New requirement for entering Thailand - starting with Australia

[Gaybutton]

This is the first I've heard about this. I have no idea what an Electronic Travel Authorisation is, how you obtain it, and how you use it. I don't even know if this is a convenience for travelers or just another pain-in-the-neck hoop travelers have to jump through.

Part of the article says "the Thai ETA must be applied for each time a visitor plans to enter Thailand." Does that mean if you take a side trip to Cambodia or cross the border for a visa run, now you'll need to get another ETA to reenter Thailand?

If anyone can provide information and details, please post.
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Aussies now need an ETA to enter Thailand

by Puntid Tantivangphaisal

September 4, 2024

Australians planning a getaway to Thailand will soon have an extra step to complete before boarding their flight. The Thai government is introducing a mandatory electronic travel authorisation (ETA), which must be obtained ahead of travel.

This new system, introduced by Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is designed to enhance the screening and tracking of foreigners entering the country.

“The ETA will be an important tool for screening and tracking the movement of foreigners entering Thailand.”

The Thai ETA is required for travellers from nearly 100 visa-waiver countries, including Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States, Singapore, China, Hong Kong, and most European nations. It’s a system similar to the USA’s ESTA and the upcoming travel authorisation systems in Europe, the UK, and Japan.

Scheduled for a pilot launch by December this year, with a full roll-out by June 2025, ETA applications will be processed online via the official Thai e-Visa website. Unlike other countries’ ETAs, which may allow multiple entries over several years, the Thai ETA must be applied for each time a visitor plans to enter Thailand. However, it’s expected to be free of charge.

Once approved, ETA holders will benefit from the convenience of automated passport gates at immigration checkpoints. This comes alongside the recent extension of stay for tourists and business travellers from visa-free countries, who can now enjoy up to 60 days in Thailand, with the possibility to extend for another 30 days upon arrival.

In addition, Thailand introduced the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV), tailored for remote workers, digital nomads, and visitors attending approved activities. Priced at 10,000 baht (430 Aussie dollars), this visa allows a stay of up to five years, provided applicants can prove they have at least 500,000 baht for the duration of their stay.

The DTV also covers the holder’s spouse and dependent children, offering them a five-year stay with multiple entries, extendable by another 180 days, reported Executive Traveller.

https://thethaiger.com/news/national/au ... r-thailand

[Dodger]

Here they go again... "Yon Hin Tam Tong".

"Just Throwing a Stone".

[Gaybutton]

"Just Throwing a Stone"

The trouble is the way they keep throwing those stones at us . . .

[Gaybutton]

See also: "Headline News" - September 5

https://www.gaybuttonthai.com/viewtopic ... 99#p114699

[Jun]

The system might be "similar" to systems about to be adopted by other countries.

However, I'll bet that the Thai website will be more clunky than most. Probably with slower processing times, despite "automatic"approval.
They might even have agencies that can expedite the software processing for tea money. As with the Thai pass.

I also don't see the point of it. For many of us regulars, they have all the data they ever need. Photos, passport, fingerprints, home address and a record of everywhere we've ever stayed in Thailand.

At least they're starting with just one country, so there is a chance to make it work before inflicting it on everyone else.

[Gaybutton]

At least they're starting with just one country

Why Australia? I think they ought to start with Kuwait . . .

[Gaybutton]

More details in Barry Kenyon's September 5 article

https://www.gaybuttonthai.com/viewtopic ... 06#p114706

[2lz2p]

Another take on the proposed ETA:

Over the past week there has been a lot of discussion around proposals for an Electronic Travel Authorization system to enter Thailand. A lot of confusing and mixed information has come out, including some travel blogs that claimed it was already in effect (It is not, at least for most countries) and that it was a surefire thing to arrive in December. (Also a no.)

https://thepattayanews.com/2024/09/09/l ... -thailand/

[Dodger]

Just one more reason for me to never leave Thailand...

[Harald]

My understanding this requirement for those who do not have any kind of visa