Entering Thailand could soon cost you extra: Visitors must pay on arrival

Thailand is planning to introduce a 300 baht (around USD 9) entry fee for foreign tourists arriving by air in 2026, as part of efforts to strengthen tourism infrastructure and visitor support systems, according to Travel and Tour World.

The proposed fee will apply only to international air arrivals, while travellers entering via land borders will be exempt for now.

Fee to fund insurance and tourism infrastructure

The Thai government intends to use the revenue from the fee to fund:

1. basic travel insurance for visitors, covering accidents and emergencies
2. improvements to tourism infrastructure, including airports and public facilities
3. management of tourist destinations, particularly in high-traffic areas

The fee has previously been discussed but delayed, partly due to concerns about its impact on tourism recovery. Authorities are now moving forward with the plan, with final approval expected through upcoming Cabinet discussions.

How it will work

The fee is expected to be collected from passengers arriving by air.

Land arrivals are exempt to avoid extra costs for cross-border workers and travellers from neighbouring countries.

Related posts:

Nearly 3,000 flights disrupted across Asia Woman gets leg amputated after accident at Bangkok airport Thailand extends tourist insurance througout the year Tourism at risk: Thailand could lose millions of visitors