Thailand has approved a special tourist visa (STV) and will soon re-open its borders for selected long-staying visitors. The special visa scheme is expected to become effective on 30 September and will be available until 30 September 2021.

Under the STV scheme, long-staying visitors can stay in the country for 90 days, which can be extended twice, each for a further 90 days. The visa will cost 2,000 baht ($63) per 90-day extension.

The STV will be granted to long-staying visitors from low-risk countries who comply with Thailand’s COVID-19 control and preventive measures. They will be required to undergo a 14-day alternative local state quarantine (ALSQ) upon their arrival, and must also have proof of their long-term residence in Thailand such as a hotel reservation.

Destination Asia Thailand can support guests with more information and bookings for these state quarantine hotels. Following 14 days of state quarantine and testing negative for COVID-19, guests are able to freely travel throughout Thailand.

A recent study looking into the world’s safest holiday destinations during the COVID-19 pandemic has placed Thailand in the top spot. The study was carried out by German travel start-up, Tourlane, who looked at various criteria, including the notification rates of new Covid-19 cases, along with each country’s population density and International Health Regulations score. The IHR score looks at how a country responds to a public health crisis and national or global emergencies. Thailand scored 85% with its low number of COVID-19 cases and moderate population density also helping it seize the number 1 spot. Following Thailand on the list of the world’s safest destinations are Jordan, French Polynesia, Greece, Uruguay, Italy, Cambodia, Japan, Ireland, and Botswana.