Thailand: Electronic Travel Authorization Requirement for Visa-Exempt Nationals Forthcoming
November 6, 2024
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At a Glance
- Starting with a pilot phase from December 1, 2024, Thailand will implement an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system for visa-exempt visitors. Update November 6, 2024: The ETA launch has been delayed, and the government has announced for which groups of foreign nationals the ETA will be required or optional.
- The ETA will be fully implemented by June 2025. The e-Visa service and the ETA system will be integrated into a single online application submission platform.
- All visa-exempt foreign nationals entering by land, air or sea will be required to obtain an ETA before entering Thailand, except nationals of Laos, Cambodia, and Malaysia, who will be waived from the ETA requirement.
The situation
Starting with a pilot phase from December 1, 2024, Thailand will implement an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system for visa-exempt visitors, to both improve the tracking of visa-exempt nationals and to provide faster immigration clearance to eligible travelers. Update November 6, 2024: The ETA launch has been delayed past the original December 1, 2024 timeframe. Additionally, the Ministry of Tourism and Sports plans to introduce a THB 300 Thai Travel Tax, pending Cabinet approval in January 2025. This tax, requiring pre-arrival online registration and payment, may affect the ETA timeline.
A closer look
- Applicability. Nationals of 93 countries, who are visa-exempt when entering Thailand, will be required to apply for an ETA for each trip, except nationals of Laos, Cambodia, and Malaysia, who will be waived from the ETA requirement. Update November 6, 2024: The ETA requirement will apply to 15- and 30-day stay visa-exempt nationals, visa-on-arrival entrants, and those entering under a 60-day visa exemption; and will be optional for holders of long-term visas, Destination Thailand visas, consular-issued tourist visas, and diplomatic passport holders.
- Validity. Each ETA approval will allow a single entry and is valid for up to 60 days per visit, with one extension of 30 days.
- Process. In order to obtain an ETA, foreign nationals will need to submit an application online.
- E-visa system integration. The ETA will be introduced at the same time as the e-Visa system, and when the ETA is fully implemented by June 2025, the e-Visa service and the ETA system will be integrated into a single online application submission platform.
- No fee. There will not be a fee for the ETA application.
- Border discretion. Approval via the ETA system will not guarantee entry into Thailand; border officials still maintain discretion to deny entry to the country.
Background
The ETA’s aim is to enhance the screening and tracking of foreign nationals entering Thailand. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the initiative is part of a broader effort to manage visitor flow and ensure national security while maintaining Thailand’s appeal as a top global tourist destination.
This follows the Thai government’s expansion of the visa exemption to more nationals in July 2024.
Impact
ETA holders will benefit from automated immigration clearance gates at immigration checkpoints using the QR code on their ETA.
Visa-exempt nationals’ stays will be tracked under this new system, so it is important that stay limits are observed to avoid penalties for noncompliance, which can include a daily fine.
Looking ahead
The government is expected to publish more information on the ETA. We will update this alert with related developments.
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].
