The ETA system will be applied to visitors from 93 countries with a visa-free regime, except for citizens of Malaysia, Laos and Cambodia
From December 1, Thailand will launch an electronic entry permit (ETA) system for all travelers who come from countries with a visa-free regime, timesofindia reports. This new system has been designed to enhance security and simplify immigration procedures to ensure effective tracking of visitors, while maintaining Thailand’s status as one of the world’s leading tourist destinations. The Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that the ETA system will apply to visitors from 93 visa-free countries, although citizens of Malaysia, Laos and Cambodia will be excluded. The ministry stated that the main purpose of this initiative is to simplify the immigration process and allow travelers to enter freely, while the Thai authorities maintain control over national security. The reports also say that each approved ETA will be valid for a single entry into Thailand and will allow the traveler to stay in the country for up to 60 days. They will give them the opportunity to spend another month in the region, that is, another 30 days in the program. The purpose of this system is to provide tourists with flexible opportunities, as well as to ensure that visa-exempt citizens comply with the country’s rules. The specified ETA system will be implemented together with the electronic visa system, the Thai government intends to combine the two systems into one online system by June 2025. Obtaining an ETA will be simple as the process will only involve filling out an online form for the applicant. Travelers will need to enter their details through the app, and no fees will be charged for processing the application. This should suit tourists well and reduce the number of formalities when crossing the borders of different countries. One of the biggest advantages of having an ETA is the use of automated immigration gates at entry points. Thus, using ETA will eliminate lengthy negotiations with immigration officers, which are tedious and time-consuming, all you need to do is scan the QR code provided upon arrival. However, visitors are only allowed to stay for a set period, which, if exceeded, is considered an offense, resulting in fines. Although ETA will increase the length of stay, as well as increase the speed of immigration processes, it does not provide individual entry to Thailand. Border control officers will still have the right to decide whether a traveler can enter the country or not. The deadlines for this new entry system have not yet been set for Thailand, so travelers are advised to be aware of any further changes to the ETA in order to fulfill all relevant obligations in an attempt to make the trip easily. Thus, this initiative demonstrates Thailand’s willingness to improve the convenience of travel while ensuring the security of its borders.
