# Thailand’s new entry fee and departure tax could raise travel costs for foreign tourists by nearly $80

- Link: https://www.thailand-business-news.com/tourism/333476-thailands-new-entry-fee-and-departure-tax-could-raise-travel-costs-for-foreign-tourists-by-nearly-80
- Published: 2026-10-12T12:13:12+07:00
- Author: Chloe Zhou

Thailand plans two new travel fees: a 450-baht entry fee for foreign air arrivals(
Q1 2027) and a 1,000-baht departure tax for all passengers. Combined with existing
airport fees, total charges could reach 2,570 baht. The tourism industry expresses
concerns about competitiveness.

## Thailand’s New Tourism Fees Summary

**Proposed Entry and Departure Charges:**

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 * 450-baht tourist fee for foreign air arrivals, possibly from Q1 2027
 * 1,000-baht departure tax for all air passengers regardless of nationality
 * Combined with existing 1,120-baht airport service fee, total charges could reach
   2,570 baht

**Government Justification:**

 * Entry fee expected to generate 8 billion baht annually for tourism infrastructure,
   natural resource restoration, and insurance
 * Government currently spends 7 billion baht yearly on foreign tourist medical 
   expenses
 * Over 80% public support in online consultation

**Industry Concerns:**

 * Travel agents warn stacked fees will reduce Thailand’s tourism competitiveness
 * Entry fee collection at land and sea borders postponed one year
 * Departure tax consultation ends October 29

### Proposed Entry Fee and Revenue Generation Strategy

**Thailand’s government is introducing a 450-baht entry fee** for foreign tourists
arriving by air, with implementation potentially beginning in the first quarter 
of 2027. This measure requires cabinet approval and completion of legal procedures
before taking effect. Collection at land and sea entry points will be delayed by
one year to address operational and system challenges.

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The government estimates the fee will generate approximately **8 billion baht annually**,
allocated toward foreign tourist insurance, attraction improvements, natural resource
restoration, and tourism facility upgrades. Authorities justify this initiative 
by noting they currently spend about 7 billion baht yearly on medical expenses for
foreign tourists, positioning the new fee as a means to alleviate fiscal pressure.
Public consultation results demonstrated strong support, with over 80% of respondents
approving the tourist fee, and 36.26% suggesting integration into ticket prices 
to streamline the collection process and reduce queuing delays.

### Departure Tax Proposal and Implementation Details

**The Revenue Department proposes a 1,000-baht departure tax** on all air passengers
regardless of nationality, including Thai citizens. This separate initiative is 
currently undergoing public consultation until October 29, with a proposed legal
maximum of 5,000 baht, while land and sea departures remain initially exempt. Airlines
will be responsible for collecting the tax, with exemptions granted to children 
under two years old, foreign heads of state, government guests, and international
transit passengers in designated areas. The act would become effective 180 days 
following parliamentary passage and publication in the Royal Gazette, though passengers
who purchased tickets before the effective date would be exempt from payment.

### Industry Concerns and Cumulative Cost Impact

**Combined fees could significantly increase travel costs for foreign tourists**,
raising competitiveness concerns within Thailand’s tourism sector. The Association
of Thai Travel Agents opposes the departure tax, citing concerns about reduced competitiveness.
When combined with the existing 1,120-baht international passenger service fee at
major airports (increased in June), **total entry, exit, and airport fees could 
reach 2,570 baht (approximately HK$599)** for foreign air passengers. The two new
fees alone would amount to 1,450 baht, representing a substantial addition to travel
expenses and potentially impacting Thailand’s attractiveness as a tourist destination
compared to regional competitors.