Thailand, a popular travel destination known for its cultural landmarks, scenic beaches, and vibrant nightlife, has announced plans to introduce a tourist tax in 2025. The proposed THB300 baht fee (about £6.87) will initially apply to air travelers entering the country, with implementation planned for mid-2025, contingent upon Cabinet approval. This tax aims to support sustainable tourism and infrastructure in Thailand as the nation continues to attract millions of tourists annually.
According to Thailand’s Tourism and Sports Minister, Sarawong Thienthong, the tax proposal will be submitted for Cabinet approval in January 2025. If approved, the tax will be rolled out in phases, beginning with a six-month initial period focused solely on air passengers. This phased rollout will later expand to include overland travelers, who account for a smaller portion of international arrivals. Roughly 70% of foreign tourists reach Thailand by air, making air travelers the primary focus of the first phase.
In addition to in-person payments, the government plans to enable advance online payments, providing a convenient option for travelers and reducing bottlenecks at entry points.
The Global Rise of Tourist Taxes
Thailand is one of several destinations imposing or considering similar tourist taxes to manage the impacts of high tourism volumes on infrastructure and local resources:
– United Kingdom: In 2024, the UK introduced the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), requiring visitors from countries including the United States, Europe, and Australia to apply for travel permission. By April 2025, travelers from the European Union will also need an ETA to enter the UK.
– European Union: Starting in 2025, non-EU citizens from outside the Schengen zone will need to complete a €7 application to enter the EU.
– Italy (Venice): Venice now charges day-trippers a €5 fee, while overnight visitors pay between €1 and €5 per night.
– Indonesia (Bali): Since February 2024, visitors to Bali are required to pay an entry fee of approximately £7.35.
– New Zealand: In October 2024, New Zealand raised its tourist tax to NZ$100, marking a threefold increase.
A Growing Trend in Sustainable Tourism
Tourist taxes have become increasingly common as cities and countries worldwide look to fund infrastructure improvements, environmental protection efforts, and sustainable tourism initiatives. These fees often vary depending on a traveler’s length of stay, destination, and accommodation type. Countries like Austria, Belgium, Croatia, and Japan have had longstanding tourist taxes, often embedded in accommodation costs. For example, Belgium adds a per-night fee to hotel bills, and Austria charges around 3.2% of the accommodation cost in Vienna.
Thailand’s upcoming tax is part of this global movement toward sustainable tourism, helping balance tourism growth with the preservation of cultural and natural resources. This policy reflects a proactive approach to ensuring that tourism in Thailand remains beneficial both to its economy and its communities.
