Thailand | e-Visa system available Jan. 1

The Thai government announced the worldwide implementation of the electronic visa (e-Visa) system across 94 Royal Thai Embassies and Consulates-General.

Key Points:

• Beginning Jan. 1, 2025, the new e-Visa system will be available through the official website.
• Officials also announced that e-Visa applicants no longer need to submit passports and supporting documents in person at a Royal Thai Embassy/Consulate-General.
• Applicants are only able to apply from their country of residence and in the countries where e-Visa services are available.
• After the e-Visa application has been approved, a confirmation email will be sent to applicants, which can be printed out for presenting to airlines and Thai immigration officials when traveling to Thailand.

Background: The Thai government stated that their current policies are focused on a system-wide visa restructuring. The e-Visa initiative aligns with the government’s priority to revitalize Thailand’s image and international confidence while promoting the country as a global hub for tourism, business and international exchange. The e-Visa attempts to balance the desire to enhance services to facilitate greater travel while improving security by increasing the effectiveness of screening processes, reducing paperwork and integrating databases with other relevant agencies.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice Group.

Copyright © 2024 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries, please contact copyright@bal.com.