Thailand Entry Fee Delayed Until 2026 What Travelers Need to Know
In response to declining tourist numbers and economic concerns, Thailand’s government has officially delayed Thailand entry fees until mid-2026.
What you need to know about Thailand’s entry fee, why it has been postponed, and what remains mandatory for tourists in 2025 if you plan to visit.
What is the purpose of Thailand new entry fee?
Thailand’s entry fee, also known as the Thailand tourist tax 2026, was first approved in early 2023.
Fee Purpose:
- Insurance funding for travelers
- Infrastructure improvements for tourism
- Contributing to Thailand’s tourism economy
Planned amount:
- For air travelers, the fee is 300 baht (€7.50)
- Arrivals by land or sea will be charged 150 baht (€3.75)
As a result of a slowdown in tourist arrivals in Thailand and economic uncertainty, the government has now paused the project.
Thailand Entry Fee Delay: Official Reason
According to Thailand’s Ministry of Tourism & Sports:
- The Thailand entry fee is postponed until mid-2026.
Factors Behind the Delay:
- Tourist arrivals down by 5% compared to 2024
- A strong Thai baht making trips more expensive
- Rising airfare costs globally
- Economic downturns in major tourist source markets like China
The fee is expected to launch once demand stabilizes.
What Travelers Must Still Do: TDAC & Visa Requirements
While there’s no fee yet, Thailand maintains strict travel requirements Thailand 2025 to manage its border control:
- Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) mandatory
- Thailand visa process applies based on nationality
Quick Checklist:
| Requirement | Status |
|---|---|
| Thailand entry fee | Delayed until 2026 |
| Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) | Mandatory |
| Visa (if applicable) | Check by nationality |
Note: TDAC is a free online form required before arrival. It helps immigration collect traveler information. You can complete or update it online, but it’s not a fee — just an entry form.
TDAC Still Mandatory Although Entry Fee Delay
Although the Thailand entry fee has been delayed until 2026, travelers must still comply with Thailand’s existing entry protocols. One of the key requirements is the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC).
What Is TDAC, and Why Does It Matter?
TDAC is an online pre-arrival form used by Thai authorities to streamline Thailand border control processes. It replaces the old paper-based arrival forms and helps collect visitor information securely.
Unlike the upcoming Thailand tourist tax 2026, TDAC does not involve any payment — but it is mandatory for all non-Thai visitors.
Quick TDAC Facts:
- Required for all tourists entering Thailand
- Not linked to the Thailand entry fee, it’s a separate travel document
- Helps support Thailand’s tourism economy through better management and security
You’ll need to complete TDAC online within 72 hours before your flight to Thailand.
Why the Thailand Entry Fee Matters for the Economy
- Tourism contributes 20% to Thailand’s GDP.
- The fee was designed as a safety net:
- Covering visitor insurance
- Funding new tourist facilities
- Delaying it shows Thailand prioritizes boosting arrivals first.
By focusing on visitor-friendly policies, Thailand hopes to regain its pre-pandemic numbers while keeping future plans like the Thailand tourist tax 2026 ready when the time is right.
How Thailand’s Tourism Policy Is Balancing Growth and Control
Thailand is improving systems while delaying financial burdens like the entry fee:
- Digital arrival forms instead of paper forms (TDAC)
- Focusing on attracting more tourists before adding extra costs
- Monitoring visitor trends globally — including impacts from tariffs, exchange rates, and airfare prices
FAQs About Thailand Entry Fee
Conclusion
- No Thailand entry fee required in 2025
- TDAC mandatory before arrival
- The visa process applies as per usual
Thailand continues to welcome visitors while planning ahead for the Thailand tourist tax 2026.
