On June 7, 2022, the Cabinet authorized in principle the inclusion of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the list of nations where passport holders who enter the Kingdom briefly for tourism and remain for no more than 30 days are free from visa requirements.
The Cabinet has delegated relevant ministries [Ministry of the Interior (SUT) and Immigration Office (Immigration Bureau)] to continue amending announcements or related rules suggested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Two categories of visas
Thailand has two categories of visas.
1. Free Visa means that passport holders are not required to get a visa to enter the nation. Visa exemption privileges have been given to 56 nations for tourism stays of no more than 30 days.
2. Visa on Arrival (VOA) is a tourist visa that passport holders can apply for at the point of entry for a duration of up to 15 days without having to apply for a visa in advance. This type of visa is available to 18 countries and 1 economic zone.
Background
Following the Prime Minister’s formal visit to Saudi Arabia (between January 25 and 26, 2022), both parties proclaimed the restoration of diplomatic relations between them in order for things to return to normal. One of the most important consequences of the conversation was the encouragement of relationships between people’s sectors. This will boost the number of Saudis visiting Thailand.
Due to history, the Saudi government allows approximately 30,000 Saudis to travel to Thailand annually for the following reasons: (1) Attending a symposium International sporting/cultural contests; (2) importing products from Thailand; (3) fulfilling the obligations of public health officials regarding goods importation; (4) medical care; (5) visiting the families of diplomats; and (6) family visits in Thailand.
The annual number of visitors visiting Thailand is predicted to climb to 100,000-150,000 per year following the restoration of relations between the two nations.
Saudi visa status
According to a statement from the Ministry of Interior, holders of Saudi passports or documents in lieu of passports can apply for a visa through the Visa on Arrival (VOA) channel and stay for 15 days in the Kingdom. Subject: Determining the list of countries from which holders of passports or documents used in lieu of passports who enter the Kingdom temporarily can apply for a visa at the immigration clearance point on 4 March 2019 and can apply for a tourist visa at the Royal Thai Embassy and Consulate-General abroad and can stay in Thailand for no more than 60 days, but nationals of other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations such as Qatar State, Kingdom of Bahrain, Kuwait Stat, and Oman Stat can stay in Thailand for up to 90 days
On February 4, 2022, the National Security Council (NSC), the National Intelligence Agency (NHSO), and the Department of Consular Affairs met with pertinent agencies such as UT. There is no objection to Saudi Arabia being added to the list of countries eligible for P30 because it is consistent with the government’s policy of increasing foreign tourist attraction to revive the economy following the coronavirus pandemic (Covid 19), which will help promote income distribution to various regions. Saudis are also excellent travelers. It spends a lot of money and frequently travels as a large family.
Benefit of exemption
The SEC believes that adding Saudi Arabia to the list of countries eligible for P30 will be extremely beneficial in terms of facilitating travel and contacts between businesses and citizens, which are expected to increase significantly once the relationship between Thailand and Saudi Arabia has been fully restored. for the mutual benefit of the two nations peoples. This involves granting Saudi Arabia the same visa rights as the other GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) nations.
This effort aims to increase the number of Saudi Arabians visiting Thailand to 100,000 - 150,000 per year, up from roughly 30,000 now. The bulk of them come to Thailand to attend seminars, sporting activities, business transactions, import Thai things, be treatment, and visit relatives.
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