Planned, postponed, then confirmed: the famous 300 baht entrance fee in Thailand is back in the headlines. For those of you planning a trip to Thailand, understanding this new formality is essential to avoid any surprises at the airport or land borders.
A long-standing project: initially submitted in 2020, the measure received the ministerial green light in February 2023 without ever coming into force... until now. Thailand entry tax becomes a priority for the “Anutin 2” government”. The authorities plan to officially validate this scheme at their first ministerial meeting, marking a concrete acceleration of the timetable.
Key points to remember
All foreign tourists (excluding diplomats and workers with local permits) would be required to pay this new tax. The amount would be 300 THB (USD 9) for arrivals by air. If you enter Thailand through a land or sea border, the price to pay would be 150 THB.
Why this new tax?
The Thai government, via its Ministry of Tourism and Sports, wants to transform its tourism model. Unlike a simple tourist tax, this fee (sometimes called «Landing Fee») has a dual purpose:
- Protection for you: Part of the fee (around 60 baht) is used to finance a automatic health insurance. In the event of an accident on site, it covers emergency medical expenses up to ceilings defined by the French government.
- Sustainable and responsible: The remaining funds will be reinvested in the management of natural sites (national parks) and the improvement of safety infrastructures for travelers.
Payment methods: How does it work?
To facilitate the travel experience and avoid queues, Thailand is banking on digital technology.
✈️ Arrival by air: The most likely scenario is for the amount to be included directly in the price of your plane ticket. You won't have to do anything extra at immigration.
⛴ Arriving by land or sea: For travelers arriving from Malaysia, Laos or Cambodia, a dedicated online platform or an application to pay the tax before crossing the border.
This fee is in addition to, but does not replace, traditional visa formalities (e-visa or visa waiver).
Anticipating new formalities (ETA & TDAC)
Travel formalities for Thailand are changing. To optimize your entry into the country, keep an eye on these two devices that will be coupled with the tax:
–TDAC (Thailand Digital Arrival Card) : Since May 1, 2025, all international travelers arriving in Thailand by air, land or sea must complete the new digital arrival card, in the 72 hours prior to arrival in Thailand. This online form replaces the TM6 paper form. The TDAC card facilitates arrival in Thailand, and records travelers' personal data as well as their travel and entry information.
–ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) : Eventually, travelers benefiting from the visa waiver will have to register online before departure, on a model similar to the American ESTA or the Canadian AVE. Currently, 93 nationalities are covered by the 60-day visa waiver. The authorities are nevertheless considering reduce visa-free stay to 30 days.
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