Thailand Prolongs Visa Exemption For Russian Tourists

Thailand’s government has extended the visa-free entry privilege for Russian tourists, allowing them to stay for up to two months upon entry.

As part of its efforts to revive the economy through tourism, Thailand has been progressively relaxing visa regulations. The latest decision by the cabinet permits Russian passport holders to visit between May and July and remain for a maximum of 60 days per visit, replacing the previous arrangement that allowed stays of up to 90 days. The current agreement, set to expire in April, prompted this revision.

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Deputy government spokesperson Rudklao Suwankiri confirmed the update, reflecting Thailand’s ongoing efforts to attract tourists worldwide. Despite local concerns regarding certain criminal activities, Thailand has seen a significant influx of Russian tourists, ranking third among international visitors during the first quarter of 2024, with 622,813 arrivals.

Thailand’s tourism sector recorded approximately 9.4 million foreign visitors between January and March 2024. Chinese tourists topped the list, followed by visitors from Malaysia, Russia, South Korea, and India.

The Thai government aims to welcome 35 to 40 million international tourists this year, generating 1.8 trillion baht ($49 billion) in revenue, as COVID-19 restrictions are gradually lifted. Additionally, Thailand has introduced a 30-day visa-free scheme for Bangladeshi officials and has signed a permanent visa-free agreement with China. It is also seeking a Schengen Visa waiver for its citizens, seeking support from countries like Germany and France.