Incoming tour operators in Thailand claim Clarity on the new visa procedures, which, in his opinion, could have a major impact on the travel activities of tour groups and large meetings and incentives groups targeting the Chinese market.
Starting May 8, the Thai Consular Office in China will require each visitor to apply for an individual visa, regardless of whether they are escorted by a tour group. In addition, the number of applicants per travel agent will be limited, and applicants must present a hotel reservation document and a financial document evidencing at least 10,000 yuan. Some agencies can only book visa applications three days a week with 20-30 applicants per round.
The new visa rules also require travel agents to present a certified document allowing them to apply for foreign visas and a “yellow card” issued by the Chinese government, which must be renewed every one to two years. However, the cards of many Chinese agents expired during the pandemic, and the slow renewal process due to a lack of officials made it impossible to renew them.
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There is concern that this new regulation could make Chinese travelers choose other destinations such as Vietnam, Hong Kong or Macao, which would affect Thailand’s goal of attracting 5 million Chinese visitors this year.
The new visa rules also require travel agents to present a certified document allowing them to apply for foreign visas and a “yellow card” issued by the Chinese government.
The Association of Thai Travel Agents also reported that Thai taxi drivers have overcharged Chinese tourists, noting that this issue could further aggravate concerns over new visa procedures that have been introduced for the Chinese market.
