Holidays in Thailand are set to get slightly more expensive. The Thai government says it is going ahead with a 450-baht fee for foreign visitors in the first quarter of 2027, despite calls from the tourism industry to delay it because of flooding. Separately, the finance ministry is considering a departure tax of about 1,000 baht on everyone flying out of the country, Thai and foreign travellers alike.
Here is what has been decided, what is still under discussion and what it means for a trip to Bangkok, Phuket or Chiang Mai next year.
The 450-baht arrival fee: what we know
According to the Bangkok Post, the government remains committed to introducing the 450-baht tourism fee in the first quarter of 2027. Tourism permanent secretary Natthriya Thaweevong said collection would start with air travellers.
Key points from the Bangkok Post's 7 October report:
- An online public hearing that ended on 28 September drew 5,954 responses. More than 80% backed the scheme, and 78.3% agreed with the 450-baht rate.
- The fee is expected to raise about 8 billion baht a year.
- Part of the money will fund tourist insurance. Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul said this should save about 7 billion baht a year in medical costs for foreign tourists that the state currently covers.
- The fund is also meant to pay for tourism infrastructure upgrades.
Private-sector groups had asked the government to delay the fee because of ongoing flooding, but officials said they would proceed.
Still unconfirmed: an exact start date, how the fee will be collected (for example, whether it will be built into airline tickets), and the rules for travellers arriving by land or sea. Expect these details to be announced before launch.
A possible departure tax of around 1,000 baht
On 13 October, Bloomberg, via The Japan Times, reported that Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul's government is considering an outbound tax of about 1,000 baht (roughly US$30) on Thai and foreign travellers leaving Thailand.
Finance Ministry permanent secretary Lavaron Sangsnit said the levy would revive a departure tax last set at 500 baht about two decades ago. Existing law allows up to 5,000 baht, but the rate being discussed is around 1,000 baht. He said it could be included in airline ticket prices rather than collected at the airport.
This is a proposal only. No start date or final rate has been announced.
What it could add to a trip
If both measures go ahead as described, a foreign tourist flying in and out of Thailand would pay 450 baht on arrival and about 1,000 baht on departure, around 1,450 baht in total on top of existing airport charges. That is a modest amount compared with flights and hotels, but it adds up for families. A family of four could pay about 5,800 baht if both charges apply to every traveller. The rules on children and exemptions have not been published.
Remember the new visa-free rules
The fee news follows another recent change. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) says the earlier 60-day visa exemption ended on 15 September 2026 and was replaced by a 30-day visa exemption for tourism for passport holders from 60 countries and territories, including the UK, the US and Singapore. Those entering through land borders under the exemption may generally do so no more than twice a calendar year.
Practical tips
- Book now, pay attention later. The arrival fee is not due until early 2027. Trips this winter are not affected.
- Watch for fees in fare breakdowns. If either charge is built into tickets, it will appear in the taxes and fees section of your booking.
- Check your stay length. Most tourists now get 30 days visa-free. If you plan to stay longer, apply for the right visa before you go.
- Complete the digital arrival card. Thailand asks visitors to fill in the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) before arrival. Use the official government portal, not paid agents.
- Keep your own travel insurance. Even if part of the new fee funds tourist insurance, the scope of that cover is not yet clear. A full travel policy is still worth having.
- Check flood conditions. Some parts of Thailand have been affected by flooding this season. Check local news and your hotel before travelling.
FAQ
When does Thailand's 450-baht tourist fee start? The government aims to start collecting it in the first quarter of 2027, beginning with air travellers. An exact date has not been announced.
Who pays the Thailand tourist fee? Foreign visitors. Details on exemptions and on land and sea arrivals have not yet been published.
Is Thailand introducing a departure tax? It is considering one of about 1,000 baht for all departing travellers, possibly built into airline tickets. Nothing has been confirmed.
How long can I stay in Thailand without a visa? Since 15 September 2026, passport holders from 60 countries and territories can stay up to 30 days visa-free for tourism, according to TAT.
