Visa Requirements Simplified for Chinese Tourists
In an effort to streamline the visa application process, the government has decided to relax tourist visa requirements for Chinese visitors and shorten the standard time required for visa approvals. This move aims to make the process more convenient for tourists visiting the country.
Last week, a total of 95,581 Chinese tourists arrived in Thailand, making them the largest proportion of international visitors, followed by Malaysians (73,810), South Koreans (37,754), Indians (27,707), and Vietnamese (25,717), according to deputy government spokeswoman Rachada Dhnadirek.
New Visa Application Process for Chinese Tourists
Under the updated visa requirements, Chinese visitors are now required to submit only six documents as part of their visa application: their passport, three photos, an air ticket, proof of accommodation in Thailand, a document certifying their permanent residence, and financial statements. This change is expected to reduce the application processing time from 14 to seven working days.
Streamlining Visa Applications for All Foreign Visitors
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Tourism and Sports are working closely to synchronize their tourist visa application database systems. This synchronization aims to further speed up the visa application process for all foreign visitors to Thailand.
Consistent Growth in Tourist Arrivals
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha expressed his satisfaction with the steady growth in the number of tourists visiting Thailand, especially during the long holiday from July 31 to August 6, when the country welcomed an average of 80,000 international visitors each day.
Since the beginning of the year, Thailand has already welcomed over 16 million international tourists, with visitors from Malaysia, China, South Korea, India, and Russia making up the top five countries of origin.
Outlook for the Tourism Industry
With the simplified visa requirements and shortened application processing time, the government hopes to attract more Chinese visitors and boost tourism in Thailand. Additionally, efforts to improve the application process for all foreign visitors demonstrate the country’s commitment to fostering a tourist-friendly environment and bolstering its economy.
