Kathmandu. The Nepal Association of Tour and Travel Agents (NATTA) has urged the government to resolve the problems in the tourist visa process in Thailand. NATTA has demanded immediate resolution of the problems faced by Nepali passengers and travel entrepreneurs due to the delay in the tourist visa process, uncertainty and advance booking.

NATTA has warned that Thailand will be compelled to suspend tourism promotion and sale of new tourist packages if the visa process is not made transparent, practical and time-bound.

According to NATTA, applicants are compelled to submit air tickets and hotel bookings in advance as there is no guarantee that the visa will be approved in the visa application process in Thailand. Passengers and businessmen are at further risk due to the non-refundable or high fees for cancellation of tickets of airlines such as Thai Airways and Thai Lion Air.

According to NATTA, money worth hundreds of thousands of US Dollars is at risk to Nepali travellers and businessmen as the case of visa rejection even after submitting all the documents or decision is made only after the expiry of the travel date.

Likewise, the process has become more complicated as the online booking system and commercial reservation system have been requested for a separate confirmation letter from the concerned hotels, NATTA said.

NATTA has stated that the amount has to be paid in advance before the visa is issued, additional conditions have to be fulfilled in the booking and the amount is not returned due to rejection of visa or delay in timely decision.

NATTA has demanded an impartial investigation into the issue as Nepali passengers and businessmen have to suffer financial loss due to the visa process but other parties continue to take financial benefits.

“It would not be justified to impose the entire financial risk associated with the visa decision on Nepali travellers and businessmen, making it clear that it respects the visa policy and sovereign rights of the friendly countries,” the statement reads.

NATTA said it has written to the Royal Thai Embassy for an immediate high-level emergency meeting on this issue and is taking continuous efforts. It is concerned that any further delay in visa processing during the approaching national festivals could increase the financial loss of the passengers.

If the visa system is not improved, the NATTA has warned that Thailand will be declared as a ‘blacklisted destination’ for Nepali tourism in order to protect the investment of its member agencies and Nepali tourism entrepreneurs.

As a possible step, NATTA has stated that the sale, distribution and promotion of new tourist packages of Thailand will be completely stopped, advertisement and digital marketing promotions will be stopped, and new group bookings and regular tourist tours will be suspended.

Similarly, the NATTA has stated that Nepali travellers are encouraged to choose alternative international destinations where the visa process is simplified, safe and practical.

According to NATTA, Nepali travel agencies have been promoting Thailand as a major tourist destination for decades and contributing to the tourism industry there. Therefore, it demands that Nepali travellers should also get a respectful, time-bound and just visa process.

NATTA also urged the government, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation and the diplomatic agencies concerned to initiate high-level diplomatic initiatives with the Thai government and Royal Thai Embassy in Kathmandu at the earliest.

NATTA has also demanded the government to clarify the real status of the visa process, carry out necessary investigations and seek practical solutions to protect Nepali passengers and businesspersons from further economic loss.

Putting forth the view that economic risk is not acceptable if visa is not guaranteed, NATTA has drawn the attention of the bodies concerned to protect the money, time and respect of Nepali passengers and the investment and interests of the tourism entrepreneurs.