Official announcement of visa fee increases
In early March 2024, the Royal Thai Embassy in Wellington announced an impending increase in visa fees for tourists from New Zealand planning to visit the country. This news caused a wave of rumors and active discussions in online communities about a possible subsequent increase in visa fees for citizens of other countries.
According to the official statement, new visa rates for New Zealanders will come into effect from March 19, 2024. Thus, a single-entry tourist visa will cost the equivalent of 6,600 Thai baht, while a multiple-entry visa valid for six months will cost 22,000 baht. The embassy explained that the tariffs are updated in accordance with current laws, regulations and exchange rates.
In addition, the acceptance of paper visa applications will cease from the above date - all requests must be submitted exclusively online. It is important to note that at the time of publication, the amended visa fees only applied to New Zealand citizens.
Thailand's tourism policy
Thai government representatives stressed that the country is committed to developing the tourism industry and attracting more travelers. In 2023, visa-free travel was extended to citizens of 60 countries, and there are plans to further expand this list.
Thailand recently allowed visa-free entry for the Chinese on a permanent basis, and extended the simplified visa regime for Kazakhstanis until August 2024. About 8 million tourists from China are projected to visit the country this year. To meet the growing demand, it is planned to increase the number of flights between the two countries.
Thus, the increase in visa fees for New Zealanders looks like a local measure against the background of Thailand's general policy to liberalize the visa regime and stimulate inbound tourism.
Public reaction and official comment
The announcement by the embassy in Wellington provoked a strong reaction in the online space. Users speculated about a possible increase in visa rates for tourists from other countries and criticized the move by Thai authorities.
In response to the spread of rumors, the Thai Embassy in New Zealand published a clarification on its website. It emphasized that the change in prices was due to the need to follow laws, regulations and to take into account currency fluctuations. A document detailing the new visa rates in New Zealand dollars was also posted.
Chai Watchaong of the Prime Minister's Office commented on the situation, saying that the recent visa relaxations are part of the government's strategy to revitalize the tourism industry after the COVID-19 pandemic. He confirmed that Thailand has no plans for a large-scale increase in visa fees; rather, further liberalization of visa policies is being considered.
Thus, despite the initial wave of rumors and concerns, Thai officials assured that the increase in visa rates in Wellington is a local measure dictated by economic factors. In general, the country is committed to attracting foreign tourists, including by easing visa requirements.
Author of the article: Ekaterina Antonova
