In a positive development for travellers, starting December 1, 2024, Thailand is launching a new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system for visitors from visa-exempt countries, including India. This system is designed to make immigration smoother while improving the tracking of foreign nationals.
According to Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the goal is to balance national security with efficient visitor flow management, all while maintaining Thailand’s appeal as a top tourist destination.
The Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) will be required for citizens from 93 visa-exempt countries who plan to visit Thailand. However, travellers from Cambodia, Laos, and Malaysia are exempt from needing this authorisation.
The ETA will grant a single entry into Thailand, allowing visitors to stay up to 60 days. If needed, this can be extended for an additional 30 days.
The application process for the ETA is entirely online. Travellers will need to submit their details through a new platform, and the best part is that there will be no application fee.
Thailand is also rolling out an e-visa system, which will eventually be merged with the ETA. By June 2025, travellers can submit just one online application for their trip, making the process even more convenient.
This move is aimed at simplifying travel while keeping Thailand a top choice for international tourists.
One of the key perks is that it will allow visitors to use automated immigration clearance gates at airports and other entry points. By scanning the QR code provided on their ETA, travellers can get through immigration faster, making the process smoother and more efficient.
However, it's important to remember that travellers must stick to the stay limits approved by their ETA. Thailand's system will track how long visa-exempt visitors stay in the country, and if someone overstays, they could face penalties. This could include daily fines for not complying with the authorised stay period, so keeping an eye on the limits and avoiding any issues is essential.
(With inputs from multiple reports)