Citizens of 93 countries will soon need ETA permit to visit Thailand

[buksida]

Travelers from 93 visa-exempt countries planning a trip to Thailand will soon have to apply for an electronic travel authorization (ETA) permit.

Some media reports suggest a pilot phase will begin in December, with a full roll-out by June 2025.

However, The Straits Times understands that the date of the pilot launch has not been confirmed.

“Currently, the relevant Thai authorities are in discussions on the best format and modalities for such a system to be applied to international travellers and will require further consideration and coordination before implementation,” said Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman Nikorndej Balankura in response to queries from ST.

The proposed ETA – which is expected to be free of charge – is mandatory for citizens of 93 countries who currently enjoy visa-free travel to Thailand for stays of up to 60 days for the purpose of tourism.

https://globalnation.inquirer.net/25009 ... t-thailand

It says free of charge but it could be how they plan to collect their tourist tax.

Thailand postpones automated entry for foreign tourists
The implementation of an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system for foreign tourists entering Thailand has been postponed, the Foreign Ministry announced on Monday.
The ETA system, designed to streamline immigration procedures for visitors, was originally scheduled to launch in December 2024. However, the ministry said a launch date had yet to be determined as coordination with relevant agencies is still ongoing.

The ETA system will allow foreign tourists from 93 countries granted visa-free entry to register online prior to their arrival in Thailand. The QR code they receive on registration can then be used to pass through automated immigration gates. ETA will eventually be incorporated in Thailand’s transition to an electronic visa system.

https://www.nationthailand.com/news/general/40041755

[janoo493]

I think Thailand's ETA permit for tourists is a mixed bag. It could make entry more efficient, but it might also deter some travelers.

[Big Boy]

Just one more bureaucratic hoop for visitors to jump through, which the Government love to do.

[HHTel]

I'm sure this is nothing new. It seems to be the equivalent of the ESTA which is required to enter the US. That's been in place for years.

[buksida]

It is new for Thailand (we're not talking about the US). There is currently no requirement to do anything before arriving on a visa-exempt stamp, this will be a new hoop.

This may alleviate the immigration chaos on arrival ... but then again, it may make it worse considering this country's track record with tech...

[migrant]

I wonder if it could also be used to track one's movement.

[derek60]

Yes, agreed, Thailand's track record with Tech is not good

Could be a nightmare for visitors (cf TM30 online) or potentially could create chaos

It is new for Thailand (we're not talking about the US). There is currently no requirement to do anything before arriving on a visa-exempt stamp, this will be a new hoop.

This may alleviate the immigration chaos on arrival ... but then again, it may make it worse considering this country's track record with tech...

[HHTel]

It is new for Thailand (we're not talking about the US).

I realise that but people give the impression that it's something the Thai government have invented to fleece the tourists. It's not only a requirement in the US but all over Europe and even in the UK.

All the Thais are doing is implementing something that's already taken for granted in many countries.

[pharvey]

It is new for Thailand (we're not talking about the US). There is currently no requirement to do anything before arriving on a visa-exempt stamp, this will be a new hoop.

This may alleviate the immigration chaos on arrival ... but then again, it may make it worse considering this country's track record with tech...

Yes it's new for Thailand, but hardly for the West and Europe in general. Does it really effect "Tourists" or more an "Added Hoop" for those foreigners living in Thailand?
Tourist-wise, there are countless "Hoops" the LHG has to go through where you ,I and many others wouldn't even question, but with our passports we can pretty much walk into several countries. Have a thought as to how pi**ed off residents of those countries may be

[buksida]

Yes, I've seen the massive backlash against tourists across Europe this summer, especially in Spain and particularly against Brits (I can't say I blame them!)

The Thai government just wants $$$, it doesn't give a hoot about anything else, including what its people think (do Thais really want hordes of Chinese, Indians, or rowdy farangs here? I doubt it).

[buksida]

As suspected, according to this the new ETA will be the way they collect the new tourist tax, applicable to all foreigners. Its nothing to do with making lives easier, its to do with raking in more money.

The real deal about the end of one of Thailand’s unpopular address forms
The chopping of the Tor Mor 6 small arrival registration form is a staging post to a wholly electronic visitor entry system. Historically, the TM6 was distributed to airline passengers about to land who, always wearily and often unreadably, scribbled their Thai address and local phone number after borrowing their neighbor’s pen. It was abolished for airline passengers as early as July 2022, partly out of covid concerns and partly because it was generally pointless.

However, the form survived for some visitors by land and all by sea until now suspended on October 16 by the Cabinet at least until April 2025. By then, according to the interior ministry, the ETA or Electronic Travel Authorization should be in place for all visa-exempt foreigners, the ones from 93 countries who receive 60 days on arrival. These countries include all the nations providing significant numbers of international vacationers.

These guys and gals, probably by Easter next year, have to apply online for permission to enter Thailand and, on permitted arrival, will be able to pass through immigration’s electronic gates at entry points with a personally-provided QR code. The individuals will likely be refused boarding at airports or refused entry at seaports and border checkpoints unless the bureaucracy has been successfully completed.

Although the ETA, required for every visit, will be notionally free that’s not the end of the story. Thailand will introduce the long-delayed tourist tax of 300 baht by air and 150 baht by land and sea. It has long been argued that collecting cash at entry points would lead to long queues and much frustration by visitors and immigration officers alike. ETA provides the answer by insisting you pay beforehand and electronically by card.

At some stage in 2025 the ETA system will be extended to include all foreigners entering Thailand, including all non-immigrant visa holders such as retirees Such a system is becoming common worldwide, for example in UK which starts its electronic entry bureaucracy for all visitors next month. Basically, ETA replaces decisions by immigration officers on the ground by prior electronic checking of wannabe entrants.

https://www.pattayamail.com/travel/the- ... rms-476283

Personally, I wouldn't object to paying 300 baht to avoid the hellish immigration queues at the airport, but that benefit remains to be seen. It could also end up being quite costly for those that are in and out often.

[HHTel]

As far as I understand it and in line with other countries, the ETA lasts for a period of time so would include multiple entries. I doubt whether Thailand will differ and insist on that for every entry.
In the US for example, the ETA (ESTA) lasts for 2 years and costs around $21 (almost 700 baht)

[buksida]

The report begs to differ and claims it will be required for every entry. But as with most Thai news reports, it could be hearsay as the system has yet to be implemented. It would also make monetary sense for them to require it for every entry if they want to collect their tourist tax for every foreign arrival. The ETA is essentially a digital version of the now scrapped TM6, which they will start charging for.

[kwajdiver]

“These guys and gals, probably by Easter next year, have to apply online for permission to enter Thailand and, on permitted arrival, will be able to pass through immigration’s electronic gates at entry points with a personally-provided QR code. The individuals will likely be refused boarding at airports or refused entry at seaports and border checkpoints unless the bureaucracy has been successfully completed.”

“Although the ETA, required for every visit, will be notionally free that’s not the end of the story. Thailand will introduce the long-delayed tourist tax of 300 baht by air and 150 baht by land and sea. It has long been argued that collecting cash at entry points would lead to long queues and much frustration by visitors and immigration officers alike. ETA provides the answer by insisting you pay beforehand and electronically by card.”

“At some stage in 2025 the ETA system will be extended to include all foreigners entering Thailand, including all non-immigrant visa holders such as retirees.”

So then, if applied to non-immigrant holders such as retirees, my questions are:

1. Will we still have to obtain and pay for a re-entry permit from Immigration, and also obtain and pay for the ETA?

2. If we are required to obtain both, will we be allowed to use the ETA provided QR code to pass through Immigration, or will we still have to have an Immigration officer view our re-entry permit, stamp us in and start our 90 days?

3. If we are not required to obtain an ETA – but still must obtain a re-entry permit - and airlines require an ETA to board, will all the airlines understand that a re-entry permit nullifies the need for an ETA?

[Dannie Boy]

You’re not expecting any sensible answers are you - the system is still on the drawing board!!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk