The Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the timeline for implementation of the electronic travel authorization (ETA) system.

Key Points:

• As BAL previously reported, the Thai government is undertaking several new immigration initiatives designed to increase tourism and spur economic growth.
• The government recently approved an expansion of the visa-on-arrival policy to include additional countries, and the allowable stay of 30 days was extended to 60 days for tourists and short-term business travelers from 93 countries.
• At that time, authorities also announced an ETA system for visa-exempt visitors that would be integrated with e-Visa services.
• Officials have now stated the ETA should be available by Dec. 1, 2024, for an initial pilot phase, with full implementation by June 2025.
• Upon full implementation, e-Visa service will be integrated with the ETA system into a single online application portal.

Additional Information: All visa-exempt travelers will be required to hold an approved ETA before arriving in Thailand, whether arriving by air, land or sea. The ETA is expected to be free of charge and grant single-entry capabilities via automated gates at immigration checkpoints using a QR code. Holders of diplomatic passports, official passports, U.N. Laissez-Passer and Border Pass users, as well as nationals of Cambodia, Laos and Malaysia, will be exempt from the ETA.

BAL Analysis: The Thai cabinet has tasked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other relevant agencies to update and align their internal regulations and implement measures to promote tourism and stimulate Thailand’s economy. The government hopes to implement the ETA system for travelers entering the country under the visa exemption regime, similar to the United Kingdom’s new ETA system, which is expanding in phases.