By MOOK Scenic Spots Home, compiled and reported
Thai authorities plan to offer free visa-on-arrival benefits in November and December this year during the peak tourism season, benefiting a total of 21 countries, including Taiwan. Travelers who apply for entry using the visa-on-arrival can save 2,000 Thai baht in visa fees. The Tourism Authority of Thailand stated that it has not yet received an official announcement regarding this.
Thailand is considering offering visa-on-arrival fee exemptions during the peak tourism season at the end of the year. (Image source / misturaurbana)
The basic cost for a Thai tourist visa is 1,200 Thai baht, while the visa-on-arrival costs 2,000 Thai baht. If the Thai government implements the exemption of visa-on-arrival fees, travelers visiting Thailand in November and December can save a considerable amount. However, travelers are reminded that the peak tourism season coincides with long queues — at least several hours at Bangkok Airport for visa-on-arrival processing. The wait times could be extended even further if visa-on-arrival fees are waived.
November and December are the peak tourism seasons in Thailand. (Photo / Booking.com)
According to information from the Thai Trade Office, Thailand indeed intends to implement this policy, but details and specifics have not yet been announced. If put into effect, it may lead independent travelers to opt for the visa-on-arrival. However, based on past experience, the queue has lasted as long as 3 to 4 hours. Typically, tour groups still avoid using the visa-on-arrival option.
Tour groups may still choose to apply for a visa in advance to avoid delaying their itineraries. (Photo / Tourism Authority of Thailand)
【Info】
How independent travelers can apply for a visa themselves
1. Apply in person at the Thai Trade and Economic Office
Hours: Submit applications daily from 9:00 to 11:30 AM; collect them the following day from 4:00 to 5:00 PM
Fee: 1,200 Thai baht for a tourist visa
Address: No. 168, Songjiang Road, Zhongshan District, Taipei City
2. Apply in person at VFS Global (visa service center)
Hours: Applications accepted daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Fee: 1,200 Thai baht for a tourist visa plus 470 Thai baht service fee, totaling 1,670 Thai baht
Address: Taipei (2nd Floor, No. 141, Section 2, Minsheng East Road, Zhongshan District), Kaohsiung (6th Floor, No. 260, Zhongshan 2nd Road)
3. Visa-on-Arrival (VOA) in Thailand
Fee: 2,000 Thai baht (approximately 1,884 New Taiwan Dollars)
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