Government AffairsNew system expected to relieve airport congestion

Thailand works on e-visas to boost visitors from China

By Travel Weekly Asia

|

Jan 30, 2017

|

E-visas on the way to boost travel to Thailand`

E-visas on the way to boost travel to Thailand` Photo Credit: iStock

The minister said the e-visa process involved different government ministries and would take time to implement.

Thailand is expected to launch the first phase of an e-visa service later this year and will open its service fully in 2018, according to Tourism and Sports Minister Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul.

The minister said the e-visa process involved different government ministries and would take time to implement.

Chinese visitors to Thailand account for about 30% of all foreign tourists, but Chinese tourists still need a paper visa and wait in long immigration queues to entry the country, China’s official news agency reported.

Thailand welcomed some 32.59 million foreign tourists in 2016.

Related NewsPrevious Next Previous Next

Kazakhstan is introducing QazETA in stages, with Almaty (pictured) among the next entry points to adopt the new travel authorisation system.

Kazakhstan to roll out QazETA for visa-free visitorsElectronic travel authorisation will become compulsory for eligible visa-free visitors from 1 July 2027.

Overseas sellers of Maldives holidays are awaiting clarity on a reported delay to the country’s 17% tourism tax measures.

Maldives delays 17% tourism tax on overseas tourism sellersForeign tour operators, travel agencies and OTAs have won a reprieve until April 2027, though uncertainty persists.

Foreign tourists arriving in Thailand by air would be the first to pay the proposed 450-baht entry fee, while land and sea arrivals would be deferred for one year.

Will Thailand become more expensive to visit?Thailand weighs new tourist and departure taxes that could add 1,450 baht in additional charges for foreign visitors.

Nick Adams at the World Travel & Tourism Council’s Global Summit in Valletta, Malta.

‘Cut the nonsense’: Trump’s tourism envoy hits out at travel boycottsNick Adams urges governments to keep tourism separate from politics as the US forecasts only modest inbound travel...

Australia’s youth tourism sector warns that working holiday visa uncertainty is affecting travel plans and seasonal labour supply ahead of the summer peak.

No backpackers, no backup: Australia’s holiday visa woes threaten summer tourismIndustry groups say delays to working holiday visas risk staffing shortages and lost visitor spending ahead of summer.

Phuket and Surat Thani, including Koh Samui and Koh Phangan, will receive particular attention from investigators.

One strike and you’re out: Thailand’s tough new policy for offendersMisbehave and you’re going home, says PM.

China recorded more than 697 million exit-entry trips in 2025, underscoring the scale of the country’s recovering cross-border travel market.

It’s getting tougher for Chinese to travel overseasChina tightens exit-entry rules for citizens, adding scrutiny for travellers and agencies.

The proposed charge would apply to hotels, B&Bs and caravan parks.

Why a holiday in England will likely cost moreUK government plans to give regional mayors powers to impose overnight accommodation levies, raising concern over the cost of...

The Tribhuvan International Airport remains open and is handling domestic and international flights.

Deadly Nepal-Tibet floods disrupt lives and travelWith key infrastructure damaged, travellers with upcoming Nepal trips are being urged to monitor official advisories.

Travellers are advised to check for prohibited items and avoid placing valuables in checked baggage under Thailand's new inspection rules.

Don't be surprised if Thailand opens your suitcaseNew security protocol allows checks on suspected luggage in designated areas without requiring the passenger to be present.

Tax refunds will now be handled at departure points.

What you should know about Japan’s tax free shopping changesNo more instant refunds for shoppers.

Starting 15 September, immigration and visa authorities now have greater powers to scrutinise travellers' data and travel purposes.

Entering China? New rules could mean closer checksStarting 15 September, immigration and visa authorities now have greater powers to scrutinise travellers' data and travel...

Hundreds of migrants reached Ceuta from Morocco by swimming around the border or using inflatable devices to reach Tarajal beach, overwhelming Spanish border officers.

Italy pushes to shut Schengen border with SpainPolitical tensions rise after hundreds of migrants reach Spain's Ceuta enclave from Morocco.

Originally due to end in June 2026, South Korea's group visa fee waiver has been extended until 31 December 2026, giving eligible travellers six more months to benefit from the scheme.

Korea extends visa fee waiver for group tourists until end of 2026The waiver applies to tour groups from six Asian countries as Seoul continues to court regional visitors.

Europe's new passenger rights will apply to EU flights from mid-2027.

What every Europe-bound traveller is about to get for freeEurope approves new passenger perks including free family seating and easier compensation claims.

Japan raises its departure tax, adding another cost for travellers leaving the country from July 2026.

Japan triples 'Sayonara Tax' for international touristsThe departure levy has tripled from 1,000 yen to 3,000 yen from 1 July.

The new Entry/Exit System is supposed to facilitate faster borders. Instead, queues keep growing.

Border headaches continue as Europe’s biometric system faces backlashNine countries want temporary easements extended as airports and airlines warn of persistent queues.

Indian travellers will continue to enjoy visa-free entry, with stays of up to 30 days instead of 60 days.

Thailand reverses course on visa-free travel for IndiansThe government has scrapped plans to end visa-free entry, instead introducing a reduced 30-day stay limit.

Paper arrival cards will remain available for travellers unable to access the digital options.

Australia is finally ditching paper arrival cardsInternational travellers to Australia will soon be able to complete arrival forms online from 2027.

Saudi welcomed more than 29 million inbound visitors in 2025.

Booking Saudi just got easierNew Package Visa combines visa processing with travel bookings in a single digital journey.

Kazakhstan is introducing QazETA in stages, with Almaty (pictured) among the next entry points to adopt the new travel authorisation system.

Kazakhstan to roll out QazETA for visa-free visitorsElectronic travel authorisation will become compulsory for eligible visa-free visitors from 1 July 2027.

Overseas sellers of Maldives holidays are awaiting clarity on a reported delay to the country’s 17% tourism tax measures.

Maldives delays 17% tourism tax on overseas tourism sellersForeign tour operators, travel agencies and OTAs have won a reprieve until April 2027, though uncertainty persists.

Foreign tourists arriving in Thailand by air would be the first to pay the proposed 450-baht entry fee, while land and sea arrivals would be deferred for one year.

Will Thailand become more expensive to visit?Thailand weighs new tourist and departure taxes that could add 1,450 baht in additional charges for foreign visitors.

Nick Adams at the World Travel & Tourism Council’s Global Summit in Valletta, Malta.

‘Cut the nonsense’: Trump’s tourism envoy hits out at travel boycottsNick Adams urges governments to keep tourism separate from politics as the US forecasts only modest inbound travel...

Australia’s youth tourism sector warns that working holiday visa uncertainty is affecting travel plans and seasonal labour supply ahead of the summer peak.

No backpackers, no backup: Australia’s holiday visa woes threaten summer tourismIndustry groups say delays to working holiday visas risk staffing shortages and lost visitor spending ahead of summer.

Phuket and Surat Thani, including Koh Samui and Koh Phangan, will receive particular attention from investigators.

One strike and you’re out: Thailand’s tough new policy for offendersMisbehave and you’re going home, says PM.

China recorded more than 697 million exit-entry trips in 2025, underscoring the scale of the country’s recovering cross-border travel market.

It’s getting tougher for Chinese to travel overseasChina tightens exit-entry rules for citizens, adding scrutiny for travellers and agencies.

The proposed charge would apply to hotels, B&Bs and caravan parks.

Why a holiday in England will likely cost moreUK government plans to give regional mayors powers to impose overnight accommodation levies, raising concern over the cost of...

The Tribhuvan International Airport remains open and is handling domestic and international flights.

Deadly Nepal-Tibet floods disrupt lives and travelWith key infrastructure damaged, travellers with upcoming Nepal trips are being urged to monitor official advisories.

Travellers are advised to check for prohibited items and avoid placing valuables in checked baggage under Thailand's new inspection rules.

Don't be surprised if Thailand opens your suitcaseNew security protocol allows checks on suspected luggage in designated areas without requiring the passenger to be present.

Tax refunds will now be handled at departure points.

What you should know about Japan’s tax free shopping changesNo more instant refunds for shoppers.

Starting 15 September, immigration and visa authorities now have greater powers to scrutinise travellers' data and travel purposes.

Entering China? New rules could mean closer checksStarting 15 September, immigration and visa authorities now have greater powers to scrutinise travellers' data and travel...

Hundreds of migrants reached Ceuta from Morocco by swimming around the border or using inflatable devices to reach Tarajal beach, overwhelming Spanish border officers.

Italy pushes to shut Schengen border with SpainPolitical tensions rise after hundreds of migrants reach Spain's Ceuta enclave from Morocco.

Originally due to end in June 2026, South Korea's group visa fee waiver has been extended until 31 December 2026, giving eligible travellers six more months to benefit from the scheme.

Korea extends visa fee waiver for group tourists until end of 2026The waiver applies to tour groups from six Asian countries as Seoul continues to court regional visitors.

Europe's new passenger rights will apply to EU flights from mid-2027.

What every Europe-bound traveller is about to get for freeEurope approves new passenger perks including free family seating and easier compensation claims.

Japan raises its departure tax, adding another cost for travellers leaving the country from July 2026.

Japan triples 'Sayonara Tax' for international touristsThe departure levy has tripled from 1,000 yen to 3,000 yen from 1 July.

The new Entry/Exit System is supposed to facilitate faster borders. Instead, queues keep growing.

Border headaches continue as Europe’s biometric system faces backlashNine countries want temporary easements extended as airports and airlines warn of persistent queues.

Indian travellers will continue to enjoy visa-free entry, with stays of up to 30 days instead of 60 days.

Thailand reverses course on visa-free travel for IndiansThe government has scrapped plans to end visa-free entry, instead introducing a reduced 30-day stay limit.

Paper arrival cards will remain available for travellers unable to access the digital options.

Australia is finally ditching paper arrival cardsInternational travellers to Australia will soon be able to complete arrival forms online from 2027.

Saudi welcomed more than 29 million inbound visitors in 2025.

Booking Saudi just got easierNew Package Visa combines visa processing with travel bookings in a single digital journey.