Swiss travelers heading to Thailand can anticipate smoother entry procedures in the near future. Currently, Swiss nationals are permitted to enter Thailand for a maximum of 30 days without a visa, with the option to extend their stay for up to 60 days upon arrival. However, this extension requires an application at an Immigration Office, incurring a fee of approximately 55 Swiss francs. Those planning stays exceeding 30 days must secure an electronic visa in advance.
Now, a longstanding proposal has come to fruition. The Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs recently disclosed a list of 93 countries whose citizens will soon enjoy extended visa privileges. Under the new regulations, travelers from these countries, including Switzerland, Germany, and Austria, will be granted visa-free stays of up to 60 days or the option to obtain a visa upon arrival, allowing for a two-month stay in Thailand.
Moreover, Thailand is set to introduce a novel visa category, the “Destination Thailand Visa,” designed to cater to digital nomads, remote workers, and the self-employed. This five-year visa permits stays of up to 180 days, extendable once for an additional 180 days.
Thai government spokesperson Chai Wacharonke emphasized the anticipated positive impact of these measures on tourism, a vital sector of the Thai economy. The precise implementation date for the new visa regulations is yet to be announced.