Just in: Thailand welcomes South Africans with 60-day visa-free stays

Travellers from 93 countries, including Greece, France, UAE, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa will be granted an extra 30 visa-free days in the Land of Smiles.

According to reports, Thailand is taking steps to boost its economic growth and simplify life for tourists who plan to visit the popular destination with its new 60-day visa-free visitation allowance.

As per The Thaiger, government spokesperson Chai Wacharonke recently announced the change in short detail.

From July 2024 onwards, visitors entering Thailand by air, land, or sea will be allowed in the country for two months (60 days), visa-free.

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This means that Thailand tourists can enjoy double the time exploring the destination without paying a 1 900 baht (R943.62) visa extension fee.

Visitors will still be required to report their Thai address within their first two days of entry into the country, either in person or via hotel registration.

This news comes alongside Thailand’s introduction of the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) which allows remote workers and their families visa extensions up to five years, with each visit allowable for up to 180 days. The DTV costs 10 000 baht (R4 959.30) per 180 days, with a 500 000 baht (R248,165.75) bond required in a local bank.

As per TTW, Thailand witnessed a significant surge in tourism in 2023, with tourist arrivals soaring to approximately 28.15 million, more than doubling from the eleven million recorded in previous years.