Thailand New Single Entry Tourist Visa Financial Requirement
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Like other Visa Consulates finally Thai Consulate also changes the procedure of obtaining a Visa by tourist visiting Thailand.
Now it’s not easy to get a visa. Previously only a form, two photos, and a bank statement were required, but now Consulate comes up with whole new guidelines.
Guidelines for Single Entry, Thai Visa is as follows:
Foreigners who wish to apply for a Single Entry Tourist Visa (SETV) to Thailand are now required to provide 6 months’ worth of bank statements showing a bank balance of at least 500,000 THB.
The jaw-dropping new financial requirement has been substantiated on the web sites of several Thai embassies around the globe.
The SETV allows foreigners to remain in Thailand for up to 60 days from the date of arrival and is valid for 90 days from the date of issuance.
Previously, applicants for the SETV had to show proof they had a balance of at least 20,000 THB or 40,000 THB for families, and sometimes, depending on the Thai Embassy or Consulate, this wasn’t asked for.
But now, applicants need to show a bank balance of 500,000 THB or equivalent.
If you are applying from the UK, the Thai Embassy in London now requires a balance of “£12,800 maintained throughout the past 6 months”, while the Thai Embassy in Washington requires “$17,000 or 500,000 Baht each month for the last six months”.
And that’s not all.
Applicants also need to conform to all the other requisites necessary for whatever non-Thai to return to Thailand currently such as, Certificate of Entry, declaration form, quarantine booking, Fit to Fly Certificate, COVID-19 negative test result, and an insurance policy which offers a minimum of 100,000 USD coverage, including for COVID-19.
The new requirements for SETV echo the equally jaw-dropping requirements for foreign property owners who like to return to Thailand currently.
The SETV has been a popular way for many different types of tourists to enjoy an extended stay in Thailand.
Chinese and Indian Tourists will be worse affected. Also, these two country tourists used to contribute a major portion in Tourism. It’s a great move but we don’t know whether it’s permanent or just due to covid. It can help to revive Thai economy but on the other hand it can be fatal as well
What can be the Possible Impact on Tourism?
Positive
- It will attract altogether different kind of Tourists
- Only those who actually wants to see the beauty of Thailand will come
- Sex Tourism will be totally wiped off
Negative
- It is particularly popular with young backpackers who use the 60 days to travel around Thailand before traveling elsewhere.
- How many young backpackers would be able to meet the new 500,000 THB financial requirement well
However, what isn’t clear is if the new financial requirements are temporary while Thailand continues to successfully battle the COVID-19 pandemic or if it will be permanent.
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