Act fast—first-come, first-served on Thailand’s free visa day as 1,500 spots vanish by morning

▲ Bangkok, Thailand, was once voted “Asia’s best holiday destination” by netizens. (Photo provided by Tourism Authority of Thailand)

Travel Center / Comprehensive report

Act fast—after a two-year hiatus, the Thai government has reintroduced its visa fee exemption for Taiwanese travelers from today (Jan. 1) through Feb. 28, 2017. On the first day of the program, a long queue formed early outside the Thai Office, and all 1,500 limited group visa-exemption slots were snapped up by morning. The rush was reminiscent of department store lucky-draw scrambles—extremely popular.

To boost tourism, the Thai government announced on Nov. 22 that it would waive visa fees for Taiwan and 18 other countries, saving Taiwanese travelers NT$1,200 in visa costs. However, applicants still need to apply at the Thai Trade and Economic Office, and the visa is valid for three months.

However,Thailand’s visa exemption isn’t unlimited. According to the Thai Trade and Economic Office, it accepts up to 2,000 single-entry tourist visa applications per day, including no more than 500 individual applications and no more than 1,500 group applications per day.

▲ The Thai visa exemption offer drew many people queuing up early in the morning. (Photo by reporter Tsai Wen-jun)

The Thai Trade and Economic Office noted that if you miss out on the daily quota, you’ll still have to pay the visa fee. Other paid visa categories, such as business and student visas, remain available as usual. Meanwhile, the previously increased visa-on-arrival fee has been slashed from 2,000 baht to 1,000 baht—a 50% discount—also valid through Feb. 28, 2017.

The Thai Trade and Economic Office reminded applicants that to qualify for the limited free tourist visa, they must provide proof of a paid flight ticket (dated between Dec. 1, 2016, and Feb. 28, 2017), a valid passport with at least six months’ remaining validity, a copy of the front and back of their Republic of China ID card (those under 18 should prepare a household registration copy), and one recent 2-inch color photo with a white background taken within the last six months.

Key points for applying for Thailand’s visa exemption:
1. Proof of a paid flight ticket (dated between Dec. 1, 2016, and Feb. 28, 2017).
2. Original Republic of China passport valid for at least six months. Note: It is advised to allow a few extra days to avoid potential entry issues in Thailand.
3. Copy of the front and back of your Republic of China ID card; those under 18 should provide a household registration copy.
4. One recent 2-inch color photo with a white background (passport-sized, taken within the last six months).
5. Visa application hours are from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., with pick-up available from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. the same day.
6. Permitted length of stay upon entry: 60 days.
7. Visa validity: 3 months. For example, if you apply on Feb. 28, 2017, you must enter Thailand by May 30, 2017, at the latest.
8. Location to apply for a Thai visa: Thai Trade and Economic Office, 12F, No. 168, Songjiang Rd., Taipei City 104.