look news india
Visa-exempt travellers: Thailand is to introduce a new Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system for visa-exempt travellers. From December 2024, visitors entering by air, land or sea will need to obtain an ETA. The system aims to enhance security and streamline entry processes, with confirmations typically issued within 24 hours.
Thailand's Foreign Ministry is set to introduce a new Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system for visa-exempt foreigners. It will be mandatory for all visa-exempt travellers entering Thailand by air, land or sea.
Electronic Travel Authorization mandatory for entry
The eTA is not a visa, but rather acts as an automated security check, similar to the upcoming ETIAS program for visitors to the EU's Schengen Area. It aims to enhance security, prevent irregular migration, and monitor health risks. Travelers will typically receive entry confirmation by email within 24 hours.
Thailand's 60-day visa exemption policy
Thailand's 60-day visa waiver policy, which applies to citizens of 93 countries, was introduced in mid-July 2024. The policy covers most foreign tourists and does not require prior approval. The 60-day stay can be extended to 90 days by applying at a Thai immigration office.
Travelers may also leave the country for a period of time and re-enter to resume their stay, a process commonly referred to as a “border run.” This practice has led many to question the need to obtain other types of visas, such as elite, retirement, or family visas.
Countries that require an ETA
Here is a full list of the 93 visa-exempt countries that will require an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to enter Thailand:
- Albania
- Argentina
- Armenia
- Australia
- Austria
- Bahrain
- Belarus
- Belgium
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- brazil
- Brunei Darussalam
- Bulgaria
- Canada
- Chile
- China
- Colombia
- costa rica
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- czech republic
- Denmark
- Dominican Republic
- Ecuador
- El Salvador
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Georgia
- Germany
- Greece
- Guatemala
- Honduras
- Hong Kong
- Hungary
- Iceland
- India
- Indonesia
- Ireland
- Israel
- Italy
- Japan
- Kazakhstan
- Kuwait
- Laos
- Latvia
- lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Macau
- Malaysia
- Maldives
- Malta
- Mauritius
- Mexico
- monaco
- Mongolia
- Montenegro
- Morocco
- myanmar
- Nepal
- Netherlands
- new zealand
- Norway
- Oman
- Panama
- Paraguay
- Peru
- Philippines
- poland
- Portugal
- Queue
- Romania
- Russia
- San Marino
- Saudi Arabia
- Serbia
- Singapore
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- South Africa
- South Korea
- Spain
- Sri Lanka
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Taiwan
- Tajikistan
- Tunisia
- turkey
- Turkmenistan
- United Arab Emirates
- United Kingdom
- United States
- Uzbekistan
Possible limitations and system checks
Entry Limits: It is unclear whether the ETA system will impose limits on the number of 60-day entries per traveler. Previously, there was a limit of two border trips per year, but this rule was recently removed.
Automatic rejection: The ETA system can re-enforce entry limits with automated rejections, eliminating the need for human intervention.
Discount: Diplomats are exempt from the eTA requirement. Unlike some other countries, there is no exemption for tourists over the age of 70.