Why Thailand Is a Top Choice for Belarusian Tourists in 2025

In the first half of 2025, Thailand has shown unprecedented popularity among Belarusian tourists. According to the latest data, the number of travelers from Belarus choosing this Asian country for their vacation has increased 2.5 times compared to the same period last year. Let’s explore why Thailand is becoming so attractive to our compatriots and what changes in entry rules await these tourists.

Growth Dynamics: Impressive Figures

In the first four months of 2025, Thailand was visited by 16,125 tourists from Belarus, which is 151.8% higher than in the same period of 2024. Such rapid growth places Thailand at the top among long-haul destinations popular with Belarusians. For comparison, Russia ranks third in terms of the number of tourists in Thailand after China and Malaysia. From January to April 2025, about 880,000 Russians visited the country, which is 15.2% more than a year earlier. However, in percentage terms, the growth of the Belarusian tourist flow significantly outpaces the Russian one. This trend is especially striking in the context of overall statistics: in 2024, Thailand was visited by 20,654 Belarusian tourists, whereas in 2023 there were only 9,008. Over the course of a year, the number of travelers more than doubled.

Reasons for Thailand’s Growing Popularity

According to Ivan Chura, Honorary Consul of the Kingdom of Thailand in the Republic of Belarus, the main factor behind the growth is the high quality of Thailand’s tourist product: "Thailand has shown enormous growth in tourist arrivals not only from the Belarusian market but also from tourists from all over the world. This speaks to the quality of the product. Thailand’s hotels, infrastructure, beaches, entertainment, relaxation and spa tours, shopping – all of these offer limitless possibilities," notes the consul. Among other reasons for the growing popularity, experts highlight:

1. Simplification of visa formalities. At the end of 2024, a visa on arrival was introduced for tourists planning to stay less than 15 days, and since January 1, 2025, it has been possible to obtain an electronic visa.
2. Variety of offerings. Thailand offers both beach vacations and extensive excursion programs, making it attractive to different categories of travelers.
3. Value for money. Compared to other long-haul destinations, Thailand often offers better deals at a comparable level of service.

New Entry Rules: Digital Arrival Card

Since May 1, 2025, Thai authorities have changed entry requirements for all tourists. Now every foreign national must present a so-called Digital Arrival Card (Thailand Digital Arrival Card, TDAC) at the border. It is important to note that the requirements for e-visas and visas on arrival remain unchanged. The Digital Arrival Card must be completed no later than three days before arriving in the country. The document includes the following information:

• Personal data: full name, nationality, phone number, email address, passport details
• Trip details: flight number, purpose of visit, address of stay in Thailand
• Health declaration

The Digital Arrival Card is available on a special portal. After completing it, you must download the document and save or print it to present to the immigration officer upon arrival in Thailand. The consulate warns: if the tourist does not have the Digital Arrival Card for any reason, entry into the country will not be possible.

Prospects for Direct Air Service

One factor that could further increase tourist flow from Belarus to Thailand would be the opening of direct air service between the two countries. Currently, Belarusians travel to Thailand via Moscow, Istanbul, Dubai, or Beijing. "If you look at the market capacity – 20,000 Belarusian tourists annually – I am sure such a flight would be successful," says Ivan Chura. In his opinion, the most promising destination for a direct flight is Phuket, since about 80% of Belarusian tourists choose this island for their vacation. The second option could be Bangkok, with the possibility of a transfer to Pattaya, where the excursion and entertainment infrastructure is well developed. A direct flight could be in demand not only by “beach” tourists but also by business travelers, athletes, representatives of industrial and trade circles, as well as Thai tourists wishing to visit Belarus for excursions.

Seasonality of the Destination

Interestingly, Thailand, traditionally considered a seasonal winter holiday destination, is gradually gaining the status of an all-year-round resort for Belarusians. The experience of the Russian market shows that flights to Thailand operate successfully not only in winter and the off-season but also in summer. "We have seen what happened with destinations like Egypt and the UAE, which were once considered 'seasonal' for us, and are now year-round. So I believe that flight load to Thailand can also be good in summer," notes Ivan Chura.

Future Plans

In the near future, a major presentation of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is expected to be held in Belarus. TAT representatives will talk about new Thai tourism products, new hotels, and options for Belarusian tourists. Experts are confident that this event will contribute to further growth in the popularity of Thailand among both ordinary tourists and tourism industry professionals.

Conclusions

The 151.8% increase in tourist flow from Belarus to Thailand in the first four months of 2025 is clear evidence of the growing popularity of this Asian destination. Simplification of visa formalities, high quality of tourist infrastructure, and variety of offerings make Thailand increasingly attractive to Belarusian travelers. Despite the introduction of new entry rules in the form of the Digital Arrival Card, interest in Thailand continues to grow. And the prospect of opening direct air service between the countries could become an additional incentive for further increases in tourist flow from Belarus to this exotic Southeast Asian country.