Tourism operators in Thailand are seeking clarity on new visa procedures that will affect tour groups and large meetings and incentive groups catering to the Chinese market. The new rules, effective May 8th, will require every visitor to apply for an individual visa, regardless of whether they are traveling under the escort of a tour group. The number of applicants per travel agent will be limited, and applicants must provide a hotel reservation document and a financial document showing at least 10,000 yuan.
Travel agents will also need to present a certified document allowing foreign visa applications and a “yellow card” issued by the Chinese government, which must be renewed every one or two years. However, many Chinese agents’ cards expired during the pandemic, and the slow renewal process caused by a lack of officers made it impossible to renew them. The new regulations could prompt Chinese travelers to opt for other destinations like Vietnam, Hong Kong, or Macau, affecting Thailand’s target of attracting 5 million Chinese visitors this year.
The Association of Thai Travel Agents has reported that Chinese tourists have been overcharged by taxi drivers in Thailand. This issue could further compound concerns over the new visa procedures introduced for the Chinese market. To alleviate concerns, inbound tourism operators in Thailand are calling for clear guidelines and a streamlined visa application process for Chinese visitors.
In recent years, Chinese visitors have been a significant source of income for the Thai tourism industry. Before the pandemic, the Chinese market accounted for approximately 28% of total international arrivals in Thailand. The Thai government has implemented various measures to attract Chinese tourists, including visa waivers, tax incentives, and increased air connectivity. The introduction of these new regulations could have a significant impact on the tourism industry in Thailand, and tourism operators are urging the government to take action to ensure that the industry can continue to thrive.
