These latest visa changes in Thailand will benefit digital nomads

In an effort to boost the tourism industry, the Thai government has decided to introduce some amendments to the benefit of a number of visa holders, including digital nomads.

New changes include extending the validity of visas for digital nomads and foreign students, allowing many more foreigners to visit without a visa (up to 93), and giving more countries the option to apply for a visa on arrival (up to 31) .

Without further ado, let’s take a look at the changes Thailand just made to its visas:

Visa Waiver Program: Travelers from 93 countries and territories will now be exempt from needing a visa to be admitted into Thailand. Before July 15, only 57 countries could participate in this program.

Visitors from those countries can now stay in Thailand for up to 60 days for tourism activities and short-term business. This visa can be extended for a further 30 days at your local immigration office.

The new additions include:

• Australia
• Bhutan
• Brunei
• Cambodia
• China
• Hong-Kong
• India
• Indonesia
• Japan
• Republic of Korea
• Laos
• Macau
• Malaysia
• Philippines
• Singapore
• Sri Lanka
• Taiwan
• Vietnam

Visa on arrival (VOA): Visitors from 31 countries and territories are now allowed to obtain their tourist visas after landing in Thailand. This visa expires 15 days after approval and costs 2,000 Baht (US 56).

Student Visa (Non-Immigrant ED Plus): Foreign nationals studying at Thailand’s higher education institutions are now allowed to stay in the country for an additional year, during which they are allowed to work.

Visa for digital nomads: Officially known as the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV)This new visa is suitable for digital nomads, freelancers and remote workers, as well as people interested in cultural activities such as attending music festivals, seminars or learning Muay Thai or traditional cuisine. Those seeking medical assistance can also apply for this DTV visa.

If you get this visa, you will be allowed to live and work in Thailand with your family members for up to 5 years, with multiple entries. The visa has a validity of 180 days, which can be extended to 180 days.

There’s a catch. Successful candidates are those who can demonstrate possession of a bank account with as much as 500,000 Baht (US 13,908). The visa fee is 10,000 Baht (US 277).