Friendly vs unfriendly
by Noonsite 30 Mar 2021 10:31 BST
Thailand © Noonsite
This month it's Thailand up against Egypt. The Thai Government have extended the length of stay for visiting yachts from a possible 12 months to 2.5 years - great news for those heading to SE Asia in the future.
Plus, the Thai Special Tourist Visa (STV) has been re-introduced until September, meaning yachts arriving in Phuket can get a visa on arrival (albeit at a high price tag).
The Red Sea Port Authority, however, have once again raised sailing permit (Port Clearance) fees this month from $60 to an incredible $930. Yachts currently waiting to transit the Suez Canal have no choice but to pay, although transits have been put on hold since March 23rd as a mega ship has been blocking the canal with its stern and bow stuck on opposite shores. Latest news is that a successful tow to Great Bitter Lakes is under way.
A similar fee increase happened in 2019 and after 12 months fees were brought down to a more reasonable level. It is hoped the same thing will happen this time. For now though, fees to transit Suez are on a par with those for the Panama Canal.
This article has been provided by the courtesy of noonsite.com.