Thailand: Expansion of Visa Exemption and Visa-on-Arrival Policies Forthcoming
July 25, 2024
Update – July 25, 2024: The expansion of visa exemption and visa-on-arrival policies below went into effect on July 15, 2024. The nationals of 93 countries and territories that are eligible for the 60-day visa exemption may extend their stay for a period not exceeding 30 days and the extension application must be filed with the immigration office. If a foreign national needs to conduct necessary, urgent or ad hoc work activities as defined by the Employment or Labor Department, they must obtain an urgent work permit (UWP) by notifying the labor registrar in person at any international airport or labor offices in Thailand. The UWP takes one business day to process and will only be valid for 15 days, which is extendible for another 15 days with a 45-day cooling off period from the time the first UWP expires.
Separately, nationals of 31 countries may now apply for visa-on-arrival for tourism purposes at immigration checkpoints upon entering Thailand for a fee of THB 2000. They will be allowed to stay in the country for up to 15 days on a single-entry basis. This type of visa does not allow work in Thailand.
June 20, 2024: The Thai government announced an expansion of visa exemption and visa-on-arrival policies which are intended to stimulate Thailand’s economy and promote tourism and which will go into effect in late June or early July, 2024. Once effective, nationals of 93 countries, up from 57 countries, will be allowed to enter and stay in Thailand without obtaining a visa for up to 60 days for tourism and business purposes. Further, once the policy is in effect, nationals of 31 countries, up from 19 countries, will be able to apply for a visa-on-arrival at immigration checkpoints upon arrival or through an online filing system up to three business days prior to arrival in Thailand. They will be allowed to enter and stay in Thailand for up to 15 days. The list of nationals eligible for visa exemptions and visas-on-arrival can be found here.
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].
Explore more at Fragomen
Fragomen news
Fragomen on immigration
Partner K. Edward Raleigh analyzes how post‑midterm US business immigration will shift toward heightened enforcement, worker‑protection scrutiny and cross‑agency oversight, urging employers to align hiring practices, sponsorship decisions and documentation with consistent, defensible workforce strategies.
Video
Senior Manager Sumejja Handzo outlines Germany’s health insurance requirements for visas and residence permits, including coverage options, documentation considerations and key compliance requirements for foreign nationals relocating to Germany.
Media mentions
Partner Daniel Schwarz highlights how US visa appointment backlogs and limited availability for B visas are shaping international travel planning for the upcoming World Cup.
Article
Knowledge Management Manager Annabelle Duchêne explores how Europe’s prolonged reliance on Temporary Protection Status has created legal and workforce uncertainty and why clear, structured exit pathways are now essential for employers and displaced individuals alike.
Article
Destination Services Director Christine Sperr examines how Saudi Arabia’s evolving Premium Residency framework and newly expanded foreign property ownership rules are reshaping the Kingdom’s appeal for internationally mobile professionals, global employers and institutional investors.
Media mentions
Practice Leader Olga Nechita outlines key Portuguese visa options for UK nationals, including routes for entrepreneurs and retirees, alongside basic income and residency requirements.
Video
Partner Melissa Vasquez-Myers reviews the June 2026 Visa Bulletin, including retrogression for EB2 and EB1 India and forward movement in the EB3 category for Indian and Chinese nationals.
Media mentions
Awards
Canada Managing Partner Cosmina Morariu is recognized by Women We Admire among the Top Women Leaders of Toronto for 2026 for her leadership in immigration and global mobility.
Video
Senior Manager Harry Goldstraw outlines key considerations for UK employers hiring international talent, including sponsorship requirements, visa pathways and compliance obligations shaping workforce mobility strategy.
Article
Senior Counsel Jo Antoons examines how the EU’s proposed social security reforms are reshaping A1 compliance for business travel, introducing “Day One” requirements and greater complexity.
Fragomen news
Fragomen on immigration
Partner K. Edward Raleigh analyzes how post‑midterm US business immigration will shift toward heightened enforcement, worker‑protection scrutiny and cross‑agency oversight, urging employers to align hiring practices, sponsorship decisions and documentation with consistent, defensible workforce strategies.
Video
Senior Manager Sumejja Handzo outlines Germany’s health insurance requirements for visas and residence permits, including coverage options, documentation considerations and key compliance requirements for foreign nationals relocating to Germany.
Media mentions
Partner Daniel Schwarz highlights how US visa appointment backlogs and limited availability for B visas are shaping international travel planning for the upcoming World Cup.
Article
Knowledge Management Manager Annabelle Duchêne explores how Europe’s prolonged reliance on Temporary Protection Status has created legal and workforce uncertainty and why clear, structured exit pathways are now essential for employers and displaced individuals alike.
Article
Destination Services Director Christine Sperr examines how Saudi Arabia’s evolving Premium Residency framework and newly expanded foreign property ownership rules are reshaping the Kingdom’s appeal for internationally mobile professionals, global employers and institutional investors.
Media mentions
Practice Leader Olga Nechita outlines key Portuguese visa options for UK nationals, including routes for entrepreneurs and retirees, alongside basic income and residency requirements.
Video
Partner Melissa Vasquez-Myers reviews the June 2026 Visa Bulletin, including retrogression for EB2 and EB1 India and forward movement in the EB3 category for Indian and Chinese nationals.
Media mentions
Awards
Canada Managing Partner Cosmina Morariu is recognized by Women We Admire among the Top Women Leaders of Toronto for 2026 for her leadership in immigration and global mobility.
Video
Senior Manager Harry Goldstraw outlines key considerations for UK employers hiring international talent, including sponsorship requirements, visa pathways and compliance obligations shaping workforce mobility strategy.
Article
Senior Counsel Jo Antoons examines how the EU’s proposed social security reforms are reshaping A1 compliance for business travel, introducing “Day One” requirements and greater complexity.