Thailand now allows visa-free entry for Croatians

Thailand

Croatian citizens no longer need a visa to enter Thailand if they plan to stay for up to 60 days, with an additional 30 days if approved by the Immigration Office.

This change, effective from 15th July, includes Croatia as one of the 36 new countries under the new regime.

By easing entry for various groups of travellers, Thailand aims to boost its national economy, which is still recovering from the pandemic, including the tourism sector, Jutarnji list reported.

In addition to visa exemptions for citizens of 93 countries and territories, up from the previous 57, the new regime introduces more changes.

A new type of visa, the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV), has been introduced for remote workers, digital nomads, freelancers, and participants in various activities such as Muay Thai courses, Thai cooking classes, sports training, medical treatments, seminars, and music festivals. This visa is also available to their spouses and dependent children.

Holders of the DTV will be entitled to a five-year stay with multiple entries for cumulative stays not exceeding 180 days, extendable for another 180 days.

Croatian passport

Those who do not reside in the listed 93 countries, including Croatia, but stay in Thailand as tourists for up to 15 days, can use the visa-on-arrival (VOA) scheme, which Thailand has expanded to citizens of 31 countries and territories, up from the previous 19.

Croatian tourists typically visit Thailand in winter. Additionally, the country will allow visiting students who earn a degree or higher qualification in Thailand to stay for one year after graduation to find work or travel.

Those who still need a visa can obtain it online, without a physical visit to the Thai Embassy, which has been located in Budapest for Croatian travellers since the coronavirus pandemic.

The rule that passports must be valid for at least six months from the date of arrival in Thailand applies to everyone.

“The new visa regime will certainly encourage travellers, and it is expected to increase interest in trips to Thailand next season, particularly around New Year when Thailand is warm and dry,” say representatives from Palma Travel agency. Travelling through the agency will also be cheaper by about 50 euros, the amount previously paid for the visa and agency fees.

Thailand

However, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, an e-visa is required if Croatian citizens travel, for example, for a private visit. When a Croatian citizen travels as part of a tourist package and stays in a hotel, the visit is classified as tourist, whereas a private visit occurs when travelling to see someone living in Thailand and staying at their home, Jutarnji list writes.

Thailand recorded 17.5 million foreign tourist arrivals in the first six months of 2024, a 35 per cent increase compared to the same period last year, according to official data.