Thailand Plans a Flat Tourist Fee of 450 Baht for Inbound Travelers

Thailand is moving forward with the introduction of a tourist tax for foreign visitors, a proposal that has been under discussion for years. On August 14, 2026, the National Tourism Policy Committee (NTPC) reviewed the principles of the new system as well as draft regulations for collecting the tax. According to the Thai Ministry of Tourism and Sports, the proposal must now undergo a public consultation phase before the measures are submitted to the Cabinet for final approval.

Three days after the meeting, Thai authorities released further details on the planned model, including the proposed amount, a possible timeline for implementation, and potential payment methods. The current version of the proposal calls for a flat fee of 450 baht per person, equivalent to approximately 13.50 U.S. dollars. Important: This is currently explicitly a proposal that has not yet taken effect.

It is noteworthy that the same amount is to apply regardless of the chosen route of entry—whether by air, land, or sea. This makes the new model significantly different from the earlier approach, which called for a tiered fee of 300 baht for air travelers and 150 baht for those entering by land or sea. Despite repeated announcements over the years, this older concept was never actually implemented.

It appears that a link to the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC)—the digital entry form that travelers must complete before arrival—is also being considered for the collection of the fee. Such integration would mean that payment of the tourist fee could in the future be directly incorporated into the existing entry process without creating a separate system.

The planned fee is part of a broader overhaul of Thailand’s visa regulations. At the same time, there are discussions about reducing the visa-free stay period for many travelers from the current 60 days to 30 days. Anyone planning a trip to Thailand should keep an eye on these potential changes, as they may affect both the length of stay and the costs incurred upon entry.

Since the regulations are still in the consultation and approval process, details regarding the amount, timeline, and payment methods are subject to change. Travelers who currently require a tourist visa for Thailand or an e-visa for Thailand should check the latest requirements well in advance. We are monitoring developments regarding the planned tourist fee and the TDAC Thailand: Digital Entry Card, and we are here to assist you in preparing your travel documents correctly and completely.