Thailand | ETA implementation update

The Thai government provided further details for the implementation of the new electronic travel authorization (ETA) system.

Key Points:

• As BAL reported, the Thai government is undertaking several new immigration initiatives designed to increase tourism and spur economic growth. The ETA was announced alongside an expansion of the visa exemption and visa-on-arrival programs to include additional nationalities.
• Officials stated the ETA has an anticipated start date of Dec. 1 and will apply to the following travelers of all nationalities with no exemptions for any non-Thai citizens:
  • Visa-free (15- and 30-day stays)
  • Visa-on-arrival
  • Visa exemption (60-day stay) for all nationalities
• The ETA will not be mandatory for long-term visa holders (including nonimmigrant visas), Destination Thailand Visa holders or holders of tourist visas that are issued by the embassy prior to entry.
  • Holders of diplomatic passports will be exempt from the ETA.

Additional Information: Once the system is launched, applications are expected to be available via the existing e-visa platform; however, the official channel has not yet been announced. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has not yet released all pertinent details, and the start date remains tentative, with further changes to the applicable visa types possible. BAL will continue to monitor developments and will provide more information as it becomes available.

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

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