Exemption of visa fees for foreign tourists until 31 March 2

[bapak]

Exemption of visa fees for foreign tourists until 31 March 2011

Thai Tourism stimulus measures extended

BANGKOK (NNT) -- The Ministry of Tourism and Sports has extended tourism stimulus measures for one year until 31 March 2011 to assist tourism related entrepreneurs who were affected from the demonstration of the United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD).

Tourism and Sports Minister Chumpol Silapa-archa announced on Thursday that the ministry has resolved to extend the assistance measures to help tourism related entrepreneurs while road show activities must be organized on a continuous basis to further stimulate tourism.

The stimulus measures include the exemption of visa fees for foreign tourists, travel insurance for foreign tourists of not more than 10,000 USD, low interest rate loans, and extension of loan payment periods.

However, Mr Chumpol voiced concerns with the target of 15.5 million international tourists for this year. He said more incentives must be made with cooperation from airlines and tourism related entrepreneurs to boost the number of tourists in exchange with public relations assistance.

The minister added that the number of tourists travelling into Thailand at airports in general have not decreased, but on the other hand, is more than the number in the same period last year because the figure last year was very low.

Mr Chumpol admitted that tour bookings in Bangkok would be affected from the mass rally of the UDD now taking place at Ratchaprasong Intersection. However, those in other areas, especially in the southern islands of Phuket and Samui would not be affected.

[Big Boy]

I've just started to look at taking advantage of a 'fee exempt visa' for my forthcoming visit to Thailand. I've gone onto the consulate website ( http://www.thaiconsul-uk.com/downloads-and-visas.aspx ), and they are still quoting £28 plus £8 return postage charge.

Am I looking in the wrong place? Does anybody know how I go about getting a freebie (I understand I'll still have to pay the postage)?

[chopsticks]

I seem to remember that although 'free' they still wanted about £15 admin fee for the 60-day tourist visa last year.
http://www.huahinafterdark.com/forum/vi ... =9&t=12630

[Big Boy]

I think that's what the £8 is for.

The fees are shown as:


FEES & CHARGES

Fees:
Tourist visa:
one entry = £ 28.00
two entries = £ 56.00
three entries = £ 84.00

Non-Immigrant visa:
one entry = 45.00
multiple entries = £100.00

Charges:
Application in person £ 10.00
Return postage charge £ 8.00 (England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland only)

[chopsticks]

It's probably best to phone them to check as the fees shown on the website are not always current.

[Big Boy]

Yes, that's what I will do over the next few days. According to the website the last update is dated 07/06/2010. I'm asking here first because I seem to remember others discussing the same problem a while back, but I can't find that thread. I thought within that thread somebody said that the consul will ask for the advertised fee, but they did something to get the freebie.

I'm asking here first in the hope of somebody telling me what that something is - just in case the consul doesn't volunteer the information.

[chopsticks]

I seem to remember that although 'free' they still wanted about £15 admin fee for the 60-day tourist visa last year.
http://www.huahinafterdark.com/forum/vi ... =9&t=12630

Have you looked at the link I just mentioned above ??
When I phoned last year they mentioned approx. £15 instead of the published £28 after I said I understood they were now being issued FOC.

[Big Boy]

My sincere apologies, and thank you very much chopsticks. I read your post, and ignored your link .

That link is exactly the thread I had been looking for.

[chopsticks]

Let us know if there's been any change as I may also consider applying later in the year if it's still at £15.

[Big Boy]

I can't apply until 15 Jul, but yes, of course I'll report back on how I get on.

[johnnyk]

I got my 60-day in Vancouver last year and paid no fees of any kind other than a stamped self-addressed envelope.

[chopsticks]

Just checked and was told that this year they are completely free, no more admin charges payable.

[Big Boy]

That sounds good to me. Who did you check with please?

[chopsticks]

That sounds good to me. Who did you check with please?

Liverpool, Hull and Cardiff but it may be only Liverpool who have an additional £10 fee for same-day issue.

[georgy]

tourist visa are free until march 2011 acc. a notice in thai consulate here.
should be valid worldwide.