Extending the visa-free stay by fifteen days is the idea of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, which will allow foreigners to stay in the area for more than a month. The tourist visa exemption regime now allows citizens of 56 countries (including France) to stay without a visa for 30 days. This period may soon be extended up to 45 days.
Since the kingdom has largely reopened its borders and is no longer imposing any restrictions, Tourism Authority of Thailand Governor Yuthasak Supasorn will present this proposal to the Covid-19 Situation Management Center at the next meeting on August 19. If adopted, the measure will apply from the moment of approval until December 31, 2022.
More days, more expenses
At the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Thai authorities exclusively extended the visa exemption period from 30 to 45 days to compensate for the mandatory 14-day quarantine upon arrival. In October 2021, as entry requirements eased, it was again reduced to 30 days.
The Tourism Board of Thailand expects travelers to stay an average of five days longer. But whoever says stay longer says more expenses. They are estimated at 120 euros per day and per traveler. each tourist will thus contribute €600 more to the country’s economy, which is heavily dependent on tourism. Thailand is considering introducing a tourist tax of around 8 euros, payable on arrival, to support the disaster-hit sector two years after the epidemic.
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Source: Le Figaro
