tourist visa for singapore from bangkok

• Entering, Transiting and Departing
• Entering Singapore

Check if You Need an Entry Visa

If you hold a travel document issued by one of the countries or places listed below, you will require a valid Singapore entry visa to travel to, and seek entry, into Singapore.

Possession of a valid visa does not guarantee entry into Singapore. Please refer to entry requirements for more information.

Please note the following:

• SG Arrival Card is not a visa . Please refer to SG Arrival Card e-Service  for more information.
• Valid visa holders are required to adhere to the latest travel requirements and advisories , where applicable.
• The period of stay in Singapore is not tied to the validity of your visa. The period of stay is determined by the duration of the Visit Pass issued to you in the form of electronic visit pass (e-Pass) at the checkpoint upon entry. 

To extend the duration of stay, the applicant will have to apply for a Short-Term Visit Pass (STVP) extension. For more information, please refer to Seeking Extension of Visit Pass .

A Singapore entry visa is not an immigration pass. It is a pre-entry permission for the holder of a valid visa to travel to, and seek entry, into Singapore. The grant of an immigration pass will be determined by the ICA officers at the point of entry. The period of stay granted is not tied to the validity of your visa. ICA does not accept submission of visa application over the immigration counters. If you do not have a Local Contact with a Singpass/Corppass account, you may submit the visa application:

• Through an authorised visa agent appointed by the Singapore Overseas Missions; or
• At the nearest Singapore Overseas Mission .

Please liaise directly with the nearest Singapore Overseas Mission for detailed visa application procedure if the application is to be submitted through their authorised visa agents or at the Singapore Overseas Mission.

From 11 March 2022, all foreign visitors arriving in Singapore will be notified digitally of their Visit Pass (e-Pass) through email. There will not be any endorsement on your passport. The e-Pass notification will indicate the period of stay granted and last day of stay allowed. Please ensure that you provide a valid email address when submitting the SG Arrival Card .

If your travel document is issued by one of the countries/ places listed below, you will require a valid visa to enter Singapore. Click on individual countries/ places to find out more.

You will also need a visa if you are travelling on:

• A Refugee travel document. This travel document is subject to assessment of recognition for entry into Singapore
• An Alien's passport. This travel document is subject to assessment of recognition for entry into Singapore
• A Palestinian Authority passport
• A temporary passport issued by the United Arab Emirates
• A  Document of Identity issued by Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
• A Travel Permit issued by Macao Special Administrative Region
• A PRC Travel Document

You may contact us via the enquiry form  with a copy of your travel document biodata page and front cover for further assistance and verification. 

Visa Free Transit Facilities

Nationals of the Commonwealth of Independent States, Georgia, India, Turkmenistan and Ukraine; as well as Nationals of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) holding other travel documents issued by the PRC* (excluding ordinary, diplomatic, public affairs and service passports) may be eligible for the Visa-Free Transit Facility (VFTF). Please refer to Visa-Free Transit Facility for more information.

*These include the PRC Travel Document, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) Document of Identity (DOI) and Macau SAR Travel Permit.

Thailand Visa for Singaporeans: Singapore to Thailand Visa

How long can Singaporean stay in Thailand without visa? Thailand visa for Singaporeans is not required for short trips to Thailand. If you hold a passport issued by the Republic of Singapore which is valid for at least 6 months from the day of your arrival, you can visit Thailand on a  Visa Exemption as long as your planned stay in Thailand doesn't exceed 60 days. For longer trips from Singapore to Thailand visa is needed.

Thailand Visa Exemption for Singaporeans

Starting from 15 July 2024, Singapore citizens can stay in Thailand without a visa for up to 60 days. 60 days are given for the arrivals at the airports and via land border crossings but the number of times you can use visa exemption when crossing by land during the year is limited.

As a Singapore citizen you can use Thailand  Free Visa-Exempt Stay  if you have the following:

• Singapore citizen passport valid for at least 6 months from the day of your arrival
• A return or onward travel ticket within 60 days
• Dully filled-in  Thailand Arrival Card (currently only required when arriving by land or by sea)
• A proof of funds - at least 20,000 THB per person and 40,000 THB per family in cash (equivalent in any currency)

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Thailand Tourist Visa for Singaporean

Depending on the duration and purpose of your visit, you might need to get another type of Thailand Visa in advance. As a tourist, you mainly have two Thailand visa options to choose from - Single-Entry Tourist Visa or Multiple-Entry Tourist Visa.

In Singapore you can apply for Thailand visa at Royal Thai Embassy, Singapore .

Thai Single-Entry Tourist Visa for Singapore

Single-Entry Tourist Visa is valid for entering Thailand once within 3 months from the date of application. The period of stay is 60 days maximum (starting from the date of your entry to Thailand). Thai Single-Entry Tourist Visa can be applied for at Thai embassies or consulates worldwide so for Singaporeans it's not mandatory to apply in Singapore.

When applying for Thai Single-Entry Tourist Visa in Singapore you will need:

• Passport  valid for at least 6 months from the day of your arrival.
• Thai Visa Application Form , which for Thai Embassy in Singapore is filled online on embassy's website.
• One passport size (3.5 x 4.5 cm) photo .
• A ticket for your journey to Thailand and return / onward journey ticket for leaving Thailand within 60 days.
• Accommodation booking for the entire of stay in Thailand (book your hotel on Booking.com  or  Agoda as bookings on these online platforms are usually accepted with no problem)
• A proof of funds for traveling - bank saving statement for the past 2 months to maintain balance at least 1,000 SGD (per person) and 3,000 SGD (per family).
• Visa fee - 50 SGD when applying in Singapore.

Thailand visa for Singapore citizens can also be issued by Thai Embassies and Thai Consulates in other countries, such as Laos , Malaysia , Indonesia etc,

Thailand Multiple-Entry Tourist Visa for Singapore

Multiple-Entry Tourist Visa is valid for entering Thailand within 6 months from the date of application. The period of stay is 60 days maximum per stay. You may enter Thailand again as long as the visa is still valid. Singaporeans can apply for Thailand Multiple-Entry Tourist Visa only at  Thai Embassy in Singapore . Multiple-Entry Tourist Visa for Singapore citizens costs 250 SGD.

When applying for Thai Multiple-Entry Tourist Visa you will need:

• Passport  valid for at least 6 months from the day of your first arrival.
• One passport size (3.5 x 4.5 cm)  photo .
• A ticket for your journey to Thailand and return / onward journey ticket for leaving Thailand within 60 days for the first visit and travel itinerary letter for the next 6 months.
• Accommodation booking for the entire of stay in Thailand during the first visit (book your hotel on Booking.com  or  Agoda as bookings on these online platforms are usually accepted with no problem)
• Proof of funds - bank saving statement for the past 6 months to maintain balance at least 8,000 SGD (per person), and Employment Verification Letter.
• Visa fee  - 250 SGD.

Your stay in Thailand  can be extended  once per entry. In most cases it can be extended by 30 days. For more information check:  Thai Visa Extension .

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Singapore Visa Centre

Singapore Visa Requirements

Visa-Required Travel Documents by Countries and Regions :

Afghanistan, Algeria, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Belarus, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Egypt, Georgia, India, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kosovo Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Libya,  Mali, Moldova, Morocco, Nigeria, Pakistan, Russia, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Tajikistan, Tunisia, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Yemen, holders of Hong Kong Document of Identity, Holders of Macao Special Administrative

Region (MSAR) Travel Permit.

Please note

(a) All Bangladesh passport holders are required to submit their Singapore visa applications to Holiday Tours & Travel (Thailand) Ltd. in person and no applications via proxies will be allowed/accepted.

(b) All deaf & mute visa applicant , must show a letter of employment or a LOA with a copy of their sponsor’s Singapore passport boi data page of National Identity Card is required.

*** Holders of Palestinian Authority Passport, Temporary Passport issued by the United Arab Emirates, Refugee Travel Document issued by a Middle-East country specified by the Authority and all other unfamiliar/uncommon passports (Verify).

Related Links :

• Singapore Immigration & Checkpoints Authority
• Visa Documents Required & Services Fees
• Duly completed Application Form 14A signed by you (Form 14A)
• Letter of Introduction for Visa Application (Form V39A)
• Letter of Authorisation (Form LOA)
• Documentation Check List for Applicant 
• Updates on Border Control Measures in Response to COVID-19

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Thailand Visa Application

Do you need a visa for thailand.

If you're a citizen of Singapore planning a trip to Thailand, understanding the visa process is key for hassle-free entry into the country. Here, we'll outline the essential details for obtaining a visa to visit Thailand, and how Siam Legal can assist you throughout the process.

Thailand Tourist Visa Exemption for Short Stays

Singapore ordinary passport holders enjoy the benefit of a tourist visa exemption scheme for visiting Thailand. Additionally, due to bilateral agreements between Thailand and Singapore, those with diplomatic or official passports from Singapore can visit Thailand without a visa for periods not exceeding 30 days.

Here's a brief overview of what this means for Singaporeans:

• The visa exemption allows Singapore citizens flying into Thailand to enter without a visa, on the condition they can show proof of onward or return travel within 30 days.
• For Singaporeans entering Thailand via land or sea from neighboring countries, a 30-day stay is permitted under this exemption, subject to a limit of 2 entries per calendar year.

For a smooth visit to Thailand, Singaporeans must:

• Possess a passport that remains valid for at least 6 months upon entry.
• Show proof of departure within 30 days of arrival (this period can be extended to 60 days for those seeking to stay longer).
• Provide evidence of accommodations and sufficient funds for the stay's duration.

Thailand Visas for Extended Stays

Citizens of Singapore looking to stay in Thailand beyond 30 days must apply for a tourist visa at a Thai Embassy or Consulate before departure.

Additional Information: Royal Thai Embassies issue visas, but immigration officers have the authority to permit entry into Thailand. Denial of entry may occur if the immigration officer believes the traveler falls under prohibited categories according to the Immigration Act B.E. 2522 (1979).

Siam Legal offers comprehensive services, ensuring compliance with all regulations for a smooth entry into Thailand. Understanding the travel or visa requirements and procedures is essential for Singaporean nationals planning to visit Thailand. By partnering with Siam Legal, you can access expert guidance and assistance throughout the visa application process, ensuring a smooth and stress-free experience from start to finish.

Siam Legal International offers services on the following types of visa to citizens of Singapore:

Citizens of Singapore planning to enter Thailand for purposes such as education (ED), business (B), visiting family (O), official duties (F), or religious activities (R) can apply for this visa. It's a single-entry permit valid for 90 days, allowing holders to stay in Thailand for up to 90 days. Moreover, it facilitates applying for a work permit and opening a bank account during the stay.

Suited for Singaporeans planning an extended stay of up to one year, this visa is typically a multiple-entry permit valid for one year. Each entry allows a stay of up to 90 days, requiring a border run every 90 days for a new entry stamp or re-entry. This visa not only facilitates longer stays but also enables holders to apply for a work permit, open a bank account, and extend their stay for up to one year on the same visa. Well-suited for purposes such as education (ED), business (B), visiting family (O), official duties (F), or religious activities (R), applicants can apply for this versatile visa. Beyond facilitating longer stays, holders can also utilize it to apply for a work permit, open a bank account, and extend their stay for up to one year under the same visa.

For Singaporeans venturing into Thailand for business or employment, the Thai Non-Immigrant B visa serves as the cornerstone for professional pursuits. Beginning with a 90-day single-entry visa, this initial authorization is specifically designed for individuals initiating business operations or taking up employment, leading seamlessly to the opportunity for a 1-year multiple-entry visa extension upon securing a work permit, sponsored by a Thai entity.

Available to Singaporeans married to Thai nationals, this visa provides a pathway to residency in Thailand. It starts with an initial 90-day stay, extendable to a full year and renewable annually. In addition to allowing a stay of up to one year per renewal, this visa empowers holders to open a bank account and secure a work permit in Thailand. It supports the familial and professional needs of Singaporeans in cross-national marriages, ensuring stability and legal support in Thailand.

Suited for Singaporeans aged 50 and above seeking retirement in Thailand, this specialized visa mandates proof of financial stability. It grants an initial stay of 90 days, extendable up to one year, and intended for retirees without employment intentions. This visa allows Singaporeans to enjoy a one-year residency in Thailand, renewable annually within the country.

Offering an exclusive opportunity for affluent foreigners, including Singaporeans, seeking long-term residency in Thailand, this visa provides options extending from 5 to 20 years. Managed by the Thailand Privilege Card Company Limited, the Thailand Elite Visa eliminates the need for 90-day reporting and streamlines immigration processes. It grants multiple entry privileges and offers access to luxury perks, making it an unparalleled choice for Singaporeans wishing to enjoy an extended stay in Thailand.

Understanding the available visa options and preparing the necessary documents in advance can ensure a smooth entry into Thailand for citizens of Singapore. At Siam Legal, we're dedicated to providing guidance and assistance at every step of the visa application process. For the most reliable and up-to-date information, we recommend reaching out to us directly at Siam Legal.

Embassy Information:

For inquiries regarding the requirements for other types of non-immigrant visas and for purposes not listed above, please reach out to the Royal Thai embassy or consulate in Singapore.

Royal Thai Embassy, Singapore 370 Orchard Rd Singapore 238870 Phone: +65 6737 2644 ext. 665 (for Visa Information) +65 6737 2158 ext. 664 (for Thai Passports and Registration) Consular Services: Monday - Thursday (except official holidays) 09:30 AM - 11:30 AM (application submission only) 02:00 PM - 3:00 PM (collecting only) Email: [email protected] (General Inquiries) [email protected] (Visa and Consular Service) Website: https://singapore.thaiembassy.org/en/index

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Multiple Entry Tourist Visa for Thailand

Thailand has long been considered the tourist hub of South East Asia. People will arrive in the country, enjoy their time, and then head out to explore neighboring countries. Because of its welcoming locals, rich culture, exquisite food, beach, and mountain getaways, people know they will return. Many foreigners stay in Thailand for months and barely scratch the surface of discovering this beautiful country. This is why a Multiple Entry Tourist Visa is the perfect travel solution.

Foreigners can enter Thailand for a holiday in many ways. If they are limited in time and are from a Visa Exempt country, they can visit for up to 30 days without needing a visa through Thailand’s Visa Exemption scheme . This scheme is open to 64 nationalities from around the world. If someone is not eligible for a visa exemption, they can organize a 15-day Visa on Arrival when they arrive in Thailand.

These are good if you are short on time or only intend to visit once, but to truly experience Thailand, you need time. If you plan to visit multiple countries during your stay in Asia, the Multiple Entry Visa is the quickest and cheapest way to plan your holiday.

What is a Multiple Entry Tourist Visa?

A Multi-Entry Tourist Visa allows foreign nationals unlimited entry to Thailand over a 6-month period. It is issued to people who visit the country for tourism, leisure, or medical purposes. 

A multi-entry visa allows the holder to stay in Thailand for up to 60 days per visit. A person could visit the islands in the south of Thailand, relax on the beach and learn to scuba dive for two months; fly to Vietnam and enjoy the sights of Saigon for a week or two; and then return to Thailand’s northern mountains to experience animal sanctuaries, Lan Na culture, and cook northern Thai food.

With a multi-entry visa, people can enter either by air, land, or sea. Many people arrive by plane and then leave by train or boat.

The visa is valid for 6 months after it is approved. This means that people have 6 months to use the visa and enter Thailand as often as they like from the date their visa is approved. It is easy to confuse visa validity with time spent in the country. Validity is how long you have to utilize or use the visa before needing to apply for a new one. Time in the country is the 60-day permission of stay. A stamp is placed in your passport for 60 days when you arrive, so a visitor can arrive on the last day of their visa validity and still get a full 60 days to stay in Thailand.

How to apply for a Multiple Entry Tourist Visa

Many nationalities can now apply for their Thailand Multi-Entry Tourist Visa online at https://thaievisa.go.th/home . This system was updated during Covid and is often the simplest way to obtain a visa.

When applying for a visa online, applicants need to create an account and apply as individuals. Once the account is created, individuals will need the following documents:

• A current passport with no less than 6 months validity beyond the date of departure from Thailand and at least 2 blank pages. Applicants must complete online visa applications with their given name(s) and surname matching their passports.
• Printout of visa application form submitted online, with barcode
• Travel booking confirmation
• Proof of accommodation in Thailand, e.g. hotel booking, invitation letter from family or friend in Thailand
• Financial evidence showing a balance of 200,000 Thai Baht (approx. £5000, USD$5,5000, Aud$8000). This is to prove financial stability over a 6-month period. e.g. bank statements, proof of earnings, sponsorship letter from employer
• Confirmation of legal residence in the country where the application is submitted  (if applicants are not nationals of these countries) e.g. long stay visa, residence permit, BRP card

E-Visa applicants do not need to submit their passport and original supporting documents in person at a Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate. After the e-Visa application has been approved, a confirmation email is sent to applicants. It is best to print a copy of the confirmation email when you are ready to travel. This will be presented to airlines and Thai Immigration officials when traveling to Thailand.

Certain countries are not eligible to apply for an E-Visa because additional documents are needed for approval. 

If you are unsure if eligible for an online visa or do not have access to the online application process, you can contact your local Thai Embassy and organize an appointment. Immigration requirements can change without notice, and many embassies will not allow walk-ins, so it is best to contact the embassy when you are ready to apply. They will confirm the costs and paperwork required.

Minimum documents needed:

• Passport with 6 months (after the intended date of departure from Thailand) validity and at least 2 empty pages.
• Visa application form completed and signed
• Proof of travel booking
• Proof of Accommodation
• Financial evidence – Bank statement or proof of earnings (equivalent to 200,000 Thai Baht)
• Letter of acceptance from institutes or companies organizing activities (if traveling for the purpose of scuba diving, martial arts, or culinary learning) 

All documents in a foreign language must be translated into English or Thai and certified before they will be approved.

The cost of a multi-entry tourist visa can vary from country to country, but an estimated cost is $150 – $250 USD. It is important to note that many embassies will only accept payment in $USD. Confirm cost and currency with your local Embassy or Consulate when making an initial query.

If you are applying online, the E-Visa system will confirm the payment due and process the payment through their secure payment portal.

Assistance with Visa Applications

The process for applying is straightforward and can be done yourself. If you would like help confirming documents are correct before lodging your application or wish to receive approval without going back and forth to embassy appointments, you can enlist the services of a Visa Assistance Agent . These agents are aware of current immigration requirements and will confirm documents are correct to avoid delays. They will liaise with embassies and consulates on your behalf.

Agents will charge a fee for their service but often save you time and money in the long run. They streamline your application process and speed up your approval. Agents can assist with online applications, though you may be required to pay the visa fee directly through E-Visa secure payment portal.

Tourist Visa Restrictions

As noted above, Multiple Entry Tourist Visas are for tourism, leisure, or medical purposes only. Foreigners cannot earn income, study long-term, or conduct volunteer activities in Thailand if they have entered with a tourist visa.

If you wish to take part in any of the above activities, you will need to look at long-term visa options. You can contact your local Thai embassy to discuss options, or seek assistance from a Visa Agent to apply for a long-term visa .

Arriving in Thailand

When you arrive in Thailand, you will need to provide the following documents at Passport Control:

• Passport with approved visa attached (if you applied at an Embassy)
• Confirmation letter of visa approval (if you applied online)
• Confirmed exit flight from the country no later than 60 days
• Confirmed accommodation (at least for the first night in the country)
• Current financial or bank statement showing funds available (200,000 Thai Baht equivalent)

A good practice is to print copies of these documents. Entry approval is at the discretion of immigration officers and presenting hard copies of these documents will speed your processing through Passport Control and help ease congestion at the airport.

Extending your Tourist Visa

If you decide you would like to stay for longer than 60 days before visiting somewhere else, it is possible to extend your stay in Thailand. Visitors with a Multi-Entry Tourist visa can extend their time in the country by 30 days by visiting a local Thai Immigration Office. An extension of stay will cost 1900 Thai Baht and must be paid in cash (Thai Baht) when applying for the extension. 

When you extend your stay, a new stamp will be placed in your passport for 30 days from the date you are at immigration, so it is best to do this towards the end of your 60-day visit.

You need to visit the office before your current stay period expires. Staying in the country past your exit date will cause an “overstay” and you will be fined 500 baht per day after your official exit date. An overstay is noted in your passport and can affect future visa applications. This extension of stay is only available in the country.

It is important to note that Thai Immigration offices are not open on weekends.

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Visa’s Digital Payments Data Reveals Asian Travel Trends 

Peden Doma Bhutia , Skift

September 2nd, 2024 at 12:44 AM EDT

Grasping the shift to digital payments in Asia would be a game-changer for the travel industry. Cashless is the future — think convenience and cool perks!

Peden Doma Bhutia

Nearly 80% of people across Asia don’t want to travel with any cash to their destination, according to Prateek Sanghi, head of Visa Consulting and Analytics for Asia Pacific. 

Safety, security, and speed are driving this shift. “Digital payments offer convenience and specific rewards tailored for travelers,” according to Sanghi.

Visa’s latest study highlights this trend. It shows that 97% of travelers in the region prefer digital payments. Only 31% carried cash in 2023, down sharply from 79% in 2020.

Visa has responded by partnering with local payment giants in China, such as WeChat and Alipay. This allows international travelers to use Visa cards within these platforms, addressing the need for cashless transactions in a market dominated by local methods. “While there’s competition across payment methods, a lot of cash displacement still needs to happen,” Sanghi said speaking to Skift. “Travelers need to use the instruments they have, and we’re seeing new partnership models emerge.”

Visa’s Collaborations: Data-Driven and Payments Related

Visa is also working with travel agencies and local tourism bodies across Asia to improve the travel experience by helping them understand spending patterns. For example, in Japan, Visa collaborates with the Osaka Tourism Bureau to prepare for events expected to attract millions of new travelers. These partnerships extend to offering contextual promotions, such as discounts at specific restaurants or hotels.

Visa’s use of AI and data helps predict travel patterns and offer relevant promotions through bank partnerships. In its latest “Beyond the Bloom” study, Visa examined tourist spending in Japan as a case study. Japan’s Sakura (cherry blossom) season, for instance, has become an economic force, attracting millions of tourists each year.

According to Visa, spending during this season has increased by 50% compared to pre-pandemic levels.

Insights Based on Spending

Japan is also becoming a top destination for Southeast Asian travelers, particularly from the Philippines, Indonesia, and Singapore, Sanghi said. A weak yen and the allure of unique cultural experiences are driving this trend. ” When you unpack the spend, what comes out is that people want to go to Japan to experience its food, geography and of course, the Sakura season,” Sanghi said. “Spending data shows that the surge in spending starts in southern Japan and moves northward as the Sakura blossoms spread.”

In broader trends, beach destinations and cities with unique cultural offerings are leading Asia’s travel boom. Bali, Tokyo, Singapore, and Bangkok are top choices for travelers seeking more than just a quick getaway, according to Sanghi. “The trend of longer trips, which began post-Covid due to higher travel costs and increased friction, is continuing. Travelers are now spending more time at their destinations, focusing on immersive experiences,” he said.

China Travel Boom: Recovery and New Trends

China’s travel sector is also recovering, though it lags behind global trends. While global travel has surged to 150% of pre-pandemic levels, Asia Pacific is at 130%, with China still playing catch-up. “While the number of travelers from China, just in absolute terms in the spends that they do, is significantly high, when you compare it to pre-pandemic, the country is still catching up to the rest of the world in terms of the consumer trends,” Sanghi said.

Experiential and immersive travel is gaining traction among Chinese tourists , with Japan being a favored destination for its natural landscapes, cuisine, and cultural experiences. France remains the most popular destination outside Asia Pacific for Chinese travelers, though domestic travel still holds strong appeal due to friction in some international corridors, Sanghi noted.

Visa observed that Chinese travelers use cards extensively for pre-trip related spends on big ticket items like transport and accommodation.

Co-Branded Credit Cards: Loyalty Programs Evolve

Co-branded credit cards are evolving, offering rewards beyond just airline purchases. Visa, along with banking and airline partners, is focusing on creating a larger loyalty ecosystem. “As airlines evolve their loyalty programs, we’re setting up an airline-focused practice within our consulting business,” Sanghi said.

“We have a team of experts that looks at our data as well as their business knowledge to work towards building a larger loyalty ecosystem for travelers and the customer base that the airline has,”

This includes partnerships with hotel chains and other travel-related services, offering a more holistic travel experience. These cards are now a tool for deeper engagement and brand loyalty, offering rewards that extend beyond flights to include accommodation, dining, and shopping

Sanghi pointed out that hotel co-branded cards are also emerging in some markets. “It’s not just about using the card, but about creating an ecosystem that leverages a network of partners.

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Tags: alipay , artificial intelligence , china , digital payments , japan , visa , wechat pay

Photo credit: Digital payments offer convenience and specific rewards tailored for travelers. Visa

Thailand leads ASEAN in push for joint visa allowing easier travel

• Regional collaboration and economic impact: The proposed Schengen-type visa, discussed with leaders from Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar and Vietnam, could potentially increase tourism revenue and enhance regional connectivity. “A common visa could entice long-haul travelers to make an easier decision,” Marisa Sukosol Nunbhakdi, former president of the Thai Hotels Association, told Bloomberg , highlighting the economic benefits of extended visa validity. Meanwhile, Nguyen Van Tai, CEO of VietSense Travel, told the Vietnam News Agency that a joint visa region would help Vietnam overcome current visa barriers, enabling it to compete more effectively with other major Asian tourism markets.
• Challenges and future prospects: Despite the enthusiasm, experts warn of significant challenges in implementing the single-visa policy, particularly due to ASEAN’s inconsistent immigration policies and the region’s historical difficulty in achieving multilateral agreements. Concerns about political stability, foreign affairs and security in the participating countries were also raised, with Vietnam’s deputy director general of tourism, Ha Van Sieu, urging careful consideration.

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Now boarding: Faces, places, and trends shaping tourism in 2024

After falling by 75 percent in 2020, travel is on its way to a full recovery by the end of 2024. Domestic travel is expected to grow 3 percent annually and reach 19 billion lodging nights per year by 2030. 1 Unless otherwise noted, the source for all data and projections is Oxford Economics. Over the same time frame, international travel should likewise ramp up to its historical average of nine billion nights. Spending on travel is expected to follow a similar trajectory, with an estimated $8.6 trillion in traveler outlays in 2024, representing roughly 9 percent of this year’s global GDP.

About the authors

This article is a collaborative effort by Caroline Tufft , Margaux Constantin , Matteo Pacca , and Ryan Mann , with Ivan Gladstone and Jasperina de Vries, representing views from McKinsey’s Travel, Logistics & Infrastructure Practice.

There’s no doubt people still love to travel and will continue to seek new experiences in new places. But where will travelers come from, and where will they go? We developed a snapshot of current traveler flows, along with estimates for growth through 2030. For the purposes of this report, we have divided the world into four regions—the Americas, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East and Africa.

Our analysis identifies three major themes for industry stakeholders to consider:

• The bulk of travel spending is close to home. Stakeholders should ensure they capture the full potential of domestic travel before shifting their focus to international travelers. And they should start with international travelers who visit nearby countries—as intraregional trips represent the largest travel segment after domestic trips.
• Source markets are shifting. Although established source markets continue to anchor global travel, Eastern Europe, India, and Southeast Asia are all becoming fast-growing sources of outbound tourism.
• The destinations of the future may not be the ones you imagine. Alongside enduring favorites, places that weren’t on many tourists’ maps are finding clever ways to lure international travelers and establish themselves as desirable destinations.

The bulk of travel spending is close to home

International travel might feel more glamorous, but tourism players should not forget that domestic travel still represents the bulk of the market, accounting for 75 percent of global travel spending (Exhibit 1). Domestic travel recovered from the COVID-19 pandemic faster than international travel, as is typical coming out of downturns. And although there has been a recent boom in “revenge travel,” with travelers prioritizing international trips that were delayed by the pandemic, a return to prepandemic norms, in which domestic travel represents 70 percent of spending, is expected by 2030.

The United States is the world’s largest domestic travel market at $1 trillion in annual spending. Sixty-eight percent of all trips that start in the United States remain within its borders. Domestic demand has softened slightly, as American travelers return abroad. 2 Dawit Habtemariam, “Domestic U.S. tourism growth levels off as Americans head overseas,” Skift, August 18, 2023. But tourism players with the right offerings are still thriving: five national parks broke attendance records in 2023 (including Joshua Tree National Park, which capitalized on growing interest from stargazers indulging in “dark sky” tourism 3 Scott McConkey, “5 national parks set attendance records in 2023, and the reasons may surprise you,” Wealth of Geeks, April 16, 2024. ).

China’s $744 billion domestic travel market is currently the world’s second largest. Chinese travelers spent the pandemic learning to appreciate the diversity of experiences on offer within their own country. Even as borders open back up, Chinese travelers are staying close to home. And domestic destinations are benefiting: for example, Changchun (home to the Changchun Ice and Snow Festival) realized 160 percent year-on-year growth in visitors in 2023. 4 Shi Xiaoji, “Why don’t Chinese people like to travel abroad anymore? The global tourism industry has lost 900 billion yuan. What is the situation?,” NetEase, February 12, 2024. In 2024, domestic travel during Lunar New Year exceeded prepandemic levels by 19 percent.

China’s domestic travel market is expected to grow 12 percent annually and overtake the United States’ to become the world’s largest by 2030. Hotel construction reflects this expectation: 30 percent of the global hotel construction pipeline is currently concentrated in China. The pipeline is heavily skewed toward luxury properties, with more than twice as many luxury hotels under construction in China as in the United States.

India, currently the world’s sixth-largest domestic travel market by spending, is another thriving area for domestic travel. With the subcontinent’s growing middle class powering travel spending growth of roughly 9 percent per year, India’s domestic market could overtake Japan’s and Mexico’s to become the world’s fourth largest by 2030. Domestic air passenger traffic in India is projected to double by 2030, 5 Murali Krishnan, “Can India’s airports cope with rapid passenger growth?,” Deutsche Welle, February 7, 2024. boosted in part by a state-subsidized initiative that aims to connect underserved domestic airports. 6 “India is seeing a massive aviation boom,” Economist , November 23, 2023.

When travelers do go abroad, they often stay close to home (Exhibit 2).

Europe and Asia, in particular, demonstrate strong and growing intraregional travel markets.

Recognizing this general trend, stakeholders have been funneling investment toward regional tourism destinations. An Emirati wealth fund, for instance, has announced its intent to invest roughly $35 billion into established hospitality properties and development opportunities in Egypt. 7 Michael Gunn and Mirette Magdy, “UAE’s $35 billion Egypt deal marks Gulf powers’ buying spree,” Bloomberg, April 27, 2024.

Europe has long played host to a high share of intraregional travel. Seventy percent of its travelers’ international trips stay within the region. Europe’s most popular destinations for intraregional travelers are perennial warm-weather favorites—Spain (18 percent), Italy (10 percent), and France (8 percent)—with limited change to these preferences expected between now and 2030.

Despite longer travel distances between Asian countries, Asia’s intraregional travel market is beginning to resemble Europe’s. Intraregional travel currently accounts for about 60 percent of international trips in Asia—a share expected to climb to 64 percent by 2030. As in Europe in past decades, Asian intraregional travel is benefiting from diminishing visa barriers and the development of a low-cost, regional flight network.

Thailand is projected to enjoy continued, growing popularity with Asian travelers. Thailand waived visa requirements for Chinese tourists in 2023 and plans to do the same for Indian tourists starting in 2024. It has aggressively targeted the fast-growing Indian traveler segment, launching more than 50 marketing campaigns directed at Indians over the past decade. The investment may be paying off: Bangkok recently overtook Dubai as the most popular city destination for Indian tourists. 8 “Bangkok overtakes Dubai as top destination for Indians post visa relaxation, reveals Agoda,” PR Newswire, January 18, 2024.

A McKinsey ConsumerWise survey on consumer sentiment, conducted in February 2024, suggests that Chinese travelers are also exhibiting high interest in international travel, with 36 percent of survey respondents indicating that they intend to spend more on international travel in the next three months. 9 Daniel Zipser, “ China brief: Consumers are spending again (outside of China) ,” McKinsey, April 8, 2024. Much of this interest is directed toward regional destinations such as Southeast Asia and Japan, with interest in travel to Europe down from previous years. 10 Guang Chen, Zi Chen, Steve Saxon, and Jackey Yu, “ Outlook for China tourism 2023: Light at the end of the tunnel ,” McKinsey, May 9, 2023.

Given travelers’ preference for proximity, how can tourism stakeholders further capitalize on domestic and intraregional travel demand? Here are a few strategies:

• Craft offerings that encourage domestic tourists to rediscover local gems. Destinations, hotels, and transportation providers can encourage domestic tourists to integrate lesser-known cultural landmarks into their trips to visit friends and relatives. In France, the upscale hotel chain Relais & Châteaux markets historic properties that lie far from classic tourist sights—such as Château Saint-Jean in rural Auvergne—as a welcome escape from the bustle of Paris. In Mexico, the Pueblos Mágicos program has successfully boosted domestic tourist visits to a set of “magical towns” that showcase Mexican heritage.
• Fold one-off domestic destinations into fuller itineraries. Route 66 in the United States is a classic road trip pathway, which spurs visits to attractions all along the highway’s length. Tourism stakeholders can collaborate to create similar types of domestic itineraries around the world. For instance, Mexico has expanded on its Pueblos Mágicos concept by branding coordinated visits to multiple villages as “magical routes.” In France, local tourism boards and vineyards have collaborated to promote bucket list “wine routes” around the country.
• Make crossing borders into neighboring countries seamless. Removing logistical barriers to travel can nudge tourists to upgrade a one-off trip to a single attraction into a bucket list journey across multiple, less-trodden destinations. In Africa, for example, Ethiopian Airlines is facilitating cross-border travel to major regional tourist sites through improved air connectivity. In Asia, Thailand has announced its intent to create a joint visa easing travel among Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam.

Source markets are shifting

The United States, Germany, the United Kingdom, China, and France remain the world’s five largest sources of travelers, in that order. These countries collectively accounted for 38 percent of international travel spending in 2023 and are expected to remain the top five source markets through 2030. But interest in travel is blossoming in other parts of the world—causing a shift in the balance of outbound travel flows (Exhibit 3).

North Americans’ travel spending is projected to hold steady at roughly 3 percent annual growth. US consumers voice growing concerns about inflation, and the most cost-constrained traveler segments are reducing travel, which is affecting ultra-low-cost airlines and budget hotels. Most travelers, however, plan to continue traveling: McKinsey research suggests that American consumers rank international and domestic travel as their highest-priority areas for discretionary spending. Instead of canceling their trips, these consumers are adapting their behavior by traveling during off-peak periods or booking travel further in advance. Travel spending by Europeans paints a slightly rosier picture, with roughly 5 percent projected annual growth. Meanwhile, the projected 12 percent annual growth in Chinese travelers’ spending should anchor substantial increases in travel spending across Northeast Asia.

Alongside these enduring traveler segments, new groups of travelers are emerging. Eastern Europe, India, and Southeast Asia are still comparatively small source markets, but they are developing fast-growing pools of first-time tourists (Exhibit 4).

India’s breakneck GDP growth of 6 percent year over year is bolstering a new generation of travelers, 11 Benjamin Laker, “India will grow to become the world’s third-largest economy by 2027,” Forbes , February 23, 2024. resulting in a projected annual growth in travel spending of 9 percent between now and 2030. Indian air carriers and lodging companies are making substantial investments to meet projected demand. Budget airline IndiGo placed the largest aircraft order in commercial aviation history in 2023, when it pledged to buy 500 Airbus A320 planes 12 Anna Cooban, “Biggest plane deal in history: Airbus clinches massive order from India’s IndiGo,” CNN, June 19, 2023. ; that same week, Air India nearly equaled IndiGo’s order size with purchase agreements for 250 Airbus and 220 Boeing jets. IndiGo later added an order for 30 additional Airbus A350 planes, well suited to serving both domestic and international routes. 13 “Airbus confirms IndiGo's A350 aircraft order,” Economic Times , May 6, 2024. The Indian Hotels Company Limited is ramping up its hotel pipeline, aiming to open two new hotels per month in the near future. International players are not sitting on the sidelines: seven hotel chains are launching new brands in India in 2024, 14 Peden Doma Bhutia, “Indian Hotels expansion plans: 2 new brands launching, 2 hotels opening every month,” Skift, February 2, 2024. including Marriott’s first Moxy- and Tribute-branded hotels in India and entrants from Hilton’s Curio and Tapestry brands. 15 Forum Gandhi, “Check-in frenzy: International hotel giants unleash fresh brands in India’s booming hospitality landscape,” Hindu Businessline , February 13, 2024. Development focus has shifted away from major metropolises such as Mumbai and Delhi and toward fast-developing, smaller cities such as Chandigarh and Hyderabad.

Southeast Asian travel spending is projected to grow at roughly 7 percent per year. Pockets of particularly high growth exist in Cambodia, Malaysia, and the Philippines. To capitalize on this blossoming source market, neighboring countries are rolling out attractive visa arrangements: for example, China has agreed to reciprocal visa waivers for short-term travelers from Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand. 16 Julienna Law, “China launches ‘visa-free era’ with Southeast Asia. Will travel retail boom?,” Jing Daily , January 30, 2024.

Travel spending by Eastern Europeans is expected to grow at 7 percent per year until 2030—two percentage points higher than spending by Western Europeans. Areas of especially high growth include the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Poland, where middle-class travelers are increasingly venturing farther afield. Major tourism players, including the TUI Group, have tapped into these new source markets by offering charter flights to warm-weather destinations such as Egypt. 17 Hildbrandt von Klaus, “TUI develops Czech Republic as a new source market,” FVW, December 22, 2023.

Although the number of travelers from these new source markets is growing, their purchasing power remains relatively limited. Compared with Western European travelers (who average $159 per night in total travel spending), South Asians spend 20 percent less, Eastern Europeans spend 40 percent less, and Southeast Asians spend 55 percent less. Only 3 percent of the current Asian hotel construction pipeline caters to economy travelers, suggesting a potential supply gap of rooms that could appeal to budget-constrained tourists.

While acknowledging that historical source markets will continue to constitute the bulk of travel spending, tourism players can consider actions such as these to capitalize on growing travel demand from newer markets:

• Reduce obstacles to travel. Countries can look for ways to strategically invest in simplifying travel for visitors from growing source markets. In 2017, for example, Azerbaijan introduced express processing of electronic visas for Indian visitors; annual arrivals from India increased fivefold in two years. Requirements regarding passport photocopies or in-person check-ins can similarly be assessed with an eye toward reducing red tape for travelers.
• Use culturally relevant marketing channels to reach new demographics. Unique, thoughtful marketing strategies can help destinations place themselves on first-time travelers’ bucket lists. For example, after the release of Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara , a popular Bollywood movie shot in Spain with support from the Spanish Ministry of Tourism, Indian tourism to Spain increased by 65 percent. 18 “ Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara part of syllabus in Spain colleges,” India Today , June 6, 2004.
• Give new travelers the tech they expect. Travelers from newer source markets often have access to tech-forward travel offerings. For example, Indian travelers can travel anywhere within their country without physical identification, thanks to the Digi Yatra app. The Southeast Asian rideshare app Grab has several helpful travel features that competitors lack, such as automated menu translation and currency conversion. Tourism stakeholders should consider how to adapt to the tech expectations of newer travelers, integrating relevant offerings that ease journeys.
• Create vibrant experiences tailored to different price points. Crafting lower-budget offerings for more cost-constrained travelers doesn’t need to result in giving them a subpar experience. Capsule hotels, in which guests sleep in small cubbies, began as a response to the high cost of accommodations in Japan, but they have become an attraction in their own right—appearing on many must-do lists. 19 Philip Tang, “24 of the best experiences in Japan,” Lonely Planet, March 23, 2024.

The places you’ll go: The destinations of the future may not be the ones you imagine

The world’s top ten destination countries (the United States, Spain, China, France, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, Italy, Thailand, Japan, and India, in that order) currently receive 45 percent of all travel spending, including for domestic travel. But some new locales are gaining traction (Exhibit 5).

A significant number of travelers are expanding their horizons, booking journeys to less visited countries that are near to old standbys. For instance, Laos and Malaysia, which both border Thailand—an established destination that is home to Bangkok, the world’s most visited city 20 Katherine LaGrave, “This is the world’s most visited city,” AFAR , January 31, 2024. —are up a respective 20 percent and 17 percent, respectively, in year-over-year international travel spending.

The world’s top ten destination countries currently receive 45 percent of all travel spending, including domestic-travel spending. But some new locales are gaining traction.

Several other countries that have crafted thoughtful tourism demand generation strategies—such as Peru, the Philippines, Rwanda, and Vietnam—are also expected to reap benefits in the coming years. Vietnam logged a remarkable 40 percent increase in tourism spending in the five years before the pandemic. Postpandemic, it has rebounded in part by waiving visa requirements for European travelers (while indicating intent to offer similar exemptions in the future for Chinese and Indian travelers). 21 Ashvita Singh, “Vietnam looks to offer visa-free entry to Indians: India report,” Skift, November 20, 2023. The Philippines has made a concerted effort to shift its sun-and-beach branding toward a more well-rounded image, replacing its long-standing “It’s more fun in the Philippines” tourism slogan with “Love the Philippines.” Peru is highlighting less visited archeological sites while also marketing itself as a top-notch culinary destination through the promotion of Peruvian restaurants abroad. Rwanda is investing in infrastructure to become a major African transit hub, facilitated by Qatar Airways’ purchase of a 60 percent stake in the country’s major airport. 22 Dylan Cresswell, “Rwanda plots ambitious tourism recovery,” African Business , July 28, 2022. Rwanda has also successfully capitalized on sustainable tourism: by charging $1,500 per gorilla trekking permit, for instance, it has maximized revenue while reducing environmental impact.

Tourism players might consider taking some of these actions to lure tourists to less familiar destinations:

• Collaborate across the tourism ecosystem. Promotion is not solely the domain of destination marketing organizations. Accommodation, transportation, and experience providers can also play important roles. In Singapore, for instance, the luxury resort Marina Bay Sands partners extensively with Singapore Airlines and the Singapore Tourism Board to offer compelling tourism offerings. Past collaborations have included flight and stay packages built around culinary festivals. 23 “Singapore Tourism Board, Marina Bay Sands & UOB partner to enliven Marina Bay precinct,” Singapore Tourism Board news release, January 25, 2024.
• Use infrastructure linkage to promote new destinations. By extending route options, transportation providers can encourage visitors to create itineraries that combine familiar destinations with new attractions. In Asia, Thailand’s tourism authority has attempted to nudge visitors away from the most heavily trafficked parts of the country, such as Bangkok and Phuket, and toward less popular destinations.
• Deploy social media to reach different demographics. Innovative social media campaigns can help put a destination on the map. Australia launched its “Ruby the kangaroo” campaign in China to coincide with the return of postpandemic air capacity between the two places. A video adapted for Chinese context (with appropriate gestures and a hashtag in Mandarin) garnered more than 20 million views in a single day on one of China’s largest social media platforms. 24 Nicole Gong, “Can Ruby the kangaroo bring Chinese tourists hopping back to Australia?,” SBS, June 5, 2023.
• Embrace unknown status. “Off the beaten path” messaging can appeal to widely traveled tourists seeking fresh experiences. Saudi Arabia’s “#WhereInTheWorld” campaign promoted the country’s tourist spots by acknowledging that they are less familiar to travelers, using a series of images that compared these spots with better-known destinations.

As tourism stakeholders look to the future, they can take steps to ensure that they continue to delight existing travelers while also embracing new ones. Domestic and intraregional tourism remain major opportunities—catering to local tourists’ preferences while building infrastructure that makes travel more seamless within a region could help capture them. Creative collaboration among tourism stakeholders can help put lesser-known destinations on the map. Travel tides are shifting. Expertly navigating these currents could yield rich rewards.

Caroline Tufft is a senior partner in McKinsey’s London office, Margaux Constantin is a partner in the Dubai office, Matteo Pacca is a senior partner in the Paris office, Ryan Mann is a partner in the Chicago office, Ivan Gladstone is an associate partner in the Riyadh office, and Jasperina de Vries is an associate partner in the Amsterdam office.

The authors wish to thank Abdulhadi Alghamdi, Alessandra Powell, Alex Dichter, Cedric Tsai, Diane Vu, Elisa Wallwitz, Lily Miller, Maggie Coffey, Nadya Snezhkova, Nick Meronyk, Paulina Baum, Peimin Suo, Rebecca Stone, Sarah Fellay, Sarah Sahel, Steffen Fuchs, Steffen Köpke, Steve Saxon, Sophia Wang, and Urs Binggeli for their contributions to this article.

This article was edited by Seth Stevenson, a senior editor in the New York office.

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