10 Countries with the Longest Tourist Visa Duration

Traveling the world is one of the best ways to learn about new cultures, relax in beautiful surroundings, and experience life from a different perspective. But one thing that can affect how long you enjoy your adventure is the type of visa you have.

Some countries offer short-term tourist visas, while others allow travelers to stay for months or even years. The longer the visa, the more time you can spend truly immersing yourself in the local culture without feeling rushed.

In this article, we’ll explore the 10 longest tourist visas you can get in 2024, covering countries where you can enjoy extended stays.

We’ll also dive into the process of applying for visa extensions, tips for navigating the visa process, and practical advice to help you make the most of your long-term travels.

What Is a Tourist Visa?

A tourist visa is an official document issued by a country that allows you to enter and stay there for a certain period, usually for leisure purposes. Each country has different visa requirements, and the length of stay can vary from a few days to several months, or even years.

For travelers who enjoy slow travel, where you take your time to explore each destination, countries that offer long-term tourist visas are ideal.

1. Thailand – 9 Months (Tourist Visa Extension)

Thailand, famous for its stunning beaches, rich culture, and vibrant cities, is one of the top destinations for travelers worldwide. The standard tourist visa for Thailand allows you to stay for 60 days, but you can extend your stay for up to 9 months by carefully planning your visa renewals.

First, you can apply for a 30-day extension at an immigration office within Thailand. After this, you can leave the country, reapply for a new 60-day visa from a Thai embassy in a neighboring country, and repeat the process.

Why It’s Great: Thailand’s long-stay tourist visa options give travelers plenty of time to explore the country’s diverse offerings—from the lively streets of Bangkok to the serene temples of Chiang Mai and the idyllic beaches in the south. With affordable living costs and a welcoming atmosphere, it’s no wonder so many people choose to stay longer.

Pro Tip: When extending your visa, it’s a good idea to visit immigration offices in major cities like Bangkok or Chiang Mai. Also, consider using a visa agency to help with the extension process, as it can save you time and avoid potential complications.

2. Indonesia (Bali) – 6 Months (Social and Tourist Visa)

Bali, Indonesia’s tropical paradise, is well-known for its beautiful beaches, laid-back lifestyle, and vibrant culture. The tourist visa for Indonesia allows for a 60-day stay, but by applying for a social-cultural visa, you can extend your stay for up to 6 months. This visa is perfect for long-term travelers and digital nomads looking to soak up the peaceful Balinese atmosphere while having plenty of time to explore.

Why It’s Great: With its stunning natural beauty, rich cultural traditions, and affordable cost of living, Bali is an ideal destination for an extended stay. Six months gives you enough time to experience Bali’s diverse attractions, including its spiritual retreats, surfing hotspots, and the lush rice terraces of Ubud.

Pro Tip: Visa extensions can be done every 30 days at immigration offices in Bali. Many long-term travelers choose to hire a visa agent to handle the process, as this can help avoid multiple trips to the immigration office.

3. Georgia – 1 Year (Tourist Visa)

Georgia is a hidden gem in the Caucasus region, offering stunning mountain landscapes, ancient monasteries, and warm hospitality. Best of all, Georgia provides a 1-year tourist visa to citizens of many countries, making it one of the most generous tourist visas available in the world. With no complicated applications or extensions required, you can simply enter the country and stay for up to 365 days.

Why It’s Great: Georgia is perfect for travelers who want to experience a mix of adventure and culture without rushing. With such a long visa, you can hike in the Caucasus Mountains, explore the capital city of Tbilisi, and enjoy the wine regions at a relaxed pace.

It’s a fantastic destination for those who prefer slow travel and want to deeply immerse themselves in the local culture.

Pro Tip: For travelers who want to stay even longer, you can reset your 1-year visa by briefly leaving the country and re-entering. This visa flexibility makes Georgia a popular spot for digital nomads and long-term travelers.

4. Mexico – 6 Months (Tourist Visa)

Mexico is a top travel destination thanks to its mix of ancient ruins, vibrant cities, beautiful beaches, and delicious food. Mexico’s standard tourist visa (FMM) allows visitors to stay for up to 180 days (6 months).

This is one of the longest tourist visas available in North America and gives travelers plenty of time to explore everything from the Yucatan Peninsula to Mexico City and beyond.

Why It’s Great: Mexico is a large and diverse country with plenty to see and do, so having a 6-month visa is a huge advantage.

Whether you’re diving into the rich history of the Mayan ruins, relaxing on the beaches of Tulum, or enjoying the bustling city life in Mexico City, you’ll have enough time to fully immerse yourself in the culture and landscapes.

Pro Tip: When entering Mexico, be sure to ask for the full 180-day stay, as immigration officers sometimes grant shorter stays. Also, make sure to keep your FMM card safe, as you’ll need it when exiting the country.

5. Costa Rica – 3 Months (Tourist Visa)

Costa Rica is known for its lush rainforests, biodiversity, and “pura vida” lifestyle, making it a popular destination for nature lovers.

The country offers a 90-day (3-month) tourist visa to travelers, giving you plenty of time to explore its national parks, beaches, and wildlife reserves.

Why It’s Great: Costa Rica’s 3-month tourist visa gives you ample time to discover the natural beauty of the country. From hiking through rainforests to relaxing on tropical beaches, Costa Rica offers a diverse range of activities that will keep you entertained throughout your stay.

Pro Tip: If you want to extend your stay in Costa Rica, many travelers opt for a “visa run” to a neighboring country like Panama. By leaving and re-entering Costa Rica, you can reset your 90-day visa and continue your adventure.

6. Brazil – 3 Months (Tourist Visa with Extension)

Brazil, known for its Carnival, samba music, and the Amazon rainforest, offers a tourist visa that allows travelers to stay for 90 days. However, you can extend this visa for another 90 days, giving you a total of 6 months to explore this vibrant and diverse country.

Why It’s Great: Brazil is an enormous country with so much to see—from the lively streets of Rio de Janeiro to the tranquil beaches of the northeast and the incredible biodiversity of the Amazon. With a visa that can be extended to 6 months, you’ll have enough time to truly explore Brazil at your own pace.

Pro Tip: Apply for your visa extension at a Brazilian Federal Police office before your initial 90-day period expires. The process is straightforward, but make sure to allow enough time for processing.

7. Argentina – 3 Months (Tourist Visa with Extension)

Argentina offers travelers a 90-day tourist visa, with the option to extend it for another 90 days, giving you a total of 6 months to explore one of South America’s most fascinating countries.

Whether you’re interested in the cosmopolitan vibe of Buenos Aires, the vast landscapes of Patagonia, or the vineyards of Mendoza, Argentina

offers endless opportunities for adventure.

Why It’s Great: With the option to extend your stay to 6 months, you can travel through Argentina’s many regions at a leisurely pace. Spend time exploring the Iguazu Falls, hiking through Patagonia, or enjoying the lively nightlife in Buenos Aires.

Pro Tip: To extend your visa, apply at Argentina’s immigration office before your current visa expires. This allows you to avoid any complications with overstaying.

8. Panama – 6 Months (Tourist Visa)

Panama is a popular destination for both tourists and expats, thanks to its beautiful beaches, modern infrastructure, and the famous Panama Canal. Panama offers a 6-month tourist visa, making it one of the longest in Central America.

Why It’s Great: A 6-month visa gives you enough time to experience the best of Panama—from the tropical islands of Bocas del Toro to the bustling capital city of Panama City. Panama’s excellent infrastructure and ease of travel make it a great base for exploring other parts of Central and South America as well.

Pro Tip: Panama is a popular hub for international travelers, so it’s easy to connect with other destinations during your extended stay. If you want to explore more of the region, flights from Panama are relatively affordable.

9. United Arab Emirates – 5 Years (Multiple Entry Tourist Visa)

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) offers a 5-year multiple entry tourist visa, which allows visitors to stay for up to 90 days at a time, with the option to extend for another 90 days during each visit.

Why It’s Great: The UAE combines modern luxury with rich cultural heritage, offering travelers plenty to see and do. Whether you’re visiting the futuristic city of Dubai, relaxing on the beaches of Abu Dhabi, or exploring the desert, a 5-year multiple entry visa gives you the flexibility to visit the country as often as you like without needing to reapply.

Pro Tip: If you plan to stay longer than 90 days at a time, apply for an extension before your visa period ends to avoid any penalties.

10. Peru – 6 Months (Tourist Visa)

Peru is a dream destination for adventurers and history enthusiasts, thanks to its stunning landscapes and ancient Inca ruins. The country offers a 183-day (6-month) tourist visa, giving travelers plenty of time to explore everything from the bustling streets of Lima to the wonders of Machu Picchu.

Why It’s Great: Peru offers a mix of rich history, vibrant culture, and natural beauty. With a 6-month tourist visa, you’ll have enough time to visit the famous Machu Picchu, trek through the Amazon rainforest, and explore the Andes Mountains.

Pro Tip: Plan your trip to experience Peru’s different climates. Spend time in the coastal cities, the Andean mountains, and the Amazon rainforest to fully appreciate the country’s diverse landscapes.

Visa Comparison Table

Here’s a quick comparison of the tourist visa lengths, possible extensions, and costs for the countries mentioned above: