The visa fee increase will only affect citizens of about 19 different nations who are either not eligible for visa-exempt entry to Thailand or have to pre-apply for visas from overseas Thai embassies or consulates. These 19 nations include India, China, Taiwan and the Maldives.
According to the Thai public broadcasting service, spokesperson Sansern Keawkamnerd says the move is designed to encourage visitors to apply for visas before coming to Thailand. He said many visitors who needed visas were not getting them beforehand and this was causing overcrowding at immigration checkpoints.
The major-general said the delays may have resulted in undesirable elements being admitted to Thailand when they should not have been. Visas issued at immigration entry points are valid for 15 days only. Tourist visas issued at embassies are the equivalent of THB1,000 but valid for 60 days.
Thailand grants nationals of G7 nations such as the UK and the US 30 day permits to enter at immigration posts. Citizens of other nations eligible for visa exempt entry only get 15 days. 12GO ASIA offers a convenient travel reservations service covering the bulk of the overland border crossings and airports in Thailand.
Thailand to increase cost of visas on arrival
News in Asia
Thailand’s government cabinet yesterday reached agreement on an increase in the cost of visas issued at entry points to the country. The visa fee is set to go up from THB1,000 to THB2,000 at an as yet unspecified date in the near future.