In 2025, Thai authorities are reconsidering a potential increase in the cost of visas on arrival (VoA) for foreign tourists. According to the Immigration Department and the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, a price hike could be part of a strategy to reduce pressure on airports and strengthen immigration checks.
Why Is This Being Discussed?
With the recovery of international tourism, the number of tourists obtaining visas upon arrival has surged. In 2024, over 7.8 million people used visa-on-arrival — nearly 30% of total arrivals.
As a result, queues of 2–3 hours regularly form at terminals in Suvarnabhumi (Bangkok), Phuket, and U-Tapao (Pattaya), especially during peak season. This causes discomfort for travelers and overloads immigration services.
Security Concerns
Another key issue is limited data verification. Unlike visas obtained through embassies and consulates, arrival visas are processed in minutes and don’t always include deep checks via international databases (Interpol, national watchlists).
As an Immigration Department spokesperson noted: "When a tourist arrives at the VoA counter, we have just 90 seconds to verify. That’s not enough to catch everyone who might pose a risk."
What Is Being Proposed?
To encourage tourists to apply for visas in advance (e.g., e-Visa or LTR), authorities are considering:
- Raising the VoA fee from the current 2,000 THB to 4,000–5,000 THB;
- Introducing daily caps on VoA issuances;
- Expanding the pre-arrival online registration system (VoA QR code), already partially active.
Authorities believe higher fees will reduce demand for "instant" visas and redirect tourists to official channels with deeper, safer screening.
Who Benefits?
- Tourists with e-Visa — fast-track entry via "Visa Waiver" or "e-Visa" lanes, no queues.
- Immigration officers — less pressure, more time for checks.
- Airports — improved logistics and service.
What Should Tourists Do?
• For stays of 30 days or less — apply for an e-Visa in advance (2,000 THB, processed in 3–5 days).
• For long-term stays — consider the LT-R visa or ED visa.
• Monitor updates at Thailand Immigration's official site.
• Don’t believe rumors: as of June 2025, the VoA fee remains 2,000 THB.
When to Expect Changes?
A final decision may come in late 2025. If approved, the new VoA fee could take effect at the start of 2026.
Thailand isn’t trying to deter tourists, but to make entry more orderly, secure, and comfortable. A price increase isn’t a penalty — it’s a tool for smarter flow management.
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