Thailand starts granting special visa to tourists from all countries

Government’s deputy spokeswoman Ratchada Thanadirek. Photo by THE NATION

BANGKOK — Thailand has done away with restrictions on nationality for long-stay tourists and tourists who travel on yachts as well as their crews who are allowed to enter the country under the Special Tourist Visa (STV), the government’s deputy spokeswoman Ratchada Thanadirek said on Tuesday.

With the gazette announcement, the STV policy takes effect from October 1 for the period until September 30, 2021.

“Previously the STV only allowed in tourists from countries with a low risk of Covid-19 infections under Public Health Ministry regulations,” she said. “However, only 825 persons from 29 countries and six yachts have applied so far, which is lower than government’s estimation.”

The Cabinet therefore agreed to remove the nationality restrictions for tourists applying for the STV, as well as extend the period during which tourists and/or yachts would be inspected and approved to enter Thailand at immigration checkpoints for 30 days, in order to allow more qualified tourists to enter the kingdom and promote tourism.

“Although the nationality restriction is removed, tourists in both groups will still need to comply with other regulations under the STV, which include providing evidence of a place to stay during their long visit and submitting to alternative state quarantine in appointed hospitals or hotels for not less than 14 days,” she added.