visa
- Thailand News
Thailand cash splash: Foreign tourists send Visa spending soaring
Thailand is basking in a financial boom, with foreign tourists spending a staggering 90% more on Visa credit cards this year compared to the pre-pandemic high of 2019. While Thai travellers are tightening their purse strings amid a sluggish economy, foreigners can’t seem to get enough of the Land of Smiles. Visa Thailand’s country manager, Punnamas Vichitkulwongsa, revealed that Thailand…
- Tourism News
Thailand anticipates record 2.2 million Russian tourists in 2024
Thailand’s tourism sector is set to witness a surge in Russian travellers, with projections indicating a record 2.2 million arrivals next year, buoyed by a new 60-day visa-free scheme. However, a shortage of aircraft in Russian airlines poses a challenge, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). In 2025, TAT aims for a 7.5% increase in revenue, targeting 39…
- Thailand News
Thailand eases visa rules to attract long-term visitors
New visa regulations issued by Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs have made it significantly easier to visit and stay in the country long-term. The number of countries eligible for visa-free entry has increased from 57 to 93, now including India and China. Visitors from these countries will receive a 60-day entry stamp, which can be extended for another 30 days…
- Visa Information
Do you qualify for a digital nomad visa?
Is it your dream to travel the world? But is money an issue that keeps you chained to your desk at work? Well, as the world becomes increasingly interconnected and remote work continues to gain popularity, many countries have started offering digital nomad visas. These visas allow remote workers to live in a country for an extended period while working…
- Thailand News
Massive positive changes to Thailand’s visa system from June 1
5-year visas available for digital nomads, boxers and chefs students The cabinet has approved a number of new visa initiatives aimed at attracting more tourists. This includes visa-free and visa-on-arrival schemes, extended stays for students, and a decrease in mandatory health insurance for retirees. The Foreign Ministry suggested these actions due to the country’s significant reliance on tourism, according to…
- Thailand News
Chinese tourists roll with the non-ed visa punches in Phuket
A group of Chinese tourists swept into Phuket this weekend, kickstarting Thailand’s tourism revival under the Non-Immigrant ED Visa, playfully dubbed the Non-Ed Visa. This special pass unlocks the punchline: tourists can now spar in Muay Thai classes, stretching their stay to a whopping 90 days, delivering a knockout blow to the former 60-day limit. The welcoming party at Phuket…
- Thailand News
Australians in Phuket gain easy access to visa services
From Monday, April 29, Australians residing in Phuket can access visa services and provide biometrics within the city, according to a statement released by the Australian Ambassador to Thailand, Angela Macdonald. The service, which was previously only available in Bangkok and Chiang Mai, is now available in Phuket through the Australian Biometric Collection Centre, operated by VFS Global. “The Australian…
- World News
Portugal’s golden visa: A perfect choice for global investors
Global mobility is a necessity in current times, and countries around the world are capitalising on this and making changes to their citizenship programs with the intention of attracting global investors. Emerging as one of the most popular residency-by-investment visas, Portugal has made amendments to its visa program this year. Making changes to the eligibility criteria and investment requirements, the…
- Politics News
Thailand eyes visa-free agreement with EU countries
Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin recently announced the country’s ambitions to boost its tourism industry and international relationships, following a promising discussion with French President Emmanuel Macron. Held at the prestigious Élysée Palace in Paris, the meeting centred around a visa-free agreement with Schengen area countries, a strategic move that France has expressed support for. The Thai prime minister’s announcement…
- Guides
Thai Legal Protection offers comprehensive assistance for individuals navigating U.S. Immigration and travel regulations
Thai Legal Protection, a leading provider of legal services in Thailand, is pleased to announce that its members now have access to immigration expert visa consultants with decades of experience in U.S. visa applications. Whether it is a tourist visa, fiancée K-1 visa, or marriage visa, Thai Legal Protection’s expert guidance and advice can help you put forth a stronger…
- Visa Information
Elevate your privilege with the Thailand Elite Visa
The Thailand Elite Visa is a leading choice for foreign nationals looking to make Thailand a second home and with good reason. This is a long-term tourist visa granting unlimited travel into and out of Thailand, obtainable by becoming a member of the Thailand Privilege program. Thailand Privilege Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of the Thai government’s Ministry of Tourism and…
- Visa Information
Beat the system: Nail your background check with a record
Navigating the process of completing a background check with a criminal record can seem daunting. Yet, it’s a crucial step, especially when you’re aiming to clear your name or secure a new job. Understanding the different types of checks and what they entail is your first move towards a smoother process. What is a criminal record? Understanding your criminal record…
- Visa Information
Schengen visa simplified: Step-by-step guide for travellers
Are you planning a trip to the enchanting Schengen Area? Whether you’re dreaming of sipping coffee in Paris, exploring ancient ruins in Rome, or soaking up the scenic beauty of the Alps, you’ll need a Schengen Tourist Visa. This guide is your first step to unlocking the doors to Europe. Understanding Schengen tourist visas What is a Schengen visa? When…
- Visa Information
The ultimate preparation checklist for your 2024 visa interview
Preparing for a visa interview in 2024? It’s a crucial step on your journey to studying abroad, and getting it right can significantly boost your chances of success. Whether it’s your dream university in Thailand or another destination, the visa interview is where you make your case. Understanding the visa interview process Importance of visa interviews You’re embarking on an…
- Pattaya News
Pattaya tourism bosses lobby for fixed visa-free policy with India
Pattaya tourism chiefs are lobbying for a permanent visa-free travel agreement with India in a move driven by the Asian giant’s projected ascension to the world’s third-largest economy by 2027. The conviction behind this push lies in the promising impacts of a temporary visa exemption for Indian tourists, which is due to conclude on May 10 but is proposed for…
- Thailand News
New Zealand Embassy introduces increased visa fees for Thailand
The Royal Thai Embassy in Wellington announced an increase in visa fees for individuals from New Zealand intending to visit Thailand. The new fees will be effective from March 19 onwards. The announcement has caused concern among netizens on social media that there could be a possible visa fee increase for other nationalities. The embassy announced on its official website…
- Thailand News
Thailand plans visa-free travel expansion to stimulate tourism
Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin revealed the government’s intent to extend visa-free travel to citizens of several additional countries. This development follows Thailand’s recent decision to waive visas for Chinese and Indian citizens, an attempt to stimulate the tourism sector, a vital component of Southeast Asia’s second-largest economy. During Wednesday’s meeting at Government House, PM Srettha and Australia’s Governor-General, David…
- Thailand News
Thailand and Australia consider mutual visa exemption
In a bid to foster seamless travel and boost business ties, Thailand and Australia are contemplating a mutual visa exemption scheme. The proposition was tabled during a high-profile meeting between Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and David Hurley, the Governor-General of Australia, at Government House yesterday. Amidst a visit to Thailand, Governor-General Hurley, accompanied by his spouse Linda, is set to…
- Thailand News
Chinese foreign minister begins four-day visit to Thailand
Chinese State Councillor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi will sign a Thailand-China visa exemption agreement during his much-anticipated four-day official visit to Thailand. Wang Yi and his Thai counterpart, Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara, are prepared to co-sign the Agreement on Mutual Visa Exemption. This deal will reshape the travel landscape for ordinary passport holders and passport-wielding public figures starting March 1. Starting…
- Thailand News
Cross-border connections revolution: Visa free travel for Chinese and Singaporeans
Starting from February 9, Chinese and Singaporean travellers can jet off visa-free in a new move to waive the requirement. In an exclusive bilateral agreement unveiled today, January 25, the world’s second-largest economy, China, and the vibrant city-state of Singapore have torn down the bureaucratic barriers, allowing their citizens a visa-free stay of up to 30 days on either side. This…
- Thailand News
PM Srettha seeks extension to visa-free countries list for Thai passport
Currently boasting entry to 34 nations without a visa, the Thai government is seeking to extend this list for Thai passport holders. In a recent Cabinet meeting, Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavasin announced his pursuit of a much more powerful Thai passport that will extend the list of visa-free countries. Applauding recent expansions, including visa-free access to China, Russia, and…
- Business News
Thai-Chinese visa exemption policy may boost outbound travel by 10%
The Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA) predicted a 10% surge in outbound visitors from Thailand to China, due to the new mutual visa exemption policy between the two countries. However, the ATTA President, Sisdivachr Cheewarattanaporn, expressed doubts over the government’s projected figure of 8.2 million inbound visitors from China. The visa-free arrangement, aimed at enhancing bilateral relations and boosting tourism…
- Thailand News
Thailand and China to implement mutual visa-free travel from March
Beginning in March, Thailand and China will roll out a mutual visa-free agreement. This arrangement means that citizens from both countries will not need to apply for visas when travelling to the other country. The scheme was announced by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin after a Cabinet meeting, and it will take effect from the first day of March. The initiative…
- Business News
Thailand and China agree on permanent visa-free travel from March
Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin today announced a new permanent visa-free agreement between Thailand and China during a Cabinet meeting. This arrangement, set to start on March 1, will allow citizens from both nations to travel to each other’s countries without prior visa applications. This move marks an enhancement to Thailand’s existing visa-free policy for Chinese visitors, initially slated to run…
- Pattaya News
Pattaya visa scam leaves hundreds of tourists out of pocket and overstaying
Hundreds of victims have been financially swindled by an unscrupulous visa extension agency in Pattaya, with some foreign victims being illegally overstayed in the Kingdom. Today, 36 year old Chanidapha Thowasakul, represented a group of more than 30 victims, including foreign nationals, and brought 33 year old Suphawadee (surname withheld) to the Pattaya City Police Station. The victims, with 40…
- Thailand News
Thailand extends visa-free entry for Japanese business visitors
Thailand’s Cabinet has given the green light to extend the 30-day visa-free entry privilege for Japanese visitors. The update, effective from January 1 next year, now includes Japanese business travellers. The Cabinet, convening today, December 12, waved the magic wand on a proposal brought forth by the Foreign Affairs Ministry. Deputy government spokesman Kharom Polpornklang spilt the beans, sharing that…
- Thailand News
China slashes visa fees: Tourists to travel to the PRC for less
China has thrown open its doors, slashing visa fees by a whopping 25% with the offer extending to a range of countries including Thailand, Japan, Mexico, Vietnam, and the Philippines. China, in its latest move to boost tourism and business, has made it more affordable for millions to obtain visas. The unprecedented 25% cut applies to travellers from over a dozen…
- Tourism News
Visa-free travel policies boost global tourism and economy
Countries worldwide are recognising the importance of travel freedom in bolstering their economies and accelerating the recovery post-pandemic. As tourism and trade flourish without border restrictions, governments are implementing strategies to enhance their tourism competitiveness, such as visa-free travel policies and the digitalisation of pre-travel processes. Prominent countries like China and India, with their vast populations, are primary targets for…
- Crime News
Visa villains vamoosed: Thailand’s Immigration Police pounce on six suspects for fraud, overstays, and shady transactions
Thailand’s Immigration Police recently nabbed six foreign suspects in three distinct cases of visa fraud, overstaying, and illegal money transactions. According to the Immigration Bureau (IB) commissioner, Police Lieutenant General Itthipol Itthisaranachai, some of the culprits are now awaiting deportation to their home countries for prosecution. Highlighting the first instance, Itthipol drew attention to a group of four Pakistani individuals…
- Thailand News
Thailand extends visa deadline for migrant workers from four nations
The Ministry of Interior in Thailand declared an extension for migrant workers from Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam. The extension allows them to remain in the country while applying for fresh visas and work permits. This decision, announced yesterday, is the Ministry’s response to two new regulations that were disclosed in the Royal Gazette on Monday. According to Traisuree Taisaranakul,…
