BANGKOK, 25 November 2019: In a move to cut queues at Thailand’s gateway airports, during the upcoming peak season the Tourism Authority of Thailand is recommending visitors, who are eligible for a visa-on-arrival, to go online to obtain an e-visa.
Up until 30 April 2020, the Thai government has waived the THB2,000 the visa-on-arrival fee and has now confirmed the fee waiver also covers those who apply for an e-visa online. However, applicants for an e-visa will still need to pay the THB600 processing fee set by official websites offering the service.
Citizens of Bhutan, Bulgaria, China, Cyprus, Ethiopia, Fiji, Georgia, India, Kazakhstan, Malta, Mexico, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Taiwan, Uzbekistan and Vanuatu are all exempt from the THB2,000 visa-on-arrival fee for single-entry leisure travel in Thailand for not more than 15 days.
Usually, Chinese and Indians make up the majority of visitors queueing at airport visa-on-arrival counters, and during the peak season it can take up to one hour to pass through immigration.
However, travellers from the above 18 countries can skip the queues at the visa-on-arrival counters if they obtain an e-visa online at the following websites:
https://thailandevoa.vfsevisa.com
They can enter Thailand at Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Phuket and Chiang Mai International Airports using the e-visa.
To apply for a Thailand e-visa, applicants need to fill out the electronic form, upload necessary documents, pay the online fee, and download and print out the approved e-visa to show to immigration officers on entering Thailand.
The THB600 processing fee applies for the standard waiting period of 24 to 72 hours to receive the approval notice. For a fast-track service with approval within 24 hours, the fee is THB2,500. (Source: TAT)