COVID-19: Special tourist visa scheme for long-staying visitors launched

IMPACT – MEDIUM

Thailand’s Ministry of Interior has announced the launch of a special tourist visa scheme for long-staying visitors.

Key Points:

·         Effective from Sept. 30, until Sept. 30, 2021, the visas will be made available to long-staying visitors from countries with lower COVID-19 infection rates, as determined by the Ministry of Public Health.

·         Visa holders will be required to comply with Thailand’s COVID-19 control measures and undergo a local state or hospital quarantine for a minimum of 14 days. They will have to present proof of payment for local state or hospital quarantine and one of the following: a hotel reservation for long-stay purposes, evidence of ownership of a condominium or a house or condominium rental contract.

·         In addition, visa holders must have health and accident insurance coverage that covers the period of their stay in Thailand, with a minimum THB 40,000 coverage for outpatient treatment and a minimum THB 400,000 coverage for inpatient hospital and physician services.

·         Eligible visitors can apply for the special tourist visa at Thai embassies and consulates worldwide. The visa will cost THB 2,000 per 90-day period and will be valid for a single entry. Requests for extension can be made twice, each for an additional 90 days. The special tourist visa cannot be converted to other types of visas.

Analysis & Comments: The special tourist visa scheme will allowed a limited number of travelers to enter the country. The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available. Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, available here, for information on travel restrictions and immigration changes in other countries.

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