Thai embassy in Kathmandu defends visa process amid NATTA threat to halt tour sales

The Royal Thai Embassy in Kathmandu has published a four-page clarification of its e-Visa process, The Kathmandu Post reports. The statement, issued on Thursday, follows a warning from the Nepal Association of Tour and Travel Agents (NATTA) that it could stop selling Thailand tour packages.

What the embassy said

According to the embassy, most delays are caused by incomplete, invalid or fraudulent documents, applications filed at the last minute, and demands for immediate decisions. Expired documents, unclear scans and inadequate bank statements also slow processing down.

When documents are complete and accurate, the embassy says applications take seven to 10 working days. It advises applying at least one month before the planned travel date.

The embassy also reminded applicants that they must be physically present in Nepal when they apply. Tourist and transit visa applicants must show confirmed round-trip flight tickets and hotel bookings in their own names, or an invitation letter from a host. Visa fees are non-refundable under Thai government rules, and the embassy is not required to explain why an application was refused.

Why travel agents are unhappy

NATTA objects to the requirement for fully paid flight tickets and hotel bookings before a visa is approved. Because many airline and hotel bookings are non-refundable, it says delays and refusals have cost Nepali tourists and agencies “millions of rupees”. The association warned that it could halt all Thailand tour sales from Nepal and label Thailand a restricted destination unless the process becomes more accessible, transparent and timely.

What this means if you are applying for a Thai e-Visa

The same basics apply wherever you submit an e-Visa application:

• Make sure every document is complete, current and clearly scanned. Check expiry dates before you upload.
• Prepare bank statements that clearly meet the requirement for the visa you are applying for.
• Apply early, and do not plan around an instant decision.
• Apply from the country where you are physically present.

If you are preparing a Destination Thailand Visa, our DTV requirements checklist walks through the documents, and our DTV visa service can check everything before you submit.