Thailand considers charging travelers to leave the country

Thailand’s Finance Ministry is considering reintroducing a departure tax that would apply to travelers of all nationalities each time they leave the country.

In an initial phase, the charge would apply to air travel and would be set at 1,000 baht, about $30, per departure, with a maximum of 5,000 baht, or roughly $148. Airlines or ticket agents would collect the fee together with the cost of the airfare.

Children under two would be exempt. Departures by land or sea would not be subject to the charge at this stage.

The proposal is open for public consultation until October 29, 2026. It differs from a 1983 measure that applied the tax only to Thai citizens and foreign residents.

If approved, the new fee would take effect 180 days after its publication. Tickets purchased before the measure takes effect would not be affected.