lease towards securing an apartment. (Professional couch surfers need not apply.) In line with its promotion of tourism, this addition to the STV also opens the door for visitors to think about possibly relocating to Thailand. The more time spent in cities like Bangkok, Nonthaburi and Chiang Ma or along the beaches of Phuket, Pa Tong and Ko Sumai will heighten anyone's desire to stay just a bit longer. If this change of pace has done more than raise an eyebrow, then make Thailand your next big trip. When you finally land for a vacation or relocation, we know a network of professionals ready to greet you and make your stay in Thailand all the more memorable.