Thailand Postpones Departure Tax and Considers Visa Exemptions for Three Long-Haul Markets

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Thailand Postpones Departure Tax and Considers Visa Exemptions for Three Long-Haul Markets

Introduction

Thailand has postponed the introduction of a proposed departure tax of THB 1,000 per outbound air passenger. Separately, the Ministry of Tourism and Sports plans to propose a 15-day visa exemption for nationals of Colombia, Mexico and Uzbekistan at the Visa Policy Committee meeting on 9 November 2026.

If approved, the exemption would restore visa-free entry for nationals of these three countries, who were eligible under Thailand’s visa exemption scheme until it was revoked. Together, these developments reflect the Government’s efforts to sustain tourism growth, reduce travel costs and facilitate the entry of international visitors.

Background

1. Departure Tax

Thailand’s departure tax was established under the Emergency Decree on Departure Tax B.E. 2526 (1983). The law prescribes rates of THB 1,000 for air travel and THB 500 for land and sea travel. In practice, however, the tax has not been collected since 1986 for land and sea departures and since 1991 for air departures.

In 2026, the Revenue Department proposed a revised framework imposing a departure tax of THB 1,000 per air departure, regardless of nationality and subject to specified exemptions.

For further details, please visit the link Thailand’s Revenue Department Launches Public Consultation on Draft Departure Tax Act

2. Visa Exemption Scheme

Thailand revised its visa exemption scheme, reducing the permitted visa-free stay from 60 to 30 days and the number of eligible countries and territories from 93 to 60. Nationals of Colombia, Mexico and Uzbekistan were removed from the scheme and must generally obtain a visa before entering Thailand, subject to any applicable bilateral arrangements.

For further details, please visit the link Thailand Revises Visa Exemption Scheme: 30-Day Stay and Revised List of Eligible Countries

Recent Developments

1. Departure Tax Postponed

Following a public hearing on the Draft Departure Tax Act B.E. …. (“Draft Act”) from 30 September to 29 October 2026, the Revenue Department proposed that travelers pay the tax each time they leave Thailand. The proposed rate for air travel was THB 1,000 per person per trip, with authority to raise it to as much as THB 5,000 through ministerial regulation.

Finance Minister has recently announced that the Ministry of Finance will postpone enforcement of the Draft Act. After the IMF–World Bank meetings held in Bangkok this year, he stated that current conditions in the tourism sector are not suitable for introducing the measure.

Thailand recorded approximately 24.4 million foreign arrivals between 1 January and 17 October 2026, generating around THB 1.19 trillion in tourism revenue. The Government is concerned that a departure tax could add to travel costs while the sector is still recovering, particularly as Thailand already charges an arrival-side fee. The Ministry of Finance also cited the effect of the Middle East conflict on fuel prices and airline operating costs.

The postponement applies for the remainder of 2026. The Draft Act has not been withdrawn, and the authorities may reconsider its timing depending on future circumstances.

2. Proposed Visa Exemption for Three Markets

The proposal follows reports of delays in visa processing. Emirates reportedly informed the Tourism Authority of Thailand that 20 to 30 passengers per flight from Mexico were unable to board because their Thai visas had not been issued in time. Uzbek travelers have also reportedly faced a cumbersome e-Visa process handled through the Royal Thai Embassy in Russia, leading some travel agents to switch holiday packages to other destinations.

The exemption is intended to facilitate short visits and support long-haul tourism. However, the Committee must also weigh the security and economic implications, given Thailand’s recent narrowing of its visa exemption scheme.

The proposal has not yet been approved. Until a new measure is formally adopted and takes effect, the current visa requirements for nationals of Colombia, Mexico and Uzbekistan continue to apply. The start date, the number of permitted entries and any conditions have yet to be specified.

Practical Considerations

For Travelers

  • Departure tax: The tax has been postponed and is not currently payable. Do not make any payment for it.
  • Visas: Travelers from Colombia, Mexico and Uzbekistan should continue to meet the visa requirements currently in force for their nationality and should not rely on the proposed exemption until it is formally approved and takes effect.
  • Verification: Confirm requirements with Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the nearest Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate, and apply early where a visa is required.

For Tourism, Travel and Airline Businesses

  • Include terms in new contracts and package prices that allocate responsibility for any government charges introduced after a price is agreed.
  • Review existing fixed-price contracts and travel budgets to determine how they treat new taxes or fees.
  • Monitor the Committee’s deliberations and keep customers informed of current entry requirements until any change takes effect.

For Employers, Advisors and Event Organizers

  • Review travel and reimbursement policies to confirm how newly introduced government charges are treated.
  • Explain to international travelers that the arrival-side fee and the proposed departure tax are separate measures administered under different frameworks.

Key Takeaways

  • Thailand has postponed enforcement of the proposed THB 1,000 departure tax for the remainder of 2026. The proposal has not been withdrawn and may be reconsidered.
  • The Ministry of Tourism and Sports will propose a 15-day visa exemption for nationals of Colombia, Mexico and Uzbekistan at the Visa Policy Committee meeting on 9 November 2026.
  • The proposed exemption is not yet in force. Current visa requirements apply until a new measure is formally implemented.
  • Travelers and businesses should follow official updates and verify the applicable rules before making significant travel bookings or commitments.

Author: Panisa Suwanmatajarn, Managing Partner.

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