Thailand extends visa-on-arrival fee waiver until April 30

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has announced extension of the visa-on-arrival fee waiver for citizens of 20 countries until 30 April 2019.

The decision was announced in the Royal Thai Government Gazette on 11 January, reasoning it as a measure to stimulate and promote tourism as well as to enhance the kingdom’s attractiveness among foreign visitors during the high travel season.

“The extension of the stimulus visa-on-arrival measure came at a perfect time as Thailand is set to celebrate Chinese New Year in February and the Thai New Year (Songkran) in April,” said Yuthasak Supasorn, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).

Chinese New Year celebrations are huge in Thailand, and this year will mark the 15th anniversary of cooperation between TAT, the Chinese Ministry of Culture, and the Chinese Embassy in organising annual Lunar New Year festivities in Thailand. This year’s date falls on 5 February.

“This year, the Chinese New Year official opening ceremony will be held at Siam Square, one of the most popular shopping areas in Bangkok. We aim to attract more of the younger generation to enjoy the traditional performances,” said Yuthasak

Andora, Bulgaria, Bhutan, China including Taiwan, Cyprus, Ethiopia, Fiji, India, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Maldives, Malta, Mauritius, Papua New Guinea, Romania, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Ukraine and Uzbekistan are the countries exempted from visa-on-arrival fee for the purpose of touring in Thailand for not more than 15 days