Thailand to introduce new one-stop visa service for MICE travellers with option of 90-day visa

The Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), in partnership with three government agencies – the Department of Consular Affairs, Airports of Thailand (AOT), and Immigration Division 2 – has announced, at a press conference in Bangkok, the simplification of entry procedures for international business events travellers under its Thailand MICE One Stop Service initiative. Travellers attending business events can now enjoy a longer stay with a 60-day visa, with the option to extend for an additional 30 days. This provides greater flexibility for attendees to explore Thailand beyond their event participation. Mr. Chiruit Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya, TCEB president, explained the new policy in line with the Thai government’s strategy to put the country at the centre of global exhibitions and festivals, generating revenue and stimulate the economy. Thailand’s MICE One Stop Service is designed to facilitate the entry into Thailand of foreign MICE travellers to minimise procedures and time spent on visa application as well as easing the import of materials, equipment and tools for organising events in Thailand. A MICE Lane Service is currently available at Suvarnabhumi Airport and Don Mueang Airport. In 2023, there were 211 events requesting this MICE Lane service, helpng serve 6,684 MICE travellers. In the first six months of 2024 (January-June), 160 events have requested to use it, also helping nearly 10,000 MICE travellers. TCEB is expanding MICE Lane to Phuket and Chiang Mai International Airports and in 2026, MICE Lane will be available at Udon Thani Airport to serve travellers visiting the International Horticultural Expo. The new collaboration among government agencies, TCEB notes, has been key in bringing into Thailand in the next 2-3 years, for example, the IDF World Diabetes Congress 2025, the IMF-World Bank Group in 2026, the Global Sustainable Tourism Conference or GSTC 2026 with more than tens of thousands of visitors. Upcoming mega events that TCEB is currently in the process of bringing into Thailand in accordance with the government’s policy, include the Formula E competition in Chiang Mai, the Formula One and WorldPride 2030. Mr Worawoot Pongprapapant, director-general, Department of Consular Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said the e-Visa system service will be expanded to all Thai embassies and consulates by the end of 2024. Mr Kerati Kijmanawat, president, Airport of Thailand Public Company Limited, said that AOT would provide spaces in passenger terminal buildings, necessary facilities, and public relations for MICE events and travellers. Thailand has also expanded visa-free entry to citizens of 93 countries, a significant increase from the previous 57. The Visa on Arrival programme for stays of 15 days has also been widened to include 31 countries.