Thailand’s long-planned tourist entry fee 300 baht (around €7.50) for air travelers and 150 baht (around €3.75) for land or sea arrivals has been postponed once again.Initially scheduled for 2022, and delayed multiple times since, the fee is now expected to be implemented in mid-2026 (Q2–Q3).
This delay reflects more than just administrative hurdles, it highlights the complex balance between economic recovery, regional competition, and Thailand’s readiness for digital integration.
Why Has the Tourist Fee Been Repeatedly Delayed?
The latest postponement is driven by a decline in tourist arrivals in 2025. As of July, Thailand recorded only 17 million visitors, a 5% drop from the same period in 2024. This is far short of the government’s target of 35 million for the year. With tourism contributing nearly 20% to GDP, such a shortfall is critical.
Several other factors also influenced the decision:
- A strengthening Thai baht has made Thailand relatively more expensive.
- Rising airfare prices, especially from major source markets like China and Europe.
- Regional competition from other ASEAN countries that currently impose no tourist entry fees.
To avoid deterring visitors further, Thai authorities have decided to hold off until conditions stabilize.
What Is the Entry Fee For, and How Will It Work?
The official goals of the tourist fee are:
- To provide basic travel insurance for foreign tourists, especially in emergencies.
- To fund tourism infrastructure, including destination upgrades and environmental management.
The government plans to collect the fee digitally through the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC), a platform launched in May 2025. However, full integration between TDAC and payment systems is still under development. There are also questions about how the fee will be collected at land borders and seaports.
Who Will Be Most Affected by the Fee?
While the fee may seem small, it could significantly affect backpackers, digital nomads, and low-budget travelers, for whom even minor costs influence travel decisions. Visitors from developing nations like India or some parts of South Asia and Africa may also feel the impact more acutely.
On the other hand, premium travelers are less likely to be discouraged by such a fee. However, from a macro perspective, the added cost could reduce Thailand’s attractiveness compared to more budget-friendly regional alternatives.
How Does Thailand Compare with Other ASEAN Countries?
Neighboring countries offer useful comparisons:
- Bali, Indonesia has begun charging a tourist fee of IDR 150,000 (~USD 10).
- Vietnam and Malaysia currently do not impose any similar entry fees.
- The EU is preparing to implement ETIAS (€7) in 2025 for non-EU travelers.
From this perspective, Thailand appears to be taking a strategic pause—remaining fee-free for now to maintain competitiveness while preparing for future implementation.
Thailand in July Weather: Travel Tips and Best Places to Visit
Thailand’s decision to delay its tourist entry fee until 2026 reflects a careful approach to balancing fiscal needs with tourism recovery. In a competitive Southeast Asian tourism landscape, the move gives Thailand a chance to attract more visitors in the short term while strengthening digital infrastructure and refining policy implementation for long-term success.
Reference:
- euronews.com. Thailand delays tourist entry fee until 2026 as arrivals dip and economy falters. https://www.euronews.com/travel/2025/07/15/thailand-delays-tourist-entry-fee-until-2026-as-arrivals-dip-and-economy-falters
- cntraveler.com. Visiting Thailand? This New Electronic Entry Form Is Now Required https://www.cntraveler.com/story/visiting-thailand-this-new-electronic-entry-form-is-now-required
