What Travelers Need to Know About Thailand’s Plan for Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)
A talk is ongoing at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Thailand, about the implementation of electronic travel authorization (ETA) for visa-exempt travelers. This means you might need to apply for an online authorization before entering the Land of Smiles.
This Pacific Prime Thailand article has compiled all you need to know about this system, what it is, which country currently requires you to apply for ETA upon entry, when Thailand will use it, and what else do you need for your time in Thailand.
What is an ETA?
Electronic travel authorization or ETA, allows each country to screen travelers who can enter their country without a visa. It generally does not require as lengthy a process as a visa application, and you can get one online in a matter of days or even minutes.
Some countries have agreements or measures that allow their passport holders to enter another country without applying for a visa, such as American passport holders or British passport holders who can enter and stay in Thailand for 60 days without a visa.
However, this does not mean a country will not want to screen anyone who enters the country at all.
ETA allows countries to pre-screen and assess visa-exempted travelers for their health, purpose of visit, criminal records, and travel history, which can be useful in maintaining border security.
ETA can be a middle ground between border security and ease of traveling, as it generally does not require as lengthy a process as a visa application. Most countries allow you to apply for an ETA online through their immigration authority’s official portal.
Travelers will need to prepare some basic information about themselves and their trip, such as passport numbers, accommodation addresses, flight numbers, purpose of visit, and some health information.
Some countries will charge a fee for an ETA application; however, an ETA fee is generally not as costly as a visa application.
You will likely receive your ETA within a couple of days or even hours or minutes from when you submit your application.
Travelers are recommended to check the ETA requirement of their destination country from an official government website or immigration authority to avoid fraud and ensure seamless border clearance.
Which Countries Require ETA When Entering?
Australia was the first country to implement the ETA system in 1996. Many countries have followed suit since then, including the United States, which introduced its Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) in 2008 and Canada with the Canadian Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) in 2015.
New Zealand introduced the New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) in 2019, where passport holders of visa waiver countries can apply for NZeTA and stay up to three months in New Zealand or six months for British passport holders.
The UK is also rolling out its ETA implementation, with all visa-exempt travelers expected to apply for the UK ETA before entering the country by April 2025.
The European Union is planning to launch the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) in the first half of 2025. Visitors from 60 visa-exempt countries will need to apply for the ETIAS for a short-term stay in 30 European countries.
Currently, no country in Southeast Asia has implemented an ETA system. However, each country has its own specific visa and entry requirement; please check with the official authority of each country whether you will need any specific document according to your nationality.
When Will Thailand Use It?
The initial report expected Thailand to roll out its ETA requirement by December 2024. However, there is no confirmed or specific date for when it will be implemented.
What Else Do I Need to Travel to Thailand?
Thailand gives visa exemptions for nationals of 93 countries and territories. First, you will want to check if you need a visa to enter Thailand or not. Apart from your visa, you might want to make sure you have the necessary documents, like your passport or your return tickets, ready.
Here’s a run-down list for you:
Check if You Need a Visa or Not
Nationals of 93 countries and territories are eligible to enter Thailand without visa, while nationals of 31 countries and territories are eligible for visa on arrival at the immigration checkpoint in Thailand.
Make Sure Your Passport is Valid
Your passport must have at least six months of validity remaining upon arriving in Thailand.
Have Other Necessary Documents Ready
Other necessary documents you will want to prepare upon arriving in Thailand include your onward or return tickets within 60 days of arriving in Thailand, your proof of adequate funding for the duration of your stay, and your accommodation confirmation in Thailand.
Make Sure Your Healthcare is Covered
Thailand is known for its top-notch and affordable healthcare. However, you might want to make sure you have someone to cover your back and ensure that should anything happen, the cost doesn’t add up and dampen your stay in the Land of Smiles.
Pacific Prime Thailand offers an insurance brokerage service to make sure that our clients can find the insurance plan that suits their needs and budgets, whether you are here for a trip or plan to stay long-term.
Contact us today for a FREE no-obligation plan comparison and quotes and let our experts simplify things down for you.
Coming to Pacific Prime, she is ready to utilize her experience for the new pursuit. With a strong passion for storytelling and writing, she hopes her words could help bring people closer to the best international health insurance plan that works for them. After all, as a writer, there is no greater honor than when one’s words can add clarity to the world of the readers.
Apart from writing, she is an avid planespotter. On the weekends, you can expect to find her loitering around the airport, gawking at all the aircrafts taking off and landing. When the weather does not permit planespotting, you can find her huddling on her cozy couch, watching ballet and figure skating as well.
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