Thailand has announced the opening of its borders for tourists from across the globe with stringent visa policies thereby strengthening safety measures. Thailand is now allowing visitors to apply for the Tourist Visa (TR) or ‘Special Tourist Visa’ (STV) with a mandatory 14-day quarantine at Government-approved quarantine facilities.According to the new protocols, travellers who wish to enter Thailand must have 1 of the aforementioned valid visa and the Certificate of Entry (COE).
TYPE OF VISA |
TOURIST VISA (TRV) |
SPECIAL TOURSIT VISA (STV)(LONG TERM VISA) |
VISA VALIDITY |
60 DAYS – SINGLE ENTRY |
90 DAYS – SINGLE ENTRY |
VISA TYPE |
VISA CATEGORY CANNOT BE CHANGED ONCE APPLIED FOR |
|
LENGTH OF STAY |
UPTO 60 DAYS |
UPTO 90 DAYS |
MINIMUM STAY REQUIREMENT |
NA |
30 DAYS |
EXTENSION OF THE VISA |
ONE TIME FOR 30 DAYS ONLY |
TWICE FOR 90 DAYS, PER EXTENSION |
TOTAL LENGTH OF STAY |
MAXIMUM 90 DAYS |
MAXIMUM 270 DAYS |
VISA FEE |
INR 2500/- + applicable taxes |
INR 5000/- + applicable taxes |
PROCESSING TIME |
5-7 WORKING DAYS |
5-7 WORKING DAYS |
TR Visa/STV holders must apply for COE online https://coethailand.mfa.go.th/regis/step?language=en)
Tourist can opt for the visas as per the nature of their stay. At present, there are two type of visas applicable for leisure travellers – Tourist Visa (TRV) and Special Tourist Visa (STV). TR visa caters to the tourist visiting Thailand for a short-term stay, while STV caters to tourist planning for a long-term stay. However, COE certificate, health insurance covering COVID-19 and a 14-day quarantine is mandatory for both. One must apply for the COE certification post receiving the visa.
Cholada Siddhivarn, Director Tourism Authority of Thailand, Mumbai office, said, “We are now strategizing our efforts towards rebuilding tourism. The new visa rule and procedures will act as a catalyst to ensure uttermost safety is maintained while we open the country for international tourists”. She further added, “We will work cohesively with our travel trade partners and continuously aid them with revised product offerings. Together we will adapt to the new normal and slowly but steadily, we will see more and more tourists visiting our country”.
Vachirachai Sirisumpan, Director Tourism Authority of Thailand, New Delhi office, added that “Thailand is gradually opening up for international tourists including Indian travellers and we hope that regular flights between the two countries will be starting soon. Once tourists arrive in Thailand they should ensure to follow all safety measures of “Amazing Thailand Safety and Health Administration Certification” or SHA which covers every touch points of tourist experience in Thailand. Tourist can be confident on safety and have a good experience while travelling in Thailand as well.
