Visa-exempt travelers: Thailand is set to launch a new Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system for visa-exempt travelers. Starting 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 procedures, with confirmation typically issued within 24 hours.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand is set to introduce a new Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system for visa-exempt foreigners. This will be mandatory for all visa-exempt travelers entering Thailand by air, land, or sea.
Mandatory Electronic Travel Authorization for Entry
The ETA is not a visa but functions as an automated security check, similar to the upcoming ETIAS program for visitors to the European Union’s Schengen area. It aims to enhance security, deter irregular migration, and monitor health risks. Travellers will typically receive an email confirmation of entry within 24 hours.
Thailand’s 60-Day Visa Exemption Policy
Thailand’s 60-day visa exemption policy, which applies to citizens of 93 countries, was introduced in mid-July 2024. This 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.
Travellers can also leave the country briefly and re-enter to reset their stay, a process commonly known as a “border run.” This practice has led many to question the necessity of obtaining other types of visas, such as Elite, retirement, or family visas.
Countries That Require ETA
Here is the 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
- Qatar
- 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
Potential Limitations and System Checks
Entry Limits: It’s unclear if 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.
Automated Rejections: The ETA system might reintroduce entry limits with automated rejections, removing the need for human intervention.
Exemptions: Diplomats are exempt from the ETA requirement. There is no current exemption for tourists over 70, unlike in some other countries.
