Thailand Elite Visa Nationalities Eligibility
In response to the influx of foreign nationals looking to settle down in Thailand long-term, the Thailand Privilege Card Company Limited (TPC) released a new update regarding the nationalities that were restricted from obtaining a Thailand Elite Visa. While before there were many nationalities that simply could not apply for the Thailand Elite Visa, nearly all of these restrictions have been lifted, and virtually anyone can apply now.
What Changes Does the New Thailand Elite Visa Eligibility Bring?
Before this update, foreigners from nations on the UN sanctions list were not able to apply for the Thailand Elite Visa. These countries included:
- Asia: Afghanistan, Pakistan
- Africa: Central Africa, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Guinea, Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria, Republic of the Congo, Sao Tome and Principe, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sudan
- Middle East: Algeria, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Libya, Palestine, Syria, Yemen
Now these bans have been lifted, with the sole exception of North Korea. Citizens of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea are still not eligible to apply for the Thailand Privilege Program or receive a Thai Elite Visa.
This decision was driven by the feedback the TPC had received from their General Sales and Services Agents (GSSAs) to increase the mass market appeal of the visa. It was also supported by the increasing number of visitors from these previously restricted countries, as reported by the Thai Immigration Office.
What’s New with the Thailand Privilege Application Process?
Now that more nationalities qualify for the Thailand Privilege Visa, TPC has also made changes to enhance the background check procedure that is mandatory for all applicants. To improve vetting and ensure bad actors cannot enter via Thailand Privilege, each applicant’s background check will be carried out by additional agencies for a total of 4 organizations:
- Thai Immigration Office
- The Department of Consular Affairs
- The Foreign Affairs Division of the Royal Thai Police
- Central Investigation Bureau
Each will investigate the applicant’s background, and all four must approve the application. The background check will still last about a month on average and applicants can expect an approval letter and payment instructions upon completion.
How to Apply for a Thailand Elite Visa
The application process for these previously restricted nationalities will be no different for other eligible nationalities. This means that it is still highly advised to contact a GSSA when deciding to apply for a Thailand Elite Visa. GSSAs are government-partnered visa consultancies that are tasked to specifically help applicants with the Thailand Elite Visa and offer free assistance through every step of the process, this includes:
- Gathering all the correct documents,
- Reviewing the Thailand Elite Visa application; and
- Submitting the Thailand Elite Visa application on the applicant’s behalf.
Their job is to help maximize all chances of obtaining the Thailand Elite Visa and ensure that the experience of obtaining the visa is as swift and stress-free as possible.
Start You Thailand Elite Visa Application with Siam Legal International
If you’re a national from one of the once-restricted countries or were already eligible to begin with and want to get your hands on the Thailand Elite Visa, get in touch with Siam Legal International. We are a full-service law firm that is recognized as one of the largest and best-performing GSSAs in Thailand. We have both the knowledge and experience to ensure you get your new Thai Elite Visa swiftly and with maximum chance for approval.
If you’re ready to jump right into the best Thailand has to offer, contact Siam Legal now to start your consultation.
