Travellers from Hong Kong and Macau can apply for the special Thai tourist visas (photo courtesy Unsplash).
Thailand’s consulate in Hong Kong has introduced special tourist visas for permanent residents of Hong Kong and Macau.
The Special Stay Visa (STV) is initially valid for up to 90 days and tourists from the two cities will be allowed two extensions to remain in Thailand for up to 270 days.
The visa is predominantly aimed at those with family, business or property matters to handle in the country and all arrivals will be subject to a 14-day quarantine.
Those wanting to apply must provide proof of an accommodation booking after the 14-day quarantine or proof that they own a residential property in Thailand, proof of medical and travel insurance with a minimum US$100,000 cover for Covid-related medical treatment and a minimum cover of $400,000 THB for other medical expenses. The insurance cover must also be valid for at least 90 days, the initial validity of the visa.
Travellers can submit their STV application at Thai embassies or consulates or accredited travel agencies. An initial background check will be carried out by the Bureau of Immigration before the applicant is invited to submit the visa application form, pay the HK$600 visa fee and provide evidence of accommodation booking, proposed chartered flight to Thailand and a copy of the insurance policy. An STV visa and Certificate of Entry will then be issued.
Travellers must also have a Fit to Fly Medical Certificate with a negative Covid-19 test result issued 72 hours before the flight departure.
All arrivals must undergo a further test on landing followed by a 14-day quarantine.