Thailand is scheduled to launch Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) for visa-exempt travelers from 93 countries, effective from December 2024.1
The upcoming launch of ETA marks a significant enhancement of the country’s immigration process.
WHY THIS MATTERS
By integrating with existing e-Visa services, ETA will modernize the tracking of foreign nationals and streamline immigration through a single online platform. This initiative aims to reduce manual paperwork, strengthen security protocols, and accelerate immigration clearance at automated passport gates, potentially helping to ensure a faster and more efficient experience for visa-exempt travelers.
More Details
Thailand’s Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) System
Thailand’s ETA system, launching in December 2024, will be mandatory for all visa-exempt travelers arriving by air, land, or sea. Eligible travelers from 93 countries must apply for an ETA online before arrival. The system allows a single entry for up to 60 days, with an optional 30-day extension.
Key Features:
- Mandatory for visa-exempt travelers – applies to air, land, and sea entries (travelers applying for a tourist visa, visa-on-arrival, or any other types of visas will not need to apply).
- Online application – accessible through the existing e-Visa platform, with a QR code issued upon successful application.
- Automated immigration gates – QR codes expedite entry via automated gates at Thai border points.
Objectives:
- Enhance foreign national tracking, and improve border security through a pre-screening procedure.
- Streamline immigration procedures, and reduce paperwork and administrative burdens.
- Integrate ETA with the e-Visa platform.
- Speed up immigration processing at automated gates.
Thailand’s ETA System: Further Developments
- As of December 2024, the ETA requirements will be enforced for visa-exempt travelers; however current immigration procedures will remain in place. Please be aware that ETA approval does not guarantee entry – that ultimate decision is for the border officials to make, who may deny entry if deemed necessary.
KPMG INSIGHTS
We advise travelers to regularly check the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website for updates on the ETA system, and any relevant press releases published by the Thai government.2,3
Questions about eligibility, securing the appropriate documentation to support applications, making applications, and the next steps forward, may be directed to the traveler’s usual immigration counsel or to a member of our Immigration team at KPMG in Thailand (see the Contact Us section).).
CONTACTS
Additional Resources
FOOTNOTES:
1 See the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, “Thai E-Visa Official Website,” at: https://www.thaievisa.go.th/.
Also see the website for กรมการกงสุล กระทรวงการต่างประเทศ / Department of Consular Affairs at: https://consular.mfa.go.th/th/content/8-10-67?cate=5ddbe42115e39c4768007e1d.
2 References to visa exemptions and detailed guidelines can be found in The Royal Gazette: Granting visa exemptions for passport holders from 90 countries and territories for short-term visits up to 60 days (in Thai), The Royal Gazette, “Announcement on countries/territories whose nationals are entitled to visa exemption for the purpose of tourism and short-term business engagements, for a period not exceeding 60 days.”
3 The Government Public Relations Department (in English), “Visa Facilitation Measures to Stimulate Thailand’s Economy and Tourism.”
Disclaimer
* Please note the KPMG International member firm in the United States does not provide immigration or labor law services. However, KPMG Law LLP in Canada can assist clients with U.S. immigration matters.
The information contained in this newsletter was submitted by the KPMG International member firm in Thailand.
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