Planning a trip to Thailand in 2024? Knowing about the right visa and travel insurance is key. Thailand offers various visas, each suited for different purposes – from a 90-Day stay to a long-term residence.
Whether you’re coming for retirement, business, marriage, or as a privileged traveler, we’ll guide you through choosing the right visa for your needs. We also highlight the need for travel insurance, an important consideration for your health and financial safety in Thailand.
With COVID-19 restrictions lifted, Thailand is ready to welcome you. Let’s get you prepared for your journey! Traveling to Thailand involves understanding the current restrictions, especially for various visas and nationalities.
Here are the key travel restrictions for this year, presented in reverse order:
- Certificates of Entry (COE) and Thailand Passes are no longer required for entry.
- Travel insurance is not mandatory but is highly recommended.
- Face mask regulations have been relaxed, now mainly required in certain places like hospitals and on public transport like the BTS/MRT. However, wearing a face mask is still strongly advised.
- A TM30 form is required for all tourists intending to stay in Thailand.
- Visa exemptions are available for travelers from specific countries, with new related schemes introduced.
- No requirement for travelers to provide COVID-19 test results upon arrival or departure from Thailand.
Applying for the Right Visa
There are many visa options when coming to Thailand in 2024, and you must choose, and apply for the right visa. Most foreign nationals need a Thailand Visa for stays exceeding 30 days.
Here are the list of visas in Thailand:
- 90-Day Thai Visa
Ideal for those planning a longer stay beyond the typical tourist visit, this visa offers an extended stay in Thailand. - Thai Privilege Visa
The Thailand Elite Visa falls under the category of a tourist visa but instead, it’s a long-term visa. It’s designed for wealthy and high-income foreign nationals, providing a privileged entry visa.This program offers the chance to acquire a long-term multiple-entry visa, along with the right to reside in Thailand for a period of up to 20 years. Each membership has special privileges and perks.
- Long-Term Residence Visa
The Long-Term Resident Visa in Thailand is a 10-year visa designed for attracting high-potential foreign individuals interested in relocating to Thailand for an extended period. It targets those who are likely to boost foreign investment and contribute to the country’s economic growth. This visa permits its holders to live and work in Thailand for a duration of up to ten years. - Marriage Visa
Foreign nationals married to Thai citizens can obtain a Thai Marriage Visa. This permits you to live in Thailand with your Thai partner, initially for 3 months, which will be extendable to a 1-year stay. - Retirement Visa
For those who are 50 years or older looking to retire in Thailand, the Thai Retirement Visa is available. It will allow you the right to an uninterrupted stay in Thailand for one year. - Business Visa
To work or start a business in Thailand, getting a Thai Business Visa beforehand is necessary. - 1-Year Thai Visa
For visiting and residing with family, engaging in state or social welfare organization activities, or for other reasons not covered by other visa types, the 1-Year Thai Visa allows for travel within Thailand throughout the year.
Visa Exemptions
Some nationalities can benefit from visa exemptions. It only applies to the following nationalities:
- China and Kazakhstan (30 days) September 25, 2023 – February 29, 2024
- Russia (90 days) November 1, 2023 – April 30, 2024
- Taiwan and India (30 days) November 10, 2023 – May 10, 2024
In addition to the mentioned visa exemptions, it’s important for tourists and travelers to know that different rules apply to various nationalities. While China, Kazakhstan, Russia, Taiwan, and India enjoy specific visa-free periods, other travelers must apply for a visa.
For example, visitors from countries not listed in the exemptions need to secure a visa beforehand. This process usually involves applying to the nearest embassy or consulate of the destination country, along with necessary documents such as a passport and proof of accommodation.
The visa policy may vary based on the traveler’s nationality, the purpose of the visit, and the duration of stay. It’s advised for travelers to check the latest visa requirements well in advance of their trip. This step is important to avoid any last-minute issues or travel disruptions.
Update on COVID-19 Restrictions
Foreign nationals will be relieved to know that Thailand has lifted the mandatory quarantine period of 14 days for those entering the country.
- Upon arrival in Thailand, visitors are no longer required to show proof of vaccination.
- There are no longer any curfews or temporary closures in place due to diminishing COVID-19 concerns.
- Travelers can now organize parties and events without concern of virus transmission.
- Most indoor and outdoor places in Thailand are now completely open to everyone. Statistics indicate that a large portion of both local residents and expatriates are fully vaccinated.
TM30 is Important
Every foreigner staying in Thailand must have a TM30 document when residing in any accommodation. The landlord is responsible for preparing the TM30 and reporting the foreigner’s stay to the immigration authorities.
- Landlords must inform Thai Immigration about the stay of any foreigner promptly to avoid fines ranging from 800 to 1,600 THB.
- For foreigners who need to complete their 90-day reporting or extend their visa, a TM30 document is necessary.
- The TM30 is also needed to access health and travel insurance benefits in the event of an accident or medical emergency.
Travel Insurance
Are you planning on coming to Thailand in 2024? We advise you to get travel insurance.
While travel insurance isn’t mandatory for international travelers, it’s strongly advised, particularly for longer stays in Thailand. Insurance acts as a personal safety net. Its purpose is to safeguard you against steep travel and medical costs.
Medical expenses in Thailand can be high and continue to climb, especially at private hospitals and cases requiring serious medical attention. Insurance can help you save money and reduce spending in medical emergencies or accidents.
Thailand presents various travel insurance options for anyone interested and we recommend applying for AXA.
Travelers needing RT-PCR tests to enter certain countries will often require travel insurance for testing eligibility.
Long-Term Stay in Thailand
Thai Privilege Visa
The Thailand Privilege Visa presents numerous benefits, making it an attractive option to consider, especially if you want to stay in Thailand long-term. With this visa, you can stay in Thailand for 5-20 years, and it includes access to a premium lane for fast-tracked immigration. Each is renewable for as long as your membership lasts, providing you with more flexibility and options.
There are four types of Thai Privilege Visas, previously known as Thai Elite Visas, from which you can choose:
- The 5-year GOLD Membership Package.
- 900,000 THB
- The 10-year PLATINUM Membership Package.
- 1,500,000 THB
- The 15-year DIAMOND Membership Package.
- 2,500,000 THB
- The 20-year RESERVE Membership Package (by invitation only).
- 5,000,000 THB
The application process is streamlined, and you’ll enjoy a range of privileges, such as VIP airport and transfer services. Upon arrival, an Elite Personal Assistant (EPA) will greet and escort you, and you’ll have access to the Member Contact Center for support and bookings, enhancing your overall experience in Thailand.
Long-Term Residence Visa (LTR)
Foreigners looking for options other than the Thailand Privilege Visa can explore the Long-Term Residence (LTR) Visa. This visa is valid for 10 years and includes the flexibility of multiple entries and the option to renew. It’s a great choice for digital nomads, retirees, entrepreneurs, investors, and working professionals seeking long-term stays in Thailand.
There are 4 different LTR options to choose from:
- Wealthy Global Citizens
- Wealthy Pensioners
- Work-From-Thailand Professionals
- Highly-Skilled Professionals
The program offers several advantages, including a 5-year multiple-entry visa that can be extended for up to 10 years. Participants enjoy expedited immigration processing upon arrival and annual immigration reporting, instead of the standard 90-day requirement.
The process for visa and work permit applications is streamlined, allowing participants to work in Thailand and even start a business without adhering to the usual “four Thais to one foreigner” rule. Additionally, they are exempt from foreign taxes and eligible for a reduced personal income tax rate of 17% for ‘highly-skilled professionals’. The program also permits the inclusion of up to four family members, regardless of the stream applied through.
Contact Siam Legal
Your trip to Thailand in 2024 promises to be an exciting and fun experience. With a wide range of visa options tailored to different needs, you can easily find one that suits your purpose of visit, whether it’s for tourism, business, retirement, or long-term residence.
Remember, while travel insurance isn’t mandatory, it is highly recommended for your peace of mind and safety during your stay. Now, with all the information at your fingertips and COVID-19 restrictions lifted, you’re all set to explore the culture, landscapes, and welcoming atmosphere of Thailand.
For expert guidance on choosing the right visa and travel insurance, don’t hesitate to contact Siam Legal. We’re here to ensure your Thai adventure is as smooth and enjoyable as possible.
Contact us today!
You can contact us at the following numbers:
- Phone: 02 254 8900
- Mobile: 084 021 9800
If you want to drop by our head office in Bangkok, Siam Legal is open Monday to Friday, excluding government holidays, from 9AM to 6PM.
