The Thai government announced last Friday a list of 93 countries that will be exempt from visa requirements to travel to the Asian nation, effective this Monday, July 15. Among those countries are Cuba.
The new document, which expands the number of visa-exempt countries from 57 to 93, was signed by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. He stated that visitors under this plan could stay in the country for up to 60 days and expressed hopes that the plan will be implemented smoothly.
The Thai Ministry of Interior also confirmed the new regulation on its Facebook page, stating that the measure "aims to boost tourism that has not yet recovered from the Covid-19 pandemic." "Immigration police and security authorities have put effective measures in place and are applying them correctly," said the Thai premier.
The list includes other countries from the region such as Mexico, Colombia, Uruguay, Panama, Guatemala, and Ecuador, joining Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and Peru, according to the Efe news agency.
The announcement comes just days after Panamanian immigration authorities announced the suspension of Stamped Visas for Cuban nationals, citing "vulnerabilities" in the computer system used. The official statement indicates that the measure will extend at least through the remainder of July, during which the process for Cubans to request appointments for this type of visa will be disabled.
Until now, Cubans needed a visa to travel to 149 countries in 2024 and had visa-free access to only 28 destinations. With Thailand's new measure, the number of countries Cubans can travel to without a visa increases to 30, following a similar move by Iran in February to exempt 28 nations, including Cuba, from visa requirements to boost tourism.
Visa-Free Travel to Thailand for Cubans: What You Need to Know
This section answers some frequently asked questions about the new visa-free travel policy for Cubans visiting Thailand, effective from July 15.
How long can Cubans stay in Thailand without a visa?
Cubans can stay in Thailand for up to 60 days without a visa under the new policy.
Which other countries are included in Thailand's visa exemption list?
Other countries in the region, including Mexico, Colombia, Uruguay, Panama, Guatemala, Ecuador, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and Peru, are also included in Thailand's visa exemption list.
Why did Thailand implement this visa exemption policy?
The visa exemption policy aims to incentivize tourism, which has not yet fully recovered from the Covid-19 pandemic.