Thailand, Southeast Asia's most visited country, is once again talking about extra fees for tourists. The government is debating two separate charges: one aimed specifically at international visitors, and another whose details are still unclear. Here's what we know as of October 13, 2026, and how it could affect your travel budget.
What's Actually Being Discussed
According to Noworkalltravel, Thai authorities are weighing the introduction of two additional fees for arrivals. One would be levied directly on international tourists; the purpose of the second has not been disclosed at the time of the source's publication. There is no official decision and no confirmed effective date as of October 13, 2026 — this is a discussion, not an approved rule.
Important: the amount of the fees, the exact start date, and the payment mechanism (at the border, with a visa application, or online) are not specified in the source. Don't rely on numbers from older articles — current parameters will only appear in official announcements from Thai immigration authorities and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Who This Affects
The fees target foreign tourists — anyone entering the country for tourism purposes, whether under visa-free entry or with a pre-arranged visa. Citizens of Russia, CIS countries, the EU, and most other nations currently using visa-free entry or visa-on-arrival would potentially fall into the same payer category.
Current permitted lengths of stay (visa-free entry and extensions) are not being revised by the source — if approved, the new fees would concern payment, not the duration of your stay. Before you travel, check current stay limits on the Thai Immigration Bureau website: these rules have changed before.
Documents and Proof: What to Prepare in Advance
- Passport valid for at least 6 months from your entry date — a standard requirement, check it first.
- Return or onward ticket — often requested at check-in and at passport control.
- Proof of accommodation — a hotel booking or the address where you'll stay.
- Proof of funds — a card statement or cash; confirm the specific threshold with your airline and consulate before departure.
- Insurance — not always mandatory for visa-free entry, but strongly recommended: medical care in Thailand is paid.
The Payment Side: How to Pay the Fee and Everything Else
Even once the fee is approved, you'll likely pay it online or at the border — which means with a card. That's where things get tricky for travelers from Russia and some CIS countries: locally issued cards often don't work abroad, while Thai government payment gateways accept Visa and Mastercard from foreign banks.
Keep these points in mind:
- A virtual card from an international payment system solves the problem of paying a visa or tourist fee online — provided the gateway accepts cards from your region. Keep the fee amount plus a 15–20% buffer on your balance for conversion and possible commissions.
- Hotel bookings. Many Thai hotels run a pre-authorization — they hold a deposit on your card at check-in. Funds are released after checkout, sometimes within 7–30 days, and not always in full if you used the minibar. Plan for available credit on your card.
- Currency. The main currency in Thailand is the baht (THB). If your card is in dollars or euros, your issuing bank will add a conversion. Check the rate and fee in advance.
- Refunds. If a booking is cancelled, the refund goes back to the card you paid with. A virtual card that has expired can complicate the process — check the expiry date before paying large sums.
- eSIM and taxis. It's easier to buy a local eSIM online before departure and pay with the same card — cheaper than roaming. Grab and Bolt are popular in Thailand: link your card in the app in advance, since not all drivers accept cash with change.
What to Do Right Now
Until the fees are approved, there's no need to change your plans. But if your trip is planned for late 2026 or 2027, budget a buffer for a possible fee and make sure you have a card that works abroad. Follow official sources: Thailand's Immigration Bureau and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs publish rules first, while travel blogs often lag behind and mix up the amounts.
FAQ
When will the fees be introduced?
There's no exact date. As of October 13, 2026, discussions are ongoing and no official decision has been made.
How much will I have to pay?
The amounts are not specified in the source. Wait for an official announcement — figures from older news may be outdated.
Can I pay the fee with a Russian card?
It depends on the payment gateway. If your card doesn't go through, you'll need a card from a foreign bank or a virtual card from an international payment system.
This material is for informational purposes only and is not financial advice.
Service, game, and franchise names belong to their respective rights holders and are mentioned only to describe payment scenarios; VirtCardPay is not affiliated with them.
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