The government of Thailand has included Romania on the list of countries whose citizens will no longer need a visa, the measure aiming to boost the tourism industry, on which the country depends.
This measure will be implemented starting from June 1, 2024.
The Thai government approved on Tuesday a series of new visa provisions to attract more tourists, including visa-free schemes, visa on arrival, longer stays for students, and a low level of mandatory health insurance for retirees, as reported by the Bangkok Post.
Until now, Romanians who wanted to travel to Thailand had to obtain a visa online or directly at the airport, in which case it was valid for 15 days.
The Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs proposed these measures to attract as many visitors as possible, as the national economy heavily relies on tourism, government spokesperson Chai Wacharonke stated.
He mentioned that the number of countries eligible for visa-free entry will increase from 57 to 93. Among the 36 new countries are Albania, Cambodia, China, India, Jamaica, Kazakhstan, Laos, Mexico, Morocco, Panama, Romania, Sri Lanka, and Uzbekistan.
The permitted stays for visitors under this mechanism have also been extended to 60 days.
Furthermore, visa on arrival has been approved for 31 countries, an increase from the previous 19 countries.
Therefore, visitors wishing to work or explore tourist destinations will be able to obtain five-year visas valid for stays of up to 180 days, which can be extended for another 180 days. Previously, they were only entitled to two stays of 30 days each.
"This measure targets digital nomads, remote workers, and freelancers, as well as those who want to learn Muay Thai and Thai cuisine. They can learn and visit places," said Chai Wacharonke.
At the same time, foreign students in higher education can stay for one year after graduation, instead of being required to leave the country immediately after completing their studies.
"They can find work during the extended period, especially in fields where we need personnel," the spokesperson said.
There are approximately 40,000 such foreign students in Thailand.
Visitors over 50 years old who wish to obtain long-stay visas must have health insurance.