Short answer
Thailand's proposed 450-baht fee for foreign tourists is not in force as of 29 October 2026. The Tourism and Sports Ministry would collect it first from foreign visitors arriving by air, with land and sea arrivals a year later. One payment would cover multiple entries within 30 days and fund visitor insurance. An online consultation drew 5,954 responses and 80.50% backed the draft, but it still has to go to the National Tourism Policy Committee, Cabinet and the Royal Gazette. The earliest start is the first quarter of 2027.
Where the fee stands on 29 October 2026
The fee is a proposal, not a rule. The Ministry of Tourism and Sports wants 450 baht per foreign visitor, collected first from eligible tourists arriving by air, with collection from land and sea arrivals deferred for a year, according to The Nation. In mid-August the National Tourism Policy Committee endorsed the draft principles, and an online consultation ran from 24 August to 28 September.
The ministry's figures, reported by The Nation and The Thaiger, show 5,954 respondents, 80.50% in favour of the draft and 78.30% in favour of the 450-baht amount. On 6 October the tourism minister chaired talks with government, business and civil society. The draft still has to return to the committee, then go to Cabinet. The ministry's permanent secretary has said collection could begin in the first quarter of 2027, subject to Cabinet approval and publication in the Royal Gazette.
What would change for a visitor
Under the draft described by The Nation on 25 August, the fee is collected on entry and one payment covers repeated trips in and out of Thailand within 30 days, as long as the traveller is covered by the insurance provided. Exemptions include diplomats and official passport holders, work permit holders, border pass holders, transit passengers, crew and children under two.
Part of the money would buy insurance for fee-payers, covering death and medical expenses subject to policy terms that are still being finalised. How you would pay is open: ticket-based collection was the most popular option in the consultation, at 36.26%, and a website, app or kiosk are also being considered. Respondents did not agree on charging the same rate for air, land and sea arrivals.
Extra insurance for risky activities is only an idea
On 26 August The Nation reported a further idea from Weerasak Kowsurat, a former tourism minister who advises the deputy prime minister: a three-tier system. The fee would fund basic accident and emergency medical cover, while high-risk activities such as scuba diving, rock climbing and bungee jumping would need extra insurance. Visitors renting cars, motorbikes or jet skis would need separate third-party liability cover.
That is a proposal under discussion, not a decision, and the reports do not name boat day trips among the activities. A separate proposal for a 1,000-baht departure tax comes from the Finance Ministry and is also not in force.
What to do now, and what it means for a day tour
Today there is nothing extra to pay. If you fly to Thailand in 2027, check the Ministry of Tourism and Sports and the Royal Gazette before you book, because the start date depends on approvals that have not happened.
Our James Bond Island and Phang Nga Bay tour, from $85 per person, already includes the national park fee and accident insurance. The entry fee would be a separate charge collected at the border, not by us, and we will update our guides when the rules are published. Until then, see our national park fees guide for what you pay on the day.
Practical checklist
- Do not pay anyone for a Thai tourist fee today: nothing has been approved.
- If you fly in 2027, check the Tourism Ministry and the Royal Gazette for the start date.
- Keep your own travel insurance: the proposed cover would be basic and its terms are not final.
- Budget 450 baht per person for entry only if the fee is approved, and check who is exempt.
Questions and answers
Do I have to pay the 450-baht fee now?
No. As of 29 October 2026 it is a proposal. It still needs the National Tourism Policy Committee, Cabinet and publication in the Royal Gazette before anyone can be charged.
When could the fee start?
The ministry's permanent secretary has said collection could begin in the first quarter of 2027, starting with air arrivals, subject to Cabinet approval. Land and sea collection would follow a year later.
Would children and transit passengers pay?
The draft exempts children under two, transit passengers, crew, work permit holders, border pass holders and diplomats. The exemption list could change before approval.
Would the fee replace my travel insurance?
No. The proposed cover is basic, for death and medical expenses under conditions still being set. Private-sector groups told the ministry that more than 80% of tourists already hold travel insurance, The Nation reported.