Thailand Officially Lifts Nationality Restrictions On Special Tourists Visas

Citizens from any country can apply to visit Thailand

On 9th December 2020, The Nation reported that Thailand’s borders are open to tourists from all nations as of 8th December. That is, if they get approved for the Special Tourist Visa (STV). 

Requirements for the Special Tourist Visa remain the same: evidence of accommodation during their long visit, and 14 day self-quarantine in government approved hospitals and hotels.

Also read:

https://thesmartlocal.com/thailand/travelling-during-covid19/

Valid for 90 days upon issue

Visitors can book their Alternate State Quarantine locations on travel sites like Agoda, or look through this list from the Thai Embassy in Washington DC.

The Special Tourist Visa was first available in September. The Government announced that tourists were welcome in the Kingdom for 90 days upon issue, and could extend their visa twice for the equal time period. This essentially allowed visitors to stay for 9 months. 

Back in October, the Government approved the STV for nationals of “low-risk” countries, who were required to stay for a minimum of 90 days; after which Chinese tourists arrived in Phuket. Later that month, Thailand welcomed back Singaporeans. 

https://thesmartlocal.com/thailand/singaporeans-allowed-to-thailand/

The Royal Thai Government eased restrictions in November, but continued to maintain that only nationals of “low risk countries” could apply. 

This announcement comes out just in time for divers interested in going to the Similan Islands, which are open from November through April.
Image credit: @punchy_c

The story is still developing, stay tuned for updates.

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